International Trade Associate Attorney Midlevel

First Search Inc.; Washington; Hybrid; USD 235,000 - 365,000; Full time

Job summary

First Search Inc. invites a skilled International Trade Associate Attorney at mid-level to join its Washington, D.C. office in a hybrid role.

The candidate will focus on export controls, tariffs, customs law, and national security reviews, including CFIUS matters, while supporting a collaborative team in a demanding practice. The ideal candidate holds a DC bar in good standing, 2–3 years of international trade experience, and Mandarin fluency, with strong research, writing, and analytical skills

Qualifications

• JD from a top-tier law school with excellent academic record.
• Active Bar Admission in the District of Columbia, in good standing.
• 2/3 years of substantive international trade law experience.
• Fluency in written and spoken Mandarin Chinese required.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on matters involving U.S. export controls, customs law, tariffs, sanctions, and CFIUS reviews.
• Assist clients with compliance by BIS, DDTC, U.S. Customs and OFAC.
• Analyze customs issues including entry, classification, valuation.
• Support matters under antidumping, countervailing duty, and safeguard laws.
• Conduct legal and regulatory research and provide practical guidance.
• Draft memoranda, submissions, compliance materials, and client communications.
• Collaborate with attorneys across practices on cross-border regulatory matters.
• Monitor developments in international trade law and advise clients on impact.

Skills

Mandarin Chinese

Legal research

Legal writing

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

JD from top-tier law school

Job description

INTERNATIONAL TRADE ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY -- MID-LEVEL

International Trade Practice Group

Location: Washington, D.C.

HYBRID

Our client, a prestigiousAmLaw 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 rquired

• 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.