Sanctions lawyers

Leading Economic Sanctions & OFAC Sanctions Lawyers

Sanctions law firm help clients navigate the intricate sanctions landscape globally. They provide timely and targeted advice and representation to their clients regarding sanctions exposure.

The international community uses sanctions to change the behavior of a country in the case where a country violates human rights, is waging war, or endangering international peace.

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Sanctions lawyers

At Collegium of International Lawyers our Interpol Law Firm is a top sanctions law firm in London, providing expert legal advice and representation for complex sanctions cases. Our experienced lawyers specialize in international trade, financial restrictions, and compliance with economic sanctions regulations.

WE CAN HELP YOU WITH THESE KIND OF CASES

OFAC Licenses
SDN List Removal
Unblocking Application
Administrative Subpoenas
Compliance Counseling / Compliance Programs
OFAC Litigation
Voluntary Self Disclosures

Why Clients Trust US

  • Over 1,000 Successful Case Outcomes
  • Accessible During Evenings and Weekends
  • Skilled Litigators with Proven Experience
  • Previously Served as a Department of Justice Litigator
  • Ex-Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office
  • Team Includes Former FBI, OIG, and DEA Agents
  • Represented Cases Across All U.S. States

OUR Sanctions Lawyers

Lawyer Kendall Coffey
Kendall Coffey
Senior Sanctions Lawyer

Our achievements


Our OFAC Attorneys & Team Speaks More Than 10 Languages

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Expert Sanctions Law Firm London

Collegium of International Lawyers is a top London sanctions law firm, offering comprehensive legal services for clients dealing with economic sanctions. Our skilled team of London sanctions lawyers provides tailored solutions to clients across various industries.

Best Sanctions Lawyers - Collegium of International Lawyers
Economic sanctions lawyers from Collegium of International Lawyers in London, preparing for a court hearing.

Best Sanctions Lawyers and Solicitors

We are experts in international sanctions law, dedicated to providing top-quality legal services to clients dealing with sanctions-related matters.

OFAC Sanctions Lawyer and Economic Sanctions Attorneys

OFAC sanctions lawyers from Collegium of International Lawyers discussing compliance with the Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations

Our team of OFAC sanctions lawyers and economic sanctions attorneys are well-versed in the regulations set forth by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and other international bodies. We assist clients in ensuring compliance with these regulations and effectively represent them in any disputes or enforcement actions.

Sanctions Lawyer Iran and Other Jurisdictions

Our expertise at Collegium of International Lawyers goes beyond the UK. Our sanctions lawyers in Iran and other jurisdictions provide comprehensive legal support for clients facing sanctions cases worldwide. We excel as top OFAC lawyers, handling cases involving economic sanctions imposed by the US, EU, and international authorities.

Interpol Law Firm, a top sanctions law firm, is committed to delivering exceptional service to our clients. We strive for the best outcomes in sanctions cases. Contact our economic sanctions lawyers in London today for expert assistance.

Types of Sanctions

Type of Sanctions Description
Economic Sanctions Restrict trade, investment, or financial flows between the targeted country or entity and other countries or entities. These can include import/export restrictions, asset freezes, and prohibitions on financial transactions.
Diplomatic Sanctions Restrict or sever diplomatic relations between countries. These can include expelling diplomats, suspending diplomatic missions, or imposing travel bans on government officials.
Military Sanctions Restrict military cooperation, training, or equipment transfers between countries. These can include arms embargoes or restrictions on the sale of military technology or equipment.
Humanitarian Sanctions Restrict the provision of humanitarian aid or services to the targeted country or entity. These can include restrictions on medical supplies, food, or other humanitarian assistance.
Personal Sanctions Target specific individuals, such as government officials, and may include travel bans, asset freezes, and other restrictions. These are also known as “targeted sanctions.”
Comprehensive Sanctions Target an entire country or entity, and can include multiple types of sanctions. These are typically the most severe form of sanctions and can have significant impacts on the economy and population of the targeted country or entity.

Which Countries are Cracking Down with the Toughest Sanctions?

Country Examples of Sanctions Imposed
United States Economic sanctions on Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, North Korea, Russia, and Syria, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities deemed to be engaged in illicit activities such as terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and human rights abuses.
European Union Economic sanctions on Russia, Belarus, and North Korea, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities engaged in human rights abuses, terrorism, and cyber-attacks.
United Kingdom Economic sanctions on Russia, Iran, Syria, and North Korea, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses and corruption.
Canada Economic sanctions on Russia, Iran, Venezuela, and Myanmar, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses and corruption.
Australia Economic sanctions on Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Myanmar, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities involved in human rights abuses and corruption.
China Economic sanctions on North Korea and Taiwan, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities involved in terrorism and human rights abuses.
Russia Economic sanctions on the United States, European Union, Canada, and Ukraine, as well as targeted sanctions on individuals and entities deemed to be engaged in activities that threaten Russia’s national security.

The general concept of sanctions and sanctions lawyers

Term Definition
Sanctions A set of measures taken by a government or group of governments against another country, entity or individual, in response to behavior that is considered to be a violation of international law, human rights or other norms of international behavior. Sanctions can include trade restrictions, travel bans, asset freezes, and other economic measures.
Sanctions Lawyer A legal professional who specializes in advising clients on sanctions-related matters, including compliance with sanctions regimes and defending against sanctions violations. Sanctions lawyers may work for law firms, government agencies or in-house for companies subject to sanctions.
Compliance Sanctions lawyers advise clients on how to comply with sanctions laws and regulations, which can be complex and vary between different jurisdictions. They may also provide training to clients on sanctions compliance and help to develop compliance policies and procedures.
Risk Assessment Sanctions lawyers may conduct risk assessments to identify potential sanctions risks for their clients, such as dealing with sanctioned entities or individuals, or engaging in activities that may be prohibited under sanctions regimes. They may also advise on the potential consequences of sanctions violations, including penalties and reputational damage.
Investigations and Enforcement If a client is subject to sanctions enforcement actions, sanctions lawyers may assist in conducting internal investigations to identify potential violations, and represent clients in enforcement proceedings. They may also help clients to negotiate with enforcement authorities and seek to mitigate potential penalties.
Policy Advocacy Sanctions lawyers may also engage in policy advocacy, including lobbying for changes to sanctions regimes or advising governments on the development of sanctions policies.

The specific scope of sanctions laws and regulations, and the role of sanctions lawyers, can vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific circumstances of a case.

What are some of the Sanctions Globally?

Given the frequency of sanctions worldwide, financial institutions should understand their obligations and which sanctions apply within their administration. These include:

1. UN Sanctions

The UN issues a comprehensive sanctions list that clearly lists the names of its worldwide sanctions targets.

  • The consolidated list is applicable to UN member states and well organized into a comprehensive list of sanctioned persons and entities.
  • The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) composes sanctions backed by the UNSC resolution.
  • These UN sanctions become legal when there is a majority vote from the UNSC. It’s made of five permanent members, the US, China, France, the UK and Russia. It also has ten other non-permanent members who are placed on rotation basis.
  • The UN doesn’t have direct legal mandate within member nations and hence relies on domestic legislation authorities to implement the UN sanctions.

UN sanctions occur in three instances: violation of international human rights laws, activities involving violence within a country’s borders, and threats to international peace. A majority vote passes these UN sanctions. However, any of its five permanent members can veto their request.

As a result, this leads to a lack of UN action. For example, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Russian government utilized the veto power and blocked all UN sanctions against it. Also, China blocked its sanction against Myanmar due to the treatment of the Rohingyas.

Upon successful imposition of the UN sanctions, the other member states enforce all the relevant measures.

2. EU Sanctions

The European Union implements various economic sanctions against its targets.

  • The European Union Council implements the UNSC and independent sanctions as indicated in the European Union sanctions list.
  • People and entities operating within the EU 27 member states need to adhere to the EU sanctions and the conditions stated.
  • It’s important to keep in mind that these sanctions are applicable to all EU citizens globally.
  • The EU enforces all sanctions conditions through EU laws, but domestic legislators help delegate some sanctions to the member states.

To enhance the EU’s democratic values, defend international law and promote global peace, the Common Foreign and Security Policy task force issues EU sanctions. EU sanctions have continued to evolve since their inception.

The EU has since introduced sanctions regimes, such as cybercrime and global human rights, that target human rights violations. The European Union also allows the blocking statute, a legal measure preventing EU individuals from adhering with third party sanctions forced by a third country.

3. The UK Sanctions

The HM Treasury implements and enforces the sanction list in the UK.

  • The UK HM Treasury sanction list included the combined UN and EU sanctions alongside UK’s independent sanctions.
  • All financial institutions and banks should not indulge in business with nations on the his majesty treasury sanctions list.
  • All British citizens globally are subject to the HM treasury sanctions list.
  • The Office of the Financial Sanction Sanctions Implementation is liable to implement the HM Treasury sanctions.

Since leaving the EU in early 2020, the United Kingdom has continued implementing independent sanction regimes such as anti money laundering regime, human rights regime, and anti-corruption regime.

4. China’s MOFCOM Sanctions

China’s economic status has grown exponentially and hence can exert global influence. Following the trade war with the US in 2019, China’s ministry of commerce, MOFCOM, announced that it would implement sanctions.

  • The sanctions include an Unreliable Entity List, which the Chinese government introduced in 2020. It prohibits Chinese citizens from carrying out international trade on the list.
  • The Foreign Trade Law enforces the MOFCOM sanctions together with the National Security Law.
  • China’s blocking rules or the Anti-Foreign Sanctions law prohibit Chinese citizens from complying with third-party sanctions, such as those imposed by the United States department.

China implemented the Blocking Rules in retaliation to the US third-party sanctions that prevented Chinese companies from trading with North Korea and Iran.

5. Australia’s DFAT Sanctions

The DFAT implements and enforces all sanctions for Australia.

  • The DFAT sanction lists integrate UN sanction lists alongside the sanctions issued by the government.
  • These DFAT sanctions are applicable to Australian citizens all over the world.
  • The DFAT sanction list contains a consolidated list of individuals and groups subject to targeted Australian sanctions.
  • The DFAT sanction list is available online and regularly updated to accommodate new sanction targets while delisting others.

The Australian sanctions regime reflects foreign policies and security issues, such as the Magnitsky-style law that helps address international human rights violations.

6. Canada’s SEMA sanctions

Canada’s sanctions regime matches the UN obligations with a focus on upholding human rights.

  • SEMA (Special Economic Measures Act) imposes Canada’s sanctions.
  • The Canadian Autonomous Sanctions list contains an extensive list of all designated sanction targets, individuals, and entities.
  • International companies in Canada can get trade licenses with sanction targets by making applications to the Canadian ministry of foreign affairs.

Canada is one of the largest economies in Northern America; hence, the economic sanctions influence international trade. With the recent Russian- Ukraine war, Canada has imposed Russian sanctions. Canada has also sanctioned Myanmar due to the military regime.

7. US OFAC Sanctions

The Office of Financial Assets Control (OFAC) upholds many sanctions programs on behalf of the US treasury.

  • The OFAC implements and puts into effect international sanctions issued by the US government.
  • The OFAC sanctions list includes a consolidated sanction list and a specially designated national list.
  • All individuals and groups within the US administration must adhere to OFAC sanctions.
  • OFAC issues comprehensive sanctions targeted against nations and non-comprehensive sanctions targeted at specific individuals or groups.

The US sanctions regime, under the Biden administration is one of the most influential globally. This is because the US shares many global economic, geopolitical, and security concerns with other nations. Therefore its sanction programs align with those of the UK, EU, and the UN.

In 2016, the US introduced the Magnitsky Act, which targets specific individuals or groups found to violate human rights other than involving the entire country. The Act has inspired other nations to have similar human rights sanctions regimes.

In addition to the global sanction that applies directly to US persons, the US also implements secondary sanctions against third countries, even under the Biden administration. These sanctions block third parties from doing business with targets of the US sanctions at the risk of trade restrictions with the United States.

Sanctions lawyers who are well versed with rules in international economic sanctions are best suited to help you limit the risk of sanctions. The recent Russia sanctions have left many international companies at risk of violating sanctions.

Depending on the jurisdiction of your international trade, ensure that you choose the best lawyer to help you stay updated on the ever-changing sanction rules, foreign assets control, and export controls. You must ensure that our business doesn’t violate any economic sanctions.

However, if you, unfortunately, receive administrative subpoenas, you must comply and provide all requested documentation. You have been assured a smooth process through a sanctions lawyer as you remedy the situation.

Lawyer Kendall Coffey
Kendall Coffey
Senior Partner
Mr. Coffey is a former U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Florida (1993-1996); and served as Chair of, the Southern District Conference, Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission (April 2009 – January 2017).

Sanctions Lawyer FAQ

What is the OFAC Agency?

The OFAC, an agency in the US Treasury Department, undertakes the task of regulating and enforcing US economic sanctions and trade embargoes involving foreign nations and targeted individuals. The agency takes action to achieve the US's national security and foreign policy goals. OFAC's legal authority comes from different geographical areas, from executive orders to international agreements.

Who are OFAC Sanctions Lawyers?

Sanctions enforcement by OFAC law firms involves complex and ever-changing rules and regulations. Any individuals or groups that become real or perceived threats to US economic sanctions policy or national security face sanctioning. When dealing with international commerce transactions, one must be aware of all OFAC compliance rules and regulations. Staying well-informed on all the shifting policies may be challenging, but OFAC U.S. sanctions lawyers can provide the best counsel. In addition, they can assist in specific licensing, foreign activities, or international legal needs.

What happens if found in violation of OFAC sanctions?

The OFAC sanctions rapidly evolve and have broad prohibitions and stringent liability. Unfortunately, it's easy for an individual or an entity to violate the most up-to-date sanctions without knowing that a violation occurred. It's very difficult for those dealing with foreign nations to stay up to date with the latest OFAC sanctions. You need to contact OFAC sanctions lawyers if;

  • Your business needs assistance with compliance measures regarding US sanctions, or
  • You get a notification that you are under internal investigation for violating these rules.

These notifications come in the form of a notice in your credit report. OFAC lawyers will provide legal advice and counseling about international business as well as assist you with the following matters:

  • Export and import licensing;
  • Personal or commercial transactions;
  • OFAC administrative subpoenas;
  • Unblocking frozen funds and assets;
  • Voluntary self-disclosures;
  • General advisory and counseling opinions;
  • Internal case reviews and investigation;
  • Removal from the SDN list, which is the Specially Designated Nationals list.

All US citizens or those with the property under the US administration fall under the OFAC U.S sanctions. Therefore, they need to proceed with extra caution while dealing with international business matters. It's possible to avoid possible penalties, arrest, or freezing of funds and assets. First, however, you need to obtain legal counsel from reputable OFAC lawyers to keep you updated on all security controls imposed by the US.

What are the Functions of OFAC?

Individuals or entities that engage in international business with blacklisted states or targeted persons may be subject to criminal penalties. In addition, individuals conducting personal transactions with friends, family members, or charities are also subject to OFAC U.S. sanctions. Willful sanctions violations will lead to criminal prosecution by the justice department. In addition, OFAC can hold a person civilly liable for the violation of the sanction, whether committed knowingly or unknowingly. Therefore, sanctions law is considered a strict liability offense.

Does OFAC outline Prohibited Transactions?

It's now easy to know if you are doing prohibited transactions by OFAC. OFAC retains a blacklist of targeted individuals, organizations, and groups known as the SDN list. Similarly, some U.S. sanctions apply to an entire country, regardless of whether they appear on the SDN list. Due to the global ever-shifting political interests, the SDN list is always changing with new targets and creating more legal regulations and new sanctions. To be up to date with the list, you need to contact OFAC lawyers who will guide you and also guide you in name removal from the SDN list.

How does a Country become a Targeted Foreign Country?

Political unrest in foreign states such as in Russia and Ukraine can lead to sanctions against the country once it's confirmed suitable for international trade. Then, almost without warning, foreign business affairs that are legal one day can become grounds for legal action the next day. Individuals or countries that support these nations become subject to asset freezing and denial of immigrants from entering the US. In addition, US citizens can't transact with such entities or people or take action to evade these U.S. sanctions. The OFAC sanctions laws seek to protect national security objectives and protect human rights. Some of the sanctioned countries include;

  • South Sudan
  • Iran
  • Syria
  • Burma
  • Libya
  • Cuba
  • Russia
  • Zimbabwe

Any financial transaction or support of individuals in these countries will violate the US sanctions. Therefore, involvement of any kind calls for an audit of compliance. An OFAC enforcement lawyer may help eliminate the risks of OFAC sanction through proper licensing and compliance.

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