International Trade Associate Attorney Midlevel

Pernini Legal, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 235,000 - 365,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Parental leave

Paid holidays

Job summary

Pernini Legal, Inc. is seeking a mid-level International Trade Associate Attorney to join its Washington, D.C. office hybrid team.

The role focuses on export controls, tariffs, customs, sanctions, and CFIUS reviews, offering exposure to high-profile cross-border matters and direct client interaction. Ideal candidates hold a JD from a top-tier school, DC Bar admission, 2–3 years of international trade experience, and strong research and writing skills; Mandarin is a plus and collaboration is

Qualifications

• JD from a top-tier law school with excellent academics.
• Active Bar Admission in DC in good standing.
• 2–3+ years of substantive international trade experience.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on export controls, tariffs, sanctions, and CFIUS.
• Assist with BIS, DDTC, CBP, and OFAC compliance.
• Analyze customs matters including entry, classification, and valuation.
• Support antidumping, countervailing duty, and safeguarding matters.
• Conduct legal/regulatory research and provide practical guidance.
• Draft memoranda, submissions, and client communications.
• Collaborate with cross-office teams on complex matters.
• Monitor developments in international trade and advise clients.

Skills

International Trade Law

Legal Research

Excellent Writing

Cross-cultural Communication

Mandarin (Optional)

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

DC Bar Admission

Job description

INTERNATIONAL TRADE ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY – MID-LEVEL

International Trade Practice Group

Location: Washington, D.C.

HYBRID

Our client, a prestigious AmLaw 50 international law firm, is seeking a talented Midlevel Associate Attorney to join its International Trade Practice in Washington, D.C. This is an excellent opportunity to support and expand a sophisticated practice focused on U.S. export controls, tariffs, customs law, and national security reviews, including matters involving the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The successful candidate will join a collaborative team committed to exceptional client service, mutual respect, and professional development.

Candidate Profile

• JD from a top-tier law school with an excellent academic record
• Active Bar Admission in the District of Columbia, in good standing
• 2/3+ years of substantive experience in international trade law
• Fluency in written and spoken Mandarin Chinese is a plus
• Experience in one or both of the following areas:
  • Export controls administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)
  • Customs law, including entry, classification, valuation, and other matters within the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Experience with economic sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is preferred
• Experience with trade remedy investigations, including matters arising under U.S. antidumping, countervailing duty, and safeguard laws, is a plus
• Strong legal research, analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple matters effectively and collaborate within a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Key Responsibilities

• Advise clients on matters involving U.S. export controls, customs law, tariffs, economic sanctions, and CFIUS reviews
• Assist clients with compliance requirements administered by BIS, DDTC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and OFAC
• Analyze customs matters involving product entry, tariff classification, valuation, and related regulatory requirements
• Support matters involving U.S. antidumping, countervailing duty, and safeguard laws
• Conduct legal and regulatory research and provide clear, practical guidance on complex international trade issues
• Draft memoranda, submissions, compliance materials, and client communications
• Collaborate with attorneys across practices and offices on sophisticated cross-border regulatory matters
• Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting international trade and advise clients regarding their potential impact

Why Join Us?

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a sophisticated International Trade Practice handling complex and evolving matters at the intersection of global commerce, national security, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will work with experienced attorneys on high-level export controls, customs, tariffs, sanctions, and CFIUS matters while gaining meaningful responsibility and direct exposure to client work. Our client offers a collaborative culture grounded in mutual respect, exceptional client service, and continued professional growth.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: $235,000 to $365,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus, medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan, personal medical leave, parental leave, up to ten paid holidays, and family-care benefits.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.