Lydia Childre provides strategic counsel to businesses navigating modern trade barriers. Drawing from early exposure to a cross-border family business operating in East Asia, she understands practical challenges of international trade. Recognizing the intersection of trade policy and national security, Lydia champions innovative advocacy to promote diverse, sustainable, and just outcomes.

Lydia advises domestic and foreign clients on a variety of matters related to the trade of goods, technology, services, and software, covering areas like regulatory compliance, economic sanctions, export controls, trade remedies, customs, commodity transportation, antitrust laws, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Given her experience working for the U.S. government, Lydia is versed in economic statecraft, particularly in trade policy and national security. She provides insights on leveraging international institutions and geopolitics to achieve business objectives, including market entry/exit navigation, tariff mitigation, anticipating legislative and regulatory policy changes, and related compliance.

Representative Matters

National Security

Advised investors on U.S. sanctions related to frozen Russian assets, assessing risks for potential additional restrictions.

Assisted academic and research institutions with export controls compliance and policy updates.

Guided clients through compliance with U.S. sanctions, covering a range of countries and regulations, including Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Sudan, Venezuela, and Russia.

Pioneered a defense under the Helms Burton Act for wind power exports linked to sanctions and export controls.

Formulated a unique defense strategy, ensuring client activities aligned with the legal services authorization under the Treasury Department’s regulations.

Consulted a tech producer on potential export diversion risks to Russia and Belarus.

International Trade & Policy

Advised stakeholders on suggested mitigation for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s solar antidumping and countervailing duty circumvention proceeding.

Counseled customs brokerage industry stakeholders on potential application of retroactive antidumping and countervailing duties on entries of solar products.

Advised U.S. producers in agricultural, textile, and electric vehicles on compliance requirements with the UFLPA and Withhold Release Orders.

Guided stakeholders in the renewables and agriculture sectors on the suspension and liquidation timelines of AD/CVD.

Assisted U.S. industrial producers with interests in electric vehicle battery production regarding the Inflation Reduction Act's implications on "free trade agreements."

Advised a food producer on bypassing trade barriers by potentially updating a longstanding Food and Drug Administration policy.

Antitrust / Competition

Advised on the implications of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement for industry stakeholders regarding vertical integration market access.

Education

London Metropolitan University, Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honors), 2012

Washington University in St. Louis, J.D. & IP and Technology LL.M., 2015

Lydia Childre