Baker & McKenzie LLP
04/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/02/2026 07:00
Baker McKenzie Further Expands Trade Bench with Former US Senior Trade Enforcement Official Nat Halvorson
Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie announced today that Nathaniel ("Nat") Halvorson has joined the Firm as a partner in its International Trade Practice in Washington, DC. He joins at a pivotal moment for global trade policy, as recent legal and policy developments are redefining the scope and direction of US trade enforcement. A former Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative overseeing major US trade enforcement actions, including Section 301 investigations, Nat has served at the forefront of US economic and national security, shaping how the US government designs and deploys tariffs, trade remedies, and industrial policy tools.
Nat most recently served as Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative for Monitoring & Enforcement, where he served as chief counsel on some of the most significant US trade actions in recent years. In that capacity, he directed major enforcement initiatives, including high impact Section 301 investigations affecting critical industries such as semiconductors, automotive and aerospace, and led a large team of lawyers responsible for trade disputes, litigation strategy and tariff actions. In that role, he advised senior officials at the White House and National Security Council on tariff strategy, industrial policy and economic security decisions. He previously completed a five year posting as a senior US diplomat in Geneva at the US Mission to the World Trade Organization, where he represented the US in more than 100 WTO disputes.
"Nat's depth of experience in international negotiations, trade remedies strategy and cross agency enforcement makes him an exceptional addition to our trade practice," said Alison Stafford Powell, Head of the North America Trade Compliance team. "His combination of government leadership, diplomacy and litigation experience aligns with our strategic focus on helping clients navigate increasing regulatory scrutiny and trade related risk."
"His leadership in some of the most consequential trade matters of the past decade will significantly strengthen our ability to guide clients through a rapidly evolving global landscape," added Christine Streatfeild, who co-heads the Firm's Global Trade Remedies Practice.
Nat's arrival comes as companies face uncertainty over the future of US tariff policies, heightened enforcement activity and global supply chain realignment. His background gives clients direct insight into how US government trade enforcement decisions are made, including how trade authorities interact, how agencies coordinate, and how tariffs and other tools are deployed in practice to address economic and national security challenges.
"We are thrilled to welcome Nat to our office," commented Maurice Bellan, Managing Partner of the Firm's Washington, DC office. "Nat's arrival enhances our already strong bench of former senior government officials who bring unparalleled insight to the challenges facing global businesses."
Baker McKenzie's International Trade Practice helps clients navigate a heightened enforcement landscape, where governments are deploying tariffs, sanctions and export controls as geopolitical tools and coordinating investigations across borders. Our seasoned practitioners across key jurisdictions worldwide have deep experience managing administrative, civil and criminal matters before agencies and regulators throughout the US, UK, EU, Mexico, Canada and Asia Pacific. With a long established reputation in sanctions, export controls and customs matters, the team regularly advises on complex multi agency investigations, disclosure strategies and cross border risk management.
"This is a period of real transition in US trade policy," Nat said. "Companies are reassessing tariff exposure, supply chains and enforcement risk in light of recent legal developments and geopolitical shifts. I'm looking forward to helping clients navigate that uncertainty with clear, practical strategies."
Nat holds a JD and MPP from the University of Michigan. He earned his BA from Trinity University and speaks both Spanish and French. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and Washington, DC.
Nat most recently served as Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative for Monitoring & Enforcement, where he served as chief counsel on some of the most significant US trade actions in recent years. In that capacity, he directed major enforcement initiatives, including high impact Section 301 investigations affecting critical industries such as semiconductors, automotive and aerospace, and led a large team of lawyers responsible for trade disputes, litigation strategy and tariff actions. In that role, he advised senior officials at the White House and National Security Council on tariff strategy, industrial policy and economic security decisions. He previously completed a five year posting as a senior US diplomat in Geneva at the US Mission to the World Trade Organization, where he represented the US in more than 100 WTO disputes.
"Nat's depth of experience in international negotiations, trade remedies strategy and cross agency enforcement makes him an exceptional addition to our trade practice," said Alison Stafford Powell, Head of the North America Trade Compliance team. "His combination of government leadership, diplomacy and litigation experience aligns with our strategic focus on helping clients navigate increasing regulatory scrutiny and trade related risk."
"His leadership in some of the most consequential trade matters of the past decade will significantly strengthen our ability to guide clients through a rapidly evolving global landscape," added Christine Streatfeild, who co-heads the Firm's Global Trade Remedies Practice.
Nat's arrival comes as companies face uncertainty over the future of US tariff policies, heightened enforcement activity and global supply chain realignment. His background gives clients direct insight into how US government trade enforcement decisions are made, including how trade authorities interact, how agencies coordinate, and how tariffs and other tools are deployed in practice to address economic and national security challenges.
"We are thrilled to welcome Nat to our office," commented Maurice Bellan, Managing Partner of the Firm's Washington, DC office. "Nat's arrival enhances our already strong bench of former senior government officials who bring unparalleled insight to the challenges facing global businesses."
Baker McKenzie's International Trade Practice helps clients navigate a heightened enforcement landscape, where governments are deploying tariffs, sanctions and export controls as geopolitical tools and coordinating investigations across borders. Our seasoned practitioners across key jurisdictions worldwide have deep experience managing administrative, civil and criminal matters before agencies and regulators throughout the US, UK, EU, Mexico, Canada and Asia Pacific. With a long established reputation in sanctions, export controls and customs matters, the team regularly advises on complex multi agency investigations, disclosure strategies and cross border risk management.
"This is a period of real transition in US trade policy," Nat said. "Companies are reassessing tariff exposure, supply chains and enforcement risk in light of recent legal developments and geopolitical shifts. I'm looking forward to helping clients navigate that uncertainty with clear, practical strategies."
Nat holds a JD and MPP from the University of Michigan. He earned his BA from Trinity University and speaks both Spanish and French. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and Washington, DC.
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