Sanctions Lawyers and Solicitors
Sanctions lawyers play a pivotal role in helping clients navigate this complex landscape, ensuring that businesses and individuals remain compliant with applicable regulations and avoid the severe consequences of non-compliance. Legal professionals at sanctions law firm are responsible for advising clients on the intricacies of diverse sanctions regimes, representing them in enforcement actions, and assisting in the development and implementation of robust compliance programs.
In the realm of global business, where the rules of the game are set in the halls of international organizations and government offices, sanctions and export controls are the legal mechanisms that not only define success but also determine the survival of a company. If you operate on an international scale, you need to understand how to avoid the traps set by sanctions regimes and export restrictions. We are a law firm that not only comprehends these mechanisms but lives by them, helping our clients not only comply with laws but also leverage them to strengthen their market position.
We are Sanctions Lawyers
We are an international team of experienced solicitors specializing in legal matters related to global sanctions, including OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) sanctions. Our expertise allows us to provide comprehensive legal advice and solutions tailored to your specific needs.
With in-depth knowledge of international sanctions laws, we assist individuals, businesses, and financial institutions in navigating complex regulatory frameworks. Our services include advising on compliance with sanctions regulations, removal from SDN listing, and providing guidance on mitigating potential legal risks associated with cross-border transactions.
Whether dealing with U.S., EU, UK, or UN sanctions, our team is equipped to deliver effective strategies that protect our clients’ interests and help them achieve their business objectives.
What is Sanctions Law?
Sanctions laws are designed to implement specific restrictions known as sanctions — a complex set of legal and administrative measures imposed by states, international organizations multinational corporations, or coalitions to achieve particular political, economic, or military objectives by limiting the actions of certain entities in international law.
Sanctions can take the form of primary sanctions and export controls, imposed in response to specific actions or secondary sanctions — measures that may be applied to any individual or entity indirectly or potentially linked to already sanctioned subjects. These measures extend the scope of those who might be sanctioned to the highest risk level, turning the risk into reality for anyone interacting with sanctioned assets or entities.
Overall, economic sanctions lawyers can range from asset freezes to comprehensive trade and financial embargoes, making economic sanctions some of the most complex and perilous legal tools.
Economic sanctions
Economic sanctions are a crucial tool for influencing entities that violate international norms. These measures encompass both financial sanctions and trade embargoes. Financial sanctions, such as asset freezes and prohibitions on some financial institutions and transactions, create barriers to access to capital and transactions. Trade embargoes restrict the export and import of certain goods and services.
- Financial sanctions impede access to capital markets and restrict financial transactions, thereby impacting the economic operations of targeted entities. This includes measures like asset freezes, where an entity’s assets are frozen to prevent their use or transfer, and transaction bans, which prohibit financial dealings with the sanctioned entity.
- Trade embargoes, on the other hand, impose restrictions on the trade of specific strategically important goods and services. These embargoes are enacted to control the proliferation of sensitive technologies and materials, and to prevent the trade of goods that may be used in the development of weapons or other harmful applications.
Our sanctions solicitor provides tailored guidance to represent clients navigate the complexities of these measures and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations in other jurisdictions.
What is Export Control?
Areas of Practice of OFAC Lawyers
OFAC Sanctions
Our lawyers provide expert assistance regarding OFAC sanctions, helping clients understand and comply with complex regulations. We assist businesses and individuals in managing the challenges of OFAC sanctions effectively and efficiently.
OFAC Compliance
We assist in developing and implementing effective compliance programs to minimize the risk of violations and their consequences. Your business will be safeguarded against potential threats related to complex and ever-changing OFAC requirements.
OFAC Licensing
We offer professional advice on licensing matters, including the preparation and submission of applications, and liaison with regulatory authorities to obtain the necessary permits for sanctioned operations.
OFAC SDN List Removal
We provide qualified legal assistance in the process of delisting from the SDN List. Our services include preparing petitions and effectively engaging with OFAC to restore your reputation and business standing.
Release of Blocked Funds
We provide guidance and representation to facilitate the release of funds that have been frozen due to sanctions-related issues.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance
Our services extend to advising on AML regulations, helping to protect businesses from illegal financial activities and ensuring adherence to global anti-money laundering standards.
Why Choose Sanctions Lawyers?
In a world where a mistake can cost you your business, you need a partner who not only knows the law but also understands its application in the context of your business. Why do clients choose our sanctions lawyer? Because we grasp how international trade, sanctions and other export control compliance mechanisms function and know how to leverage this expertise to benefit our clients.
Sanctions law firm provide more than just legal support — sanctions solicitors and lawyers offer strategies that enable you to protect your interests while ensuring compliance with all relevant legal requirements.
International Sanctions Regimes
International sanctions regimes represent a complex and multi-layered system of regulations designed to ensure global security and adherence to international standards. These regimes encompass measures applied both nationally and internationally, covering a broad range of restrictions aimed at preventing unlawful activities and maintaining international order.
U.S. Sanctions (OFAC)
International sanctions regimes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) are a key component of U.S. foreign policy and national security. OFAC sanctions are governed by various legal instruments, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), and a series of Executive Orders issued by the President. OFAC oversees 38 primary sanctions programs targeting states, terrorist organizations, arms trafficking, cybercrime, and human rights violations.
European Union Sanctions (EU)
European Union sanctions are among the most influential regimes globally, capable of either protecting or devastating business, assets, and international relations.
These sanctions affect states, companies, individuals, and non-state actors, regulating economic and other financial institutions and relations.
Asset freezes, entry bans, and trade restrictions are tangible measures that the EU applies regularly and progressively, which can directly or indirectly lead to the blocking of your assets and the disruption of business contracts.
United Kingdom Sanctions (OFSI)
With the introduction of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act (SAMLA), the United Kingdom has firmly established itself as a global player in sanctions policy.
Financial sanctions include asset freezes, and London does not hesitate to exercise its powers —from blocking assets to freezing funds.
The UK also actively employs trade restrictions, such as embargoes on the export of dual-use goods to Iran or bans on supplying aviation products to Russia.
United Nations Sanctions
Sanctions programs of the United Nations Security Council include measures mandatory for all UN member states. These sanctions are aimed at maintaining international peace and security, affecting any physical or legal person — from banks managing assets to transport companies and even individuals operating in unpredictable regions
Economic Sanctions Programs Our Lawyers Assist With
We work with a variety of economic sanctions programs, addressing the complexities of global sanctions compliance. Among the countries and regions we focus on are:
- Cuba Sanctions
- Turkey Sanctions
- North Korea Sanctions
- Iran Sanctions
- Venezuela Sanctions
- China Sanctions
- Syria Sanctions
Please check full list of sanctions programs.
Sanctions Lawyers FAQ
The 4 types of sanctions: Economic sanctions, diplomatic sanctions, military sanctions, and sports/cultural sanctions.
A sanction in law refers to a measure imposed by a government or regulatory authority to enforce compliance with rules, laws, or regulations, often by imposing penalties, restrictions, or coercive measures on individuals, organizations, or countries.
Sanctions can be issued by national governments, regional organizations (such as the European Union), and international organizations (such as the United Nations).
Sanctions aim to change the behavior of the targeted entity, discourage specific actions or policies, and uphold international norms or laws. They can include trade restrictions, asset freezes, travel bans, and other measures that restrict the target's ability to engage in economic, diplomatic, or military activities.
Multiple countries may be under sanctions, depending on the issuing authority and the reasons for the sanctions. Examples include North Korea, Iran, Russia, and Venezuela.
The two main types of sanctions are economic sanctions (which restrict trade, investment, or financial transactions) and diplomatic sanctions (which involve measures such as expelling diplomats, reducing diplomatic relations, or excluding the targeted entity from international forums).
