Overview
(February 2, 2026, Washington, DC) – Steptoe LLP has strengthened its market‑leading International Trade and Regulatory Compliance practice with the addition of seasoned international trade lawyer Ron Kendler. Known for his significant experience in antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) matters, appellate litigation, and global trade disputes, Ron joins the firm as a partner in Washington, DC.
Ron focuses his practice on high‑stakes AD/CVD proceedings before the US Department of Commerce and US International Trade Commission, as well as appeals before the US Court of International Trade and the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. He also brings substantial experience advising on Word Trade Organization (WTO) disputes and cross‑border trade policy issues. His work spans complex, multi‑jurisdictional matters and high‑pressure investigations for major multinational manufacturers and export‑driven global industries.
Ron strengthens Steptoe's long‑standing trade remedies capabilities and complements the firm's well‑recognized international trade practice. Over the past two years, the firm has strategically expanded to meet rising global demand for sophisticated trade counsel, particularly in areas involving cross‑border enforcement, regulatory risk, and high‑impact international litigation, with the additions of Kevin Garvey, Jason Wright, Matthew Flynn, and Karl Hopkins.
"Ron brings a depth of experience in AD/CVD matters, appellate work, and WTO disputes that will be invaluable to our clients," said firm chair Gwen Renigar. "He has managed some of the most complex trade remedies cases in the market, and his ability to navigate both the legal and policy dimensions of international trade will strengthen the support we provide to companies operating across global supply chains. We are very pleased to welcome him to the team."
Ron’s practice is marked by close collaboration with clients and colleagues across jurisdictions, guiding companies through the procedural and strategic demands of US trade remedy proceedings while anticipating downstream regulatory and commercial implications. He regularly works with in‑house teams and international counsel to align litigation strategy with broader business objectives, particularly in matters involving complex supply chains and cross‑border compliance considerations.
"I am thrilled to join Steptoe's powerhouse trade practice," Ron said. "The firm's reputation, global platform, and collaborative culture provide an opportunity to elevate the work I do for clients in the complex international marketplace. I look forward to contributing to a team that is widely recognized for its leadership, precision, and strategic insight in the international trade and policy arena."
With more than 65 lawyers in the United States, Europe, and Asia, Steptoe’s International Trade and Regulatory Compliance group brings significant experience across trade remedies, international disputes, and cross‑border regulatory issues. The team is consistently recognized for its ability to handle high‑stakes trade disputes and investigations, sanctions and export controls, and major WTO disputes, as well as cross‑border regulatory and enforcement challenges.
Ron holds a J.D. cum laude from Boston College Law School and a B.A. summa cum laude from Brandeis University.
About Steptoe
In more than 110 years of practice, Steptoe has earned an international reputation for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in structuring business transactions. Steptoe has more than 500 lawyers and other professional staff across offices in Beijing, Brussels, Chicago, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
