Clinton K. Yu

Clinton is a partner and co-chair of the International Trade team and member of the Corporate & Finance practice. He advises on international trade matters, including customs and import laws, export controls and economic sanctions, and foreign investment reviews.

Companies and investors rely on Clinton to address complex regulatory frameworks that impact cross-border transactions and global operations, particularly as U.S. tariffs, export controls, sanctions, and national security restrictions continue to evolve and expand. He works with U.S. and multinational clients across industries such as manufacturing, technology, aerospace and defense, logistics, and investment management, and regularly advises clients across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Clinton’s customs practice spans the full range of issues before U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), including tariff classification, country of origin, valuation, free trade agreements, and duty preference programs. He counsels clients on trade remedies such as Section 301 and Section 232 measures and antidumping and countervailing duties, while also helping companies assess supply chain risk, strengthen compliance programs, and respond to enforcement actions. When disputes arise, he represents clients before federal courts, including the U.S. Court of International Trade.

He also provides strategic guidance on export controls under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”), as well as economic sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”). His work includes advising on export control classifications, licensing, and compliance program development, as well as representing clients in audits, investigations, voluntary disclosures, and civil and criminal enforcement matters.

Foreign investment reviews involving national security are another core part of Clinton’s practice. He advises on Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (“CFIUS”) filings, transaction due diligence, and risks related to foreign ownership and outbound investment — particularly in private equity and M&A transactions — integrating regulatory considerations into broader deal strategy.

Clients value Clinton’s business-focused approach in high-stakes environments, helping clients translate complex regulatory requirements into actionable decisions. He has been recognized as a Law360 “Rising Star” in International Trade and is frequently quoted in publications such as Bloomberg Law, Forbes, Law360, and Nikkei Asia.