Press Release
January 19, 2022

Holland & Knight Adds International Trade Partner Robert Friedman in Washington

WASHINGTON (January 19, 2022) – Robert Friedman, a highly experienced international trade lawyer and former official with the U.S. Department of State's Office of Legal Adviser, has joined Holland & Knight as a partner in its Washington, D.C., office. Mr. Friedman, who will join the firm's International Trade Practice, was previously a partner with Harris, Wiltshire and Grannis LLP.

Mr. Friedman helps clients address a range of complex legal, regulatory and policy issues that involve international trade and investment, government regulation of cross-border transactions, and compliance with U.S. laws based on foreign policy and national security. He advises businesses, entrepreneurs, investors and trade associations on matters related to economic sanctions, export controls, foreign direct investment, supply chain security, customs laws, data privacy and cybersecurity, market access, anti-corruption and national security regulations.

"Robbie brings a multifaceted practice that both complements and advances our existing capabilities in international trade," said Ron Oleynik, head of Holland & Knight's International Trade Practice. "With significant experience in private practice and as a legal adviser at the State Department, his versatile skill set and deep knowledge of CFIUS and trade compliance will benefit clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to early-stage businesses alike. We are thrilled that he is joining our firm."

From 2012 to 2018, Mr. Friedman served as attorney-adviser in the State Department's Office of Legal Adviser. At the State Department, he participated in high-stakes bilateral and multilateral negotiations in more than 20 countries and handled diverse legal issues related to treaty negotiation and interpretation, U.S. and multilateral economic sanctions, trade controls, weapons of mass destruction, outer space and cybersecurity.

"As the complexity and volume of cross-border regulations continues to ramp up, businesses of all sizes – from startup founders looking for capital to public companies exploring new markets – are confronting a patchwork of restrictions that impact a range of business opportunities. Obtaining the full spectrum of advice and guidance requires sophisticated legal and policy insight and practical business counseling from lawyers with both detailed technical knowledge and a broad understanding of the factors animating government policymakers," Mr. Friedman said. "Holland & Knight's team are seasoned and talented professionals with a proven track record in virtually all aspects of international trade and cross-border transactions, and I look forward to leveraging the firm's global platform to continue providing excellent service to our clients."

Mr. Friedman received a J.D. degree from Georgetown University Law Center, an M.A. degree from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. degree from Emory University.

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