1. Practicing Law in a Flat World
A Discussion of Common International Legal Issues
Presented by
Jim Chester
J.D. / LL.M. / CHB

2. Why is the World “Flat”?
• Every person and business is affected
by globalization
• Technology & Globalization have
leveled the international “playing field”
• Increased competition
• Outsourcing of services, including legal
services

3. The “Myth” of Private International Law
• Law - a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally
recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority
(Webster’s Dictionary)
• No “supra-national” court or police force
• Does Exist, but not in any one source
• As codified in national laws
• Via contract between parties
• Industry standards and customs

4. Private International Law
Three Main Elements:
1. International Business Transactions (IBT)
2. International Trade Law (ITL)
3. International Civil Litigation (ICL)

5. Private International Law
IBT ICL
Weeks/Months Years/Decades

6. International Business Transactions (IBT)
 95% - Domestic law - (e.g., contract)
 5% - International
 Special Considerations
 Practical
 Currency Risk, etc.
 Legal - Contracting
 Jurisdiction, Translations, etc.
 Effect of foreign laws
 CISG
 UCC v. INCOterms2000

7. International Business Transactions (IBT)
Examples of IBT Legal Matters
 International Contracts
 Distribution Agreements
 Joint Ventures
 Setting up Foreign Companies
 Setting up U.S. Subsidiaries

8. International Civil Litigation (ICL)
 95% - Domestic law (US or other)
 5% - International Aspects
 Special Legal Issues
 Jurisdiction, etc.
 Deposing Foreigners - “comity” or local law
 International Conventions
 Hague Conventions
 Service of Process
 Taking Evidence Abroad (depositions, etc.)
 Int’l Enforcement of Judgments

9. International Civil Litigation (ICL)
Examples of ICL Legal Matters
 Suing There
 Jurisdiction Issues
 International Procedural Rules
 Supervising Int’l Counsel
 Suing Here
 Jurisdiction Issues
 Collecting Foreign Judgments
 Obtaining Evidence from Foreign Parties

10. International Trade Law (ITL)
 99% Domestic Law - U.S. or other
 Key Elements
 Customs & Import Law
 Export Control & Trade Sanctions
 Trade Agreements & Preference Programs
 Trade Regulation

11. International Trade Law (ITL)
Examples of ITL Legal Matters
 Customs and Import Law
 Protests
 Ruling Requests
 Import Compliance Programs
 Fines & Penalties
 Liquidated Damages
 Seizures & Forfeitures
 Internal Audits & Compliance Assessments
 Cargo Security (C-TPAT, etc.)
 Foreign-Trade Zones

12. International Trade Law (ITL)
Examples of ITL Legal Matters
 Export Control & Trade Sanctions
Export Licensing
Export Compliance Programs
Sanctions & Embargoes
Internal Audits & Compliance
Assessments

13. International Trade Law (ITL)
Examples of ITL Legal Matters
 Trade Agreements & Preference Programs
 NAFTA
 WTO/GATT
 FTAA
 Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)
 Bi-Lateral Free Trade Agreements
(Singapore, Australia, Jordan, Israel, etc.)

14. International Trade Law (ITL)
Examples of ITL Legal Matters
 Trade Regulation
Quotas
Antidumping
Countervailing Duties/Subsidies
Safeguards (§201, §301, etc.)
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
Antiboycott
ITAR

15. Questions?
Email JFChester@TradeLawFirm.com
Direct 214.800.2845
Toll Free 1.877.34.World