Speaker 03.13.25
03.13
Looking Forward: Pending Policy Changes Shaping Location Strategy
8:30AM - 9:45AM EDT
Hyatt Regency Orlando
Orlando, FL
Sahar Hafeez focuses her practice on international trade and national security matters.
Sahar advises companies across multiple industries, including the minerals, semiconductor, nuclear energy and manufacturing industries, on international trade and national security matters, including import/export restrictions, trade remedies, investment security, data security and privacy, trade policy and OFAC sanctions. Sahar served in government for four years as a senior advisor in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration and Bureau of Industry and Security and director of international economics at the White House National Security Council.
Representative Experience
- Advised U.S. nuclear utilities in connection with various proceedings impacting nuclear fuel supply, including Section 232 national security investigation on uranium imports by domestic mining companies in parallel with antidumping proceedings, and related executive and congressional initiatives. Advocacy included preparing response comments and conducting high-level meetings at the White House and various agencies.
- Advised U.S. nuclear utilities in connection with various proceedings impacting nuclear fuel supply, including Section 232 national security investigation on uranium imports by domestic mining companies in parallel with antidumping proceedings, and related executive and congressional initiatives. Advocacy included preparing response comments and conducting high-level meetings at the White House and various agencies.
- Represented Government of Mexico in proceeding related to suspension agreement on sugar.
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- Successfully opposed tariffs on behalf of European crane manufacturer in U.S. Department of Commerce Section 232 investigation on mobile cranes.
- Represented Finnish producer and supplier of technologies, automation and services in U.S. Trade Representative proceedings concerning potential tariff increases on Chinese products in connection with Section 301 investigation on China’s intellectual property practices.
- Advised large manufacturer on HTS classification and prior disclosure issues in connection with imports of steel and glass construction materials.
- Advised software company on compliance with encryption regulations under the EAR.
- Advised global technology company on system-wide approach to services for sanctioned parties; assessing general licenses and Berman Amendment.
Professional Highlights
- Received Pro Bono Achievement Award
- Received 2019 American Bar Association Outstanding Volunteer Award
- Awarded the CALI Excellence Award for Legal Research and Writing
- Recognized by Super Lawyers as Rising Star 2017, 2018, 2019
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- Government Service
- Senior Advisor to Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis, Department of Commerce
- Senior Advisor to Under Secretary for Industry and Security, Department of Commerce
- Director of International Economics, White House National Security Council
- Special Assistant General Counsel, Office of U.S. Trade Representative
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Pro Bono
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Sahar has helped non-governmental organizations prepare petitions requesting the U.S. government to sanction individuals under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, conducted analysis of damages awarded in federal cases involving human trafficking claims, and successfully spearheaded an American Bar Associations Report and Resolution on U.S. policy responses to the Rohingya refugee crisis.
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- Affiliations
- Council on Foreign Relations, Term Member (2021 – Present)
- Foreign Policy for America, Board Member (2020 – 2021)
- Human Trafficking Legal Center, Advisory Board (2018 – 2021)
- University Club of Washington, DC, International Committee, Member (2018 – 2021)
- Atlantic Council Nuclear Energy and National Security Coalition, Member (2019 – 2020)
- ABA, International Trade Committee, Vice-Chair (2017 – 2020)
- Publications
- Case Note on the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals' Analysis Regarding the Scope of Review of the Post-Grant Review by the Patent Trial and Appeal Board in the Case of Versata Development Group, Inc. and SAP AG
- Leveling the Playing Field for American Companies and Workers – Ensuring that Goods Made with Forced Labor Are Identified and Banned Pursuant to U.S. Law
- U.S.-Cuba Related Sanctions Update and Overview: Obama Administration Further Eases Cuba Sanctions Against the Backdrop of Strict Statutory Restrictions
- Elimination of a Loophole Exempting Investigation of Certain Goods Alleged to Be Derived from Forced Labor – Greater Enforcement in the Offing?
- Speaking Engagements
- Site Selectors Guild Annual Conference, “Looking Forward: Pending Policy Changes Shaping Location,” Orlando, FL, March 13, 2025.
Education
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J.D., University of California, Irvine School of Law, 2014
B.A., University of California, Irvine, 2010
Admissions
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District of Columbia
California
Courts
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U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U.S. Court of International Trade
Languages
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Urdu