Pillsbury Adds Senior Commerce Department Advisors to its International Trade Practice in Washington, D.C.

Hafeez and Beach join the firm at a moment when international trade concerns are dominating the board room agenda. According to recently published data from the World Economic Forum, “geoeconomic confrontation”—including sanctions, tariffs and investment screening—is currently among the top three risk concerns globally, trailing only state-based armed conflict and extreme weather events.

“Sahar and Julian are seasoned international trade lawyers whose extensive experience and recent government positions afford them invaluable insights into an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment,” said Nancy Fischer, Pillsbury’s Global Head of Regulatory and a member of the firm’s International Trade practice. “New trade policy developments and compliance requirements are emerging daily, and our clients will benefit greatly from these important new additions to the team.”

Hafeez is a former Pillsbury lawyer who returns after serving the last four years in government, in several roles including: as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Industry and Analysis, Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary of Industry and Security at the Commerce Department, and Director of International Economics at the White House National Security Council. In these roles, she led and advised on various economic and national security issues including supply chains (particularly in the critical mineral and semiconductor industries), protection of sensitive technologies, and data privacy and data security. At Pillsbury, she advised companies in the energy, technology, manufacturing and other industries on international trade matters, including trade remedy laws, import/export regulations, customs laws, trade negotiations and OFAC sanctions.

Beach was most recently Senior Advisor and Chief-of-Staff for Enforcement and Compliance at the Commerce Department. In that position, he oversaw and advised on trade remedies proceedings and litigation, suspension agreements, trade agreement negotiations and compliance, and significant regulatory enhancements to the U.S. trade laws. Immediately prior, Beach was a trial attorney in the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, representing the government in foreign tribunals and related domestic proceedings. Before joining the DOJ, he worked in private practice and clerked for the Honorable Dennis Jacobs at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Stephan Becker, who leads Pillsbury market-leading International Trade practice, added: “Demand for senior-level international trade expertise is incredibly high, and we’re thrilled to add two top-notch practitioners to help clients meet that need. Whether in connection with tariffs, sanctions, export controls, supply chain policy or any other trade concerns, Sahar and Julian can provide the guidance and perspective required to address the relevant issues.”

Hafeez and Beach are the latest additions to the firm’s growing International Trade team. In May 2024, the firm welcomed Korea-focused international trade partner Sungbum Lee.  

Pillsbury’s renowned International Trade practice advises global clients from a wide variety of industries on the full range of international trade issues, developing tailored solutions that enable clients to accomplish immediate and long-term goals. Recognized as a market leader in numerous jurisdictions by both Chambers and Legal 500, the helps resolve complex issues related to export controls and sanctions, Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews, international trade agreements, supply chain, trade remedies and policy, customs compliance, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and more.