Global Supply Chain Counsel

Steptoe's cross-practice supply chain team helps clients build effective legal, policy, and advocacy strategies to manage the full range of supply chain issues that can arise in an increasingly complex and turbulent global business environment.

This includes working with companies, associations, and coalitions to ensure compliance with supply chain-related measures (e.g., Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues), develop and execute holistic supply chain legal strategies, as well as advocate with governments regarding legislation, regulations, and policies that could impact their supply chains.

Here are a few ways Steptoe can assist clients with their supply chain needs:

• Conduct due diligence assessments of corporate supply chains, and provide advice on how to reduce risk, and improve security, sustainability, and resilience.
• Assist in accessing grants, loans, tax credits, and domestic content preferences that may be available at the US federal and state levels (e.g., CHIPS Act, Inflation Reduction Act, EDA Tech Hubs, DPA Title III) for constructing new, or expanding existing facilities.
• Counsel companies on compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and other anti-forced labor measures, including providing legal analysis of relevant provisions; conducting "deep dive" supply chain due diligence; advising on sourcing strategies, supplier guidance, mandatory and voluntary disclosures, corporate communications, and meetings with regulators; and monitoring relevant global developments.
• Analyze corporate supply chains to minimize liability for customs duties and carbon border tariffs.
• Provide counsel and advocacy support for clients with an interest in supply chain-related legislation (e.g., ports and maritime, trucking), as well as regulations issued by the Federal Maritime Commission.
• Advocate with the US Administration and Congress regarding border measures, tax credits, changes to procurement policy, climate measures, and standards that impact corporate supply chains.

Given the multifaceted and dynamic nature of supply chain issues, Steptoe addresses client needs with a cross-practice and multijurisdictional team working across legal and policy areas, industries (e.g., food and agriculture, autos, textiles and apparel, batteries, chemicals, renewable energy, semiconductors, and critical minerals), and jurisdictions to holistically advise on the ever-changing business landscape.

To learn more about our practice-specific capabilities, read our Supply Chain Brochure.