Michelle A. Mitchell

 – Attorney (Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP), Associate of the International Trade Practice.

Ms. Michelle A. Mitchell received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center where she served as legislative counsel within the school’s Federal Legislative and Administrative Law Clinic developing policy and strategy on workplace flexibility issues and crafting federal level workforce and labor programs. She served as a trade fellow for the Committee on Ways and Means within the U.S. House of Representatives where she handled the trade-related aspects of environmental legislation. Ms. Mitchell also served as a judicial intern in the Office of the Honorable Judge Rosemary Collyer, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She was a member of Georgetown’s Barrister’ Council Trial Advocacy division.

She attended Trinity University Washington where she graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Political Science and Economics and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She interned in the Office of the Honorable Nancy Pelosi (D-CA 12th District).

 Practice & Background

Ms. Mitchell focuses on advising multinational corporations on a range of trade and business-related laws and regulations, specifically international anti-corruption laws including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the UK Bribery Act; export controls and economic sanctions matters; corporate compliance measures and governance. She frequently conducts due diligence and is involved in executing a number of related investigations.

 

Representative Matters

• Reviewing and monitoring anti-corruption compliance and internal controls and procedures of a global specialty chemical company on behalf of the monitor appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, and the U.K. Serious Fraud Office

• Representing stock-exchange listed French multinational construction company in around-the-world review, including with respect to activities in China, India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brazil, Venezuela, Columbia, Ghana, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Greece, Italy and Russia

• Advising U.S. companies and overseas subsidiaries on compliance with U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and OFAC restrictions

• Assisting in the successful representation of a U.S. company in a voluntary self-disclosure filing with the Department of State

• Representing client in responding to governmental inquires related to potential OFAC sanctions violations

• Preparing and submitting complex commodity jurisdiction request to the Department of State on behalf of U.S. company in satellite industry

• Assisting in preparation of a voluntary self-disclosure to U.S. Customs and Border Protection on behalf of a U.S. company

• Assisting in representation of a plastic bag manufacturer from Thailand and Vietnam in antidumping investigations and reviews before the Department of Commerce

• Assisting in the representation of Thai steel manufacturers in appeal before the Court of International Trade and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

• Assisting in the antidumping defense of steel products from Thailand

• Advising U.S. cable company regarding market access issues throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, including preparation for USTR and USITC proceedings investigating foreign trade barriers

• Managing a major document review project to support a white-collar corporate investigation

• Assisting in the CFIUS review of a major transaction involving the sale of a commercial aircraft

• Assisting in the representation of a U.S. company through the administrative and statutory debarment process

• Representing client and providing advice regarding the trade-related aspects of a high stakes antitrust class-action lawsuit

• Representing new media start-up company in the creation of a multifaceted legal framework to prepare for the domestic and international launch of an innovative new technology service

• Representing a film production company in corporate matters, including the creation of a legal framework for operation and negotiation of film distribution deals with major studios.

Public Service

• Clerk, U.S. Department of Treasury

Community Involvement

• Assisting a prominent Washington, D.C. based nonprofit organization to develop and execute a multifaceted legislative, regulatory, and litigation strategy to restore a local polluted and degraded river, particularly focusing on the economic benefits of green building and green infrastructure investments

• Advising an influential human rights organization that advocates for justice, dignity and reform for vulnerable women and girls in the United States and in Africa, in its work to eradicate sex trafficking and to establish a center for comprehensive family-treatment for women who are making the transition from prison to the public

• Representing of a victim of violence and former child soldier from Uganda for asylum and in federal advocacy on behalf of child soldiers around the world

• Representing of a survivor of sex trafficking to establish a restoration house for survivors, including legal support and general non-profit management advice

• Advising an Indian classical dance artist and choreographer in protection of the rights to creative works and works of the performing arts

• Drafting corporate documents and supported the launch of a New York nonprofit with a national initiative to provide an electronic platform for Americans to thank the men and women of the armed forces for their service to the country.

Awards & Accolades

• Lawyers of Color Inaugural Hot List (2013)

• Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, sponsored by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia (2011-2013)

• Washington Woman of Genius Award 2012, named by Trinity Washington University for “outstanding leadership in international law and pro bono legal services”

• DC Appleseed Valuable Contributor Award (May 10, 2011)

Speaking Engagements

• Speaker, “Anti-Corruption Laws, Governance, and International Trade: Challenges to U.S. Energy Policy in Africa,” African Union Permanent Mission to the United Nations, September 4, 2013

• Moderator, Panel Discussion, “Doing Business in Africa: Nigeria’s Ethics & Values,” U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations, May 1, 2013

• Moderator, “Ending Sex-Slavery in America: A Discussion with Survivors, Advocates & Policymakers,” Georgetown University Law Center’s Human Rights Alliance – Anti-Trafficking Committee, December, 2012.

 Areas of Experience

• International Trade

• International Trade Policy

• Export Controls and Economic Sanctions

• Anti-bribery/Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

• Investigations

• Customs and Import Controls

• Trade Remedy Litigation

• Pro Bono

• Human Rights and Refugees

• Policy and Regulation

• Africa

• North America

 Education

Degrees

J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, 2009

B.A., Trinity Washington University, summa cum laude, 2006

Admissions

Bar

• District of Columbia

• Maryland

 Publications

Speaking for Trade: To Have an Impact on Government Trade Actions, Getting a Seat at the Table is the First Step by Michelle Adria Mitchell.

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