Our international law practice focuses on foreign companies and high net worth families doing business in the United States, as well as domestic companies doing business abroad. This includes analysis of the impact of foreign law on proposed business transactions and contracts, as well as engaging local counsel when necessary.   We often serve in the role as "General U.S. Counsel" for foreign companies with multiple legal matters and proceedings throughout the United States.

The international practice includes acquisitions of business assets in foreign countries and acquisitions by foreign buyers and sellers of business assets in the United States. Our expertise also includes compliance with import and export restrictions in foreign countries, ExIm Bank guaranteed loans for domestic companies making exports, review of foreign restrictions such as currency and controls, tax laws, and domestic ownership requirements, and compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.  

We represent numerous companies in connection with technology transfers and licensing, marketing, manufacturing, supply and joint venture agreements. We also have expertise in forming foreign subsidiaries and foreign sales corporations and domestic international sales corporations, and are often engaged in negotiations with local representatives in foreign countries to facilitate the marketing or purchase of products.

In addition, members of the firm have served as advocates, arbitrators and mediators in large complex international business disputes, and have appeared before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), American Arbitration Association (AAA) and other international arbitral tribunals in Latin America, Europe and Asia.

Members of the Firm that concentrate on international transactions include Vidal Martinez, Shay Johanson and Tony Newton.

• Implementation of a Foreign Transaction Compliance Program for various businesses.
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act compliance investigation for international oilfield service company.
• Commercial dispute representing El Salvador joint venture partner with major energy company regarding $155MM power plant.
• ExIm Bank financing for aircraft/helicopter sales to Venezuelan military.
• Representing major U.S. food/entertainment company in franchise sales into the Republic of Mexico.
• Sale of automobile dealerships owned by foreign client to national automobile distributor.
• Offshore tax and estate planning for foreign clients with assets in the U.S.
• Representing major U.S. title company in expansion into Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile and Brazil.
• Several purchases and sales of high end private aircraft for Latin American clients.
• Sale of Texas processing plant to food conglomerate based in Monterrey, Mexico.
• NASD and NYSE Arbitrations involving major brokerage investment firms and disputes with foreign clients over the handling of their account.
• Representation of Houston based energy services company for licensing, registration and commencement of operations in Libya, Tunisia, UAE, Qatar, Oman and Mexico, including reorganization of U.S. and international operations in 30 different jurisdictions.
• Sale of a Scottish based energy service company to an English based energy service company.