Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

The world market place presents innumerable opportunities for American businesses. Increased globalization fueled by technology, evolving world politics, and free trade agreements has presented opportunities and challenges. While the international market is alluring, it offers a different set of challenges from operating exclusively within U.S. borders. Whether your company operates in the world markets or is interested in expanding into markets outside U.S. borders, HBS brings the ability to guide you through the myriad of regulatory framework resulting from trade policies, treaties, and laws. Understanding the applicable legal framework is the cornerstone for a successful venture in the international market place, and HBS advises companies on both inbound and outbound matters. We are particularly well suited in working with small and medium sized businesses seeking to expand their outreach beyond U.S. borders. We provide counsel, advocacy and representation for companies in the following areas:

U.S. Export and Import Trade Regulations

• Export controls and Licensing
  • Export of Technology
  • Dual Use Technology (Commercial Control List)
  • Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
  • International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

• Customs and Import requirements

• Drawback claims

• Product Adaptation Counseling/Assistance
  • Engineering and Redesign
  • Labeling and Packaging
  • Environmental Impact
  • Installation
  • Warranties
  • Servicing

• Anti-Dumping Actions

• Economic Sanctions (Office of Foreign Assets and Control) and Restriction Compliance

• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act / Anti-Bribery

• Free Trade Agreements and Bilateral Investment Treaties

• Assists Companies working with overseas suppliers and the application of the "Buy American" requirements and the Berry amendment

• United States Department of Agriculture Export and Import Requirements

• Internal Compliance Investigations

• Compliance and Training Programs

Commercial Transactions

• Joint Venture Agreements

• Agency Agreements

• Franchising Agreements

• Asset Purchase Agreements

• Distribution Agreements

• Negotiations: Offsets / Counter Trade

• Trade Finance
  • Small Business Administration
  • Overseas Private Investment Corporation
  • Export Import Bank
  • World Bank/International Finance Corporation

Litigation and Arbitration

• Trade Agreement Disputes

• Export Enforcement Actions
  • Bureau of Industry and Security (Office of Export Enforcement)
  • Office of Foreign Asset and Control
  • International Trade Commission
  • Office of the Trade Representative
  • U.S. Court of International Trade

• Cross Border Contract Disputes

• Letters of Credit

Hall Booth Smith recently joined forces with MWA Global Business Partners to assist small and medium-sized businesses to identify and develop opportunities in emerging and developing markets.

Since the firm’s inception, HBS has embraced the value of diversity, and we continue to cultivate an environment of inclusion and success for all individuals.  We are committed to a cohesive and productive work environment where our varied cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, and perspectives are communicated, understood, and embraced to enrich our employees and best serve our clients.

Our Commitment
Our efforts to enhance our diverse environment are not restricted to minority employees.  Instead, we believe that everyone, regardless of his or her race, age, or gender, must be included in our diversity mission in order to ensure its success.   The firm’s Diversity Committee is comprised of partners and senior staff members who ensure our diversity mission is not just a sentiment but is also a part of the fabric of HBS.     

HBS actively participates in a variety of events and sponsorships geared towards highlighting the importance of diversity, and the firm continuously seeks opportunities to enhance our diversity program.  This includes involvement with organizations such as the Corporate Counsel for Women of Color and the Minority Corporate Counsel of America as well as our internal mentor/protégé program, in which our senior, female and minority attorneys reach out and mentor other women and minority attorneys and clients.