David Houck

David Houck advises companies on export controls, economic sanctions, foreign investment review, and related national security matters. He helps clients navigate complex and evolving US regulatory requirements governing international trade, cross-border transactions, and the transfer of goods, software, technology, and services across jurisdictions.

David's practice focuses on US export controls and sanctions administered by the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). He counsels clients on regulatory compliance, licensing requirements, commodity and technology classifications, internal investigations, voluntary self-disclosures, compliance program development, and enforcement-related matters.

David regularly advises clients on the rapidly changing trade and sanctions landscape, including restrictions involving the BIS Entity List and OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. He has guided clients through compliance challenges arising from shifting US foreign policy and national security priorities and has assisted companies in assessing and mitigating risks associated with international business operations, supply chains, customers, and counterparties.

In addition, David counsels clients on matters before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). He advises on mandatory filing requirements, conducts jurisdictional and national security risk analyses, including Section 802 geographic assessments, and guides clients through the CFIUS declaration and notice processes. He has experience supporting transactions involving sensitive technologies, foreign investment, and national security considerations.

David also represents clients in complex litigation involving international trade and foreign policy issues. His experience includes defending clients in litigation arising under the Helms-Burton Act and managing matters involving technical, regulatory, and geopolitical considerations.