State Bar/Section Blogs

Lawyers working on international projects – here or abroad – can further U.S. foreign policy and enhance national security. John Vaudreuil discusses his experience with "micro-diplomacy."

Although there may seem to be no neutral position when discussing recent U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, Ngosong Fonkem discusses an approach based on public international law principles.

The recent 2021 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers reveals important insights regarding U.S. trade policy focus under the Biden Administration. Ngosong Fonkem discusses the report and why U.S. companies with footprints in China should be on alert.

Famous for dairy and agriculture, Wisconsin also hosts strong business leaders in a variety of areas attractive to foreign investors. Bethany Wilson offers a quick guide to foreign direct investment in Wisconsin.

With tensions at a high level between U.S. and China regarding trade practices, a new Chinese export control law begins Dec. 1. Ngosong Fonkem discusses the status of the trade tensions between the two countries, and why U.S. businesses should pay attention to the new regulation.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has established a new mandatory internet-based electronic registration and lottery process for employers seeking to file H-1B petitions. Benjamin Kurten outlines the process, which starts March 1.

With the current trade war, companies should implement proactive strategies to tackle challenges that impact their global supply chain. Ngosong Fonkem discusses the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill process and how it can be an effective proactive strategy. Act quickly – the deadline to apply is Dec. 10.

Many countries around the world are taking important steps toward safeguarding their senior population through laws, policies, and programs. Law student Jamie Lumsden provides an overview of programs for seniors in Germany, Japan, and South Africa.

International pro bono projects help advance the rule of law, build relationships that help the United States, and are personally enriching. John Vaudreuil discusses the benefits of international pro bono work.

The Huawei CFO’s prosecution signals a new enforcement strategy under the Trump administration to strictly enforce U.S. sanctions regulations. Ngosong Fonkem provides practical solutions for corporate officers seeking to avoid violating U.S. sanctions laws.

In 2018, the Trump Administration resurrected a 40-year-old statutory provision, resulting in increased tariffs on a diverse array of products – from machinery to garlic. Andrew T. Schutz discusses the past and present use of Section 301 of the Tariff Act of 1974.

When companies manufacture products in foreign markets, they need to adapt to the ever-changing global trade environment. Ngosong Fonkem’s recent data analysis of country-of-origin determination cases by the U.S. Custom and Border Protection reveals key factors for companies seeking to make the most of trade preference programs.

While Brazil’s legislatures and courts have made slow progress in addressing LGBT rights, the recent election of Jair Bolsonaro may change that. Helena Mietka discusses the election’s potential impact.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement awaits ratification by the U.S. Congress. Yet, some believe that the USMCA is simply a modernization rather than a complete overhaul of NAFTA. Ngosong Fonkem discusses key areas of difference between the two agreements.

The increasing number and severity of worksite enforcement actions by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations is a serious wake-up call for employers – but it is challenging for employers to fully comply with immigration rules for hiring and employment. Benjamin Kurten outlines the steps that employers can take to ensure they employ only those authorized to work in the U.S.

Cybersecurity is essential to keeping the internet open, free, and secure, especially on a global level. Matthew Koch and Kelly Krause discuss the current state of global cybersecurity efforts and issues.

A new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy effective Sept. 11 makes it easier for officers to deny applications for immigration benefits. Jerome Grzeca discusses the new policy and its implications.

The abundance of caution and efforts taken by impacted teams, companies, and FIFA itself during the World Cup illustrates the vigor of the long arm of U.S. sanctions regulation. Ngosong Fonkem provides practical solutions for companies to avoid violating U.S. sanctions laws.

The practice of the law is becoming international in scope. Michael Jakus discusses how to enhance your international practice via the International Practice Section, now an Outreach Partner with Community Colleges for International Development.

Protecting personal information gets complicated when U.S. companies and their business partners process sensitive data overseas – a less expensive option growing in popularity. Ngosong Fonkem gives practical solutions to avoid violating the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act when outsourcing data services.

With the U.S. intensifying its efforts to prosecute trade law violations, Wisconsin companies with international ties need to keep an eye on the impact enforcement actions may have on their businesses. Ngosong Fonkem discusses this policy shift and its impact in Wisconsin.

Although trade relations between Wisconsin and Southeast Asia are strong, trade margins could grow significantly if Wisconsin firms continue to deepen their ties to the region. Ngosong Fonkem discusses how Wisconsin firms can unlock and capture untapped economic opportunities in the region.

What are the steps lawyers should take to increase the chance of a successful international transaction? James Casey offers his top essential elements for success in executing and managing international contracts.

For U.S. companies seeking to protect their trademarks in Europe, the U.K.’s imminent exit from the EU raises many questions. Elisabeth Townsend Bridge discusses what may happen with trademarks after Brexit.

Rescinding the DACA Executive Order has significant humanitarian and economic implications, says Kime Abduli. But it is also an opportunity for Congress to address the ills of our current immigration system.

A change in policy by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services could result in much a longer wait time for immigrants applying for permanent resident status. Benjamin Kurten talks about the policy change, which affects previously exempt applicants.

International law is a fascinating and fast-growing legal field. What does it take to get into this practice area? While an attorney can certainly plan to focus on international matters from day one, involvement in international matters can be varied and may simply arise out of clients’ needs.

On June 26, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a portion of the stay on some parts of the Trump Administration's travel ban. Jerome Grzeca discusses the ruling, and talks about who may or may not be affected by it.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation offers resources to help Wisconsin businesses, communities, and people thrive in a globally competitive environment. Jennifer Jin talks about the programs that can provide your clients with financial and technical support to accelerate their success.

On April 18, 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO), “Buy American and Hire American.” Jerome Grzeca discusses what that might mean for the H-1B program.

Volunteering to be a practice judge for Marquette University Law School’s Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Competition team is a fun way to help students hone oral advocacy skills and gain knowledge in international law.

Wisconsin lawyer Cynthia Hirsch recently traveled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with Lawyers Without Borders to participate as a trainer in a workshop designed to help Tanzanian prosecutors, judges and police officers sharpen their courtroom skills to better prosecute human trafficking cases.

When President Trump signed the Executive Order banning immigration from seven countries on Jan. 27, uncertainty, inconsistency, and lack of agency coordination followed. Immigration attorney Joseph Rivas discusses the various responses of government agencies, and the lawsuits filed in federal courts.

Benjamin Kurten discusses possible impacts from the Trump administration on immigration law in the near future. “While it remains to be seen what changes the Trump administration will ultimately accomplish, one thing is clear – change is coming and everyone should prepare,” Kurten writes.

Conducting a compliance review for clients with overseas operations provides an added level safeguard and comfort and brings a whole new level of understanding to local operations from a risk and compliance perspective. Matthew Koch provides practical tips for conducting a compliance review of foreign operations.

Meet Katie Henry, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce’s World Trade Association, the region’s largest and most experienced network of international exporters, importers, suppliers and service providers.

In our constantly changing global marketplace, your client's branding needs are constantly evolving too. Help your clients stay ahead of the competition by encouraging them to conduct regular trademark audits to ensure proper protection of their valuable trademark assets.

The Miscellaneous Tariff Bill eliminates or reduces duties assessed on certain imported raw materials and intermediate products. MTB duty savings can eliminate import taxes, cutting production costs enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. Interested importers should not miss the Dec. 14, 2016, deadline to take advantage of the cost savings opportunities.

International Practice Section Board Member Joseph M. Rivas was inducted into the Fellows of the Wisconsin Law Foundation on Oct. 18, 2016.

What does it mean to seek refuge or asylum in the United States, and are all asylum seekers created equal?

Companies importing or exporting merchandise may be subject to claims under the False Claims Act, based on declarations made in connection with their import and export activities. Patrick Coffey and Jennifer Jin discuss the FCA and how companies can protect themselves from claims.

A proposed new rule by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services allows international entrepreneurs to stay for up to two years in the U.S. to oversee and grow their startup businesses.

Meet Adam Konrad. He speaks German, and helps his German and Swiss clients with commercial operations in the U.S. And he has served since 2009 on the International Practice Section Board.

NRLD Past President Jim Casey discusses issues surrounding science and technology collaboration between the European Union and the U.S. The issues are now of greater importance given the positive BREXIT vote and the departure that will become reality over the next few years.

The Visa Waiver Program is a U.S. government program that allows citizens of specific countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism, business, or while in transit, for up to 90 days without having to obtain a visa. Attorney Benjamin Kurten discusses changesto the program as of April 1, 2016, that may impact you or your clients.

The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Learn more about this department with Damian Felton, Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Service office inMilwaukee.

As of Dec. 1, 2016, Canadian companies will be able to hire or transfer Mexican employees more quickly and at a lower cost. Mexican citizens may apply for work permits directly at Canadian ports of entry, similar to American citizens.

Putting on a panel at the State Bar of Wisconsin Annual Meeting & Conference, even one relating to international practice and involving participants’ use of Skype from Uganda, is surprisingly easy. This is the author’s journey.

Wisconsin lawyer Cynthia Hirsch recently traveled to Monrovia, Liberia, with Lawyers Without Borders to participate as a trainer in a workshop designed to help Liberian prosecutors, defenders, and judges sharpen their litigation skills to better implementLiberia’s new anti-human trafficking law.

We’re excited to announce the launch of a new blog for the International Practice Section! Designed to deliver the latest news, it will give practical advice and valuable resources that focus on issues relating to International Law.