International Trade Associate

About the role

This role advances client priorities by managing international trade matters within a demanding regulatory environment. Success in this position depends on precise document drafting, strict compliance, and consistent collaboration across a distributed team. The hire will own complex trade compliance workflows and ensure all submissions meet exacting regulatory standards. You will act as a key liaison between clients and regulatory bodies, translating business needs into actionable trade strategies. The position requires discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to operate independently while supporting team objectives. You will manage multiple high-stakes matters simultaneously, balancing client responsibility with efficient execution. This role is critical in protecting client interests and satisfying strict regulatory deadlines through structured and reliable processes.

Key facts

Location: USA

Engagement: Full-time

Degree: a degree requirement is stated.

D.C. Bar: Admission to the D.C. Bar is required, or eligibility to obtain admission through waiver is required for practice.

Travel: Willingness to travel internationally is required when business needs dictate operations.

What you'll do

Draft and negotiate high-quality trade documents and regulatory submissions through efficient, standardized workflows.

Manage multiple international trade matters concurrently while protecting client interests and satisfying strict deadlines.

Verify a bachelor's degree as a confirmed requirement and ensure the specific field is validated during case assessment.

Conduct legal research and analysis focused on international trade, CFIUS, customs compliance, and trade remedies.

Balance client responsibility with independent execution to achieve reliable and consistent outcomes.

Collaborate effectively with distributed team members to align on strategy, document review, and compliance protocols.

Handle complex regulatory interactions and ensure all submissions adhere to evolving policy expectations.

Maintain precise records and demonstrate strong analytical capabilities in all facets of case management.

Exercise discretion and clear communication when managing sensitive client information and regulatory inquiries.

Support team development and knowledge sharing to enhance the firm's capacity in international trade practice.

Adapt to shifting business needs and demonstrate willingness to travel internationally when dictated by client requirements.

Uphold firm standards by applying structured processes to document drafting, review, and regulatory filing.

Ensure compliance with D.C. Bar rules and other jurisdictional requirements relevant to international trade practice.

Represent the firm's commitment to quality by consistently delivering accurate and timely trade-related work products.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree is required, and the exact field of study is confirmed as part of eligibility.

International trade experience, with emphasis on CFIUS, customs compliance, or trade remedies, defines the core focus expected from candidates.

Strong drafting, analytical, and legal research capabilities are essential for fulfilling complex role expectations.

Client responsibility is handled while balancing independent work and effective team collaboration to achieve reliable outcomes.

Strong academic credentials and excellent communication skills are mandatory for success in the position.

Admission to the D.C. Bar is required, or eligibility to obtain admission through waiver is required for practice in this jurisdiction.

Willingness to travel internationally is required when business needs dictate operations and client requirements.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced regulatory environment is a fundamental requirement.

Attention to detail and strict compliance with regulatory standards are non-negotiable expectations.

Professional experience in a regulated environment is preferred but not explicitly stated as mandatory.

Demonstrated capability in using structured workflows and precise drafting tools is essential.

Commitment to maintaining up-to-date knowledge of trade regulations and policy changes is required.

Capacity to exercise sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive matters is mandatory.

Practical notes

The role requires a degree, D.C. Bar admission or waiver eligibility, and willingness to travel internationally when business needs dictate operations.

Typical interview steps

People team interviews usually include a case scenario, a policy question, and behavioral rounds. Candidates may be asked to design an interview process or handle a sensitive employee situation. Confidentiality and judgment are tested throughout. Structured answers with empathy land best. Interviewers often test how you handle sensitive information and disagreement. Framing answers around policy, fairness, and company values works well.

Good to know

International trade roles often involve close work with regulators, compliance officers, and cross-functional partners. Professionals in this field rely on structured workflows, precise drafting tools, and up-to-date knowledge of trade regulations. Clear communication, sound judgment, and discretion are essential for managing sensitive matters and maintaining client trust.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.

Career growth

People careers grow from coordinator to generalist, manager, and director levels. Recruiters can move into talent leadership. HR partners can move into people operations leadership. Business acumen becomes more important at each level. People careers reward breadth across recruitment, development, and operations. Experience with tools such as HRIS and ATS systems helps at every level.

About the company

Barnes & Thornburg LLP is seeking a motivated attorney with international trade experience to join our Washington, D. C. office.