Baker McKenzie hires trade secrets specialist in DC

New partner brings extensive experience of trade remedy proceedings as well as investigations before the US Department of Commerce and the ITC | Trade secrets litigator joins from Sidley Austin where he spent nearly a decade.

Baker McKenzie has announced that trade disputes attorney Justin Becker has joined the firm as a partner in Washington, DC.

Becker, who joins from Sidley Austin where he spent nearly nine years, brings extensive experience of trade remedy proceedings as well as investigations before the US Department of Commerce (DOC) and the International Trade Commission (ITC).

“The increasing complexity of operating a business across borders has put intellectual property and international trade compliance top of mind for clients," said Brian Hengesbaugh, chair of the firm's North America IP and technology practice group.

“Justin's trade disputes and litigation experience complements our well-established practice, and will be a valuable resource for multinational clients.”

Becker focuses on trade remedy proceedings, including antidumping and countervailing duty issues. He has led major investigations and reviews before the DOC and the ITC as well as Section 301 and Section 232 investigations before various federal agencies.

He also has advised clients in a range of sectors on national security, international trade compliance and other international legal issues, including matters before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US. He previously worked at the DOC as an attorney within the Office of Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance.

Maurice Bellan, managing partner of Baker McKenzie's Washington, DC office, said: "We are delighted that Justin has joined the firm. His arrival further enhances our deep bench strength in DC and our capabilities advising clients on complex trade issues."

“I look forward to joining my new colleagues in DC,” Becker said. “Baker McKenzie has a highly regarded trade remedies practice, which I am thrilled to help expand further as we meet the needs of our clients doing business around the world and help them navigate the increasingly complex trade remedies field.”

In addition to his trade disputes practice, Becker is a board member of both the Customs and International Trade Bar Association and InReach, a trans-led tech nonprofit increasing resource access for the LGBTQ+ community, and is a member of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association.