Baker McKenzie has announced that Nathaniel Halvorson has joined the firm as a partner in its International Trade Practice in Washington, DC, strengthening its bench at a time of heightened global trade enforcement and policy shifts.
Halvorson brings extensive experience from his tenure in the US government, most recently serving as Deputy Assistant US Trade Representative for Monitoring and Enforcement. In that role, he led major enforcement initiatives, including high-profile Section 301 investigations impacting industries such as semiconductors, automotive, and aerospace. He also advised senior officials at the White House and National Security Council on tariff strategy, industrial policy, and economic security matters.
Prior to that, Halvorson spent five years in Geneva as a senior US diplomat at the US Mission to the World Trade Organization, where he represented the United States in more than 100 WTO disputes. His background spans trade litigation, cross-agency coordination, and the design and execution of tariff and enforcement strategies.
The firm emphasized that his arrival comes amid growing uncertainty around US tariff policies, increased enforcement activity, and ongoing global supply chain realignment. His experience is expected to provide clients with insight into how US trade decisions are made and implemented across agencies.
Halvorson holds a JD and MPP from the University of Michigan and a BA from Trinity University. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and Washington, DC, and is fluent in Spanish and French.
KEY QUOTES:
“Nat’s depth of experience in international negotiations, trade remedies strategy and cross agency enforcement makes him an exceptional addition to our trade practice. 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.”
Alison Stafford Powell, Head of the North America Trade Compliance team; Christine Streatfeild, Co-Head of the Global Trade Remedies Practice, Baker McKenzie
“We are thrilled to welcome Nat to our office. Nat’s arrival enhances our already strong bench of former senior government officials who bring unparalleled insight to the challenges facing global businesses.”
Maurice Bellan, Managing Partner, Washington, DC Office, Baker McKenzie
“This is a period of real transition in US trade policy. 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.”
Nathaniel Halvorson, Partner, Baker McKenzie
