Evelyn Suarez is an experienced international trade lawyer with a special focus on import and export compliance and regulation, as well as on anti-corruption and trade policy issues. Her practice includes administrative, regulatory, legislative and litigation matters for global companies that are involved in importing, exporting, transportation, logistics and customs brokerage. Ms. Suarez also has extensive experience handling high profile investigations, including the U.N. Volcker Committee and various Congressional investigations into the U.N. Oil-for-Food Programme.
Ms. Suarez routinely advises companies on all aspects of customs and other regulatory requirements affecting imports and assists clients with compliance audits, prior disclosures and penalty cases. She counsels clients about compliance with anti-corruption laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and has defended companies in such investigations. She has worked with companies prosecuting and defending unfair import (Section 337) and anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations before the U.S. International Trade Commission. Ms. Suarez has also assisted those seeking protection of intellectual property rights by the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. Her experience working for various trade agencies including the U.S. Trade Representative's Office, the U.S. International Trade Commission and the U.S. Customs Service provides valuable insight in representing her clients.
Ms. Suarez works with clients on the Department of Homeland Security's various anti-terrorism initiatives, particularly the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT). In addition, she assists companies in licensing merchandise through the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security and the State Department's Office of Defense Trade and represents clients in related penalty proceedings.
Ms. Suarez serves on Williams Mullen's board of directors. She is a frequent lecturer on myriad topics affecting companies involved in international trade. She serves on various boards, including the Virginia Maritime Association and the National Waterways Conference. She is a Co-chair of the American Association of Exporter & Importer's Customs Policy and Procedures Committee and a Vice-Chair of the ABA's Section of International Law's Anti-corruption Committee. She is an active member of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT), currently serving as the Vice President for Chapter Development. She is a founder and a member of the board of directors of the Hampton Roads and Central VA Chapters of OWIT and is an active member of the D.C. Chapter of Women in International Trade. She also serves on the Advisory Council to Old Dominion University's Maritime, Port and Logistics Management Institute. She is a member of the Hispanic National Bar Association.
Ms. Suarez is a private sector advisor to the U.S. Government on customs administration and trade facilitation for trade negotiations.
She received her bachelor of arts degree, cum laude, from Douglass College at Rutgers University. Ms. Suarez earned her juris doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center, where she was a member of the American Criminal Law Review. A member of the District of Columbia Bar, she is also admitted to the U.S. Court of International Trade, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for International Trade and Finance Law.
Professional Affiliations
Industry Functional Advisory Committee on Customs
Maritime Institute at Old Dominion University
- Advisory Council
National Waterways Conference
- Executive Committee
- Board of Directors
WITT Trust
- Board of Directors
Hampton Roads Organization of Women in International Trade
- Board of Directors
- Founding Member
Virginia Maritime Association
- Board of Directors
Joint Industry Group
- Steering Committee
Industry Trade Advisory Committee ITAC 14 on Customs & Trade Facilitation, Private Sector Advisor
USCIT Historical Society
National Maritime Heritage Foundation
- Board of Directors
Global Trade and Customs Journal
- Editorial Board
Organization of Women in International Trade ("OWIT")
- Co-Chair of Chapter Development
Awards & Honors
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America - International Trade and Finance Law
Publications
U.S. Trade Preference Programs & Trade Agreements, Alert, 04.17.2012
Update on International Business Compliance, Alert, 12.06.2011
ITAR - What Government Contractors Need To Know, Article, 06.30.2011
North Carolina's Version of E-Verify Signed Into Law, Alert, 06.29.2011
Update on International Business Compliance, Alert, 05.20.2011
Highlights in International Trade and Commerce, Newsletter, 01.03.2011
Highlights in International Trade and Commerce, Newsletter, 11.05.2010
Highlights in International Trade and Commerce, Newsletter, 10.22.2010
Highlights in International Trade and Commerce, Newsletter, 09.24.2010
Highlights in International Trade and Commerce, Newsletter, 08.10.2010
Highlights in International Trade and Commerce, Newsletter, 07.08.2010
Highlights in International Trade and Commerce, Newsletter, 06.14.2010
Highlights in International Trade and Commerce, Newsletter, 05.18.2010
Highlights in International Trade and Commerce, Newsletter, 04.23.2010
Surprises Lurk in "Buy American" Requirements of Stimulus Package, Alert, 03. 2009
Highlights in International Trade and Commerce, Newsletter, 03.06.2009
100% Scanning, a Fresh Look for a New Administration
Global Trade and Customs Journal, Volume 4, Issue 1, Article, 01. 2009
Highlights in International Trade and Commerce, Newsletter, 08.01.2008
Legal Briefs: Litigation in China
Inside Supply Management, Article, 05.2008
How Is Import Safety Redefining US Customs Administration?
Global Trade and Customs Journal, Volume 3, Issue 4, Article, 2008
SAFE Port Act Not Only Codifies US Security Programs but also Reflects Renewed Interest in Customs Compliance and Enforcement
Global Trade and Customs Journal, Volume 2, Issue 10, Article, 2007
Events
Upcoming Events
AAEI's Anti-Corruption Roundtable Event, Roundtable, Speaking Engagement, 04.03.2012
Beyond the Legalese: Assessing and Minimizing Bribery and Corruption Risks of Doing Business Abroad, Seminar, 10.06.2011
7th Annual Access to Success Business Conference 2011, Seminar, 08.11.2011
Walking the Line: Handling Regulations, Investigations & Privilege in a Climate of Reform and Economic Uncertainty, Speaking Engagement, 05.05.2010
CPSIA - What Importers Need to Know, Webinar, 03.26.2009