United States: International Law

After the fall of the Empire in China in 1912, and before the takeover of China by the Communists in 1949, there was a period in which a number of warlords controlled different areas of China. The United States felt that there was a need for certainty in the dealings of its citizens abroad therefore, for more than two decades in the early twentieth century, the United States maintained an unusual federal court on foreign soil—one that exercised full judicial authority over American citizens living and working in China.

Commercial litigation partner Jacques Semmelman joins Dateline NBC's True Crime Weekly podcast to demystify the complex world of international extradition law. Drawing on his experience as a former Assistant US Attorney, Semmelman explains the legal standards, treaty requirements, and diplomatic considerations that govern how individuals are transferred between countries to face criminal charges or serve sentences.

For foreign litigants and their counsel, a law in the United States known col- loquially as “Section 1782” (28 U.S.C. §1782) offers both an opportunity and a challenge. Section 1782 allows parties to existing or contemplated foreign pro- ceedings—or other persons with an interest in those proceedings—to obtain evidence located in the United States.

BLG VP Bob Brewer is joined by DC Counsel Jim Holbein to discuss the new book From Genius Act to State Innovation The US Stablecoin Framework​

As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation reflects on its pivotal role in transforming Ground Zero from a site of tragedy into a revitalized urban center. With the redevelopment of Two World Trade Center underway and most reconstruction complete, two legal professionals examine the complex legal and administrative challenges that shaped one of the most significant urban renewal projects in American history.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has established new enforcement mechanisms for anti-stockpiling provisions under the August 2026 Section 232 Proclamation covering polysilicon and derivative products. These measures introduce monitoring procedures for existing importers, volume restrictions for new importers, and a waiver application process, with potential penalties including import prohibitions and customs broker license suspensions.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has established new enforcement mechanisms for anti-stockpiling provisions under the August 2026 Section 232 Proclamation covering polysilicon and derivative products. These measures introduce monitoring procedures for existing importers, volume restrictions for new importers, and a waiver application process, with potential penalties including import prohibitions and customs broker license suspensions.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative has opened its annual comment period for the 2027 National Trade Estimate Report, inviting U.S. businesses and trade associations to identify foreign barriers affecting American exports, investments, and electronic commerce. This year's request places special emphasis on duty evasion, circumvention, and transshipment practices that undermine fair trade. Submissions are due by October 29, 2026, offering stakeholders a strategic opportunity to influence U.S

The US International Trade Commission has opened a rare public comment period on how it should fulfill its data collection and reporting obligations under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, a long-dormant authority recently invoked by the Trump Administration to impose restrictions on Canadian imports. This presents a unique opportunity for companies and stakeholders to shape from the ground up how the Commission interprets discriminatory foreign trade practices, evaluates allegations, and reports findi