LAWFUEL – The Law News Network – February 8, 2006, Washington, D.C. –Steptoe & Johnson LLP, a top international law firm, announced that Assistant Secretary of Commerce Peter Lichtenbaum is returning to the firm as a partner in its International Department, effective immediately. Mr. Lichtenbaum left Steptoe in August 2003 to join President Bush’s administration as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration.
Prior to joining the Department of Commerce, Mr. Lichtenbaum was a key member of Steptoe’s International Trade Practice Group, working in the areas of international trade litigation, WTO dispute resolution, and export controls and international regulatory compliance. Mr. Lichtenbaum will continue his international trade practice, with special focus on the intersection of trade and national security policy.
“We are delighted that Peter is returning to Steptoe,” said Roger Warin, Chairman of the firm’s Executive Committee. “He returns with a wealth of current expertise on international trade and other key federal policies that will be invaluable to our firm and its clients. As citizens, we are grateful for and proud of his period of dedicated service to our government; and as his former colleagues, we are happy to have him back among us.”
While at the Commerce Department, Mr. Lichtenbaum was responsible for decision-making on U.S. dual use export control policy, managing the export control administration of U.S. export control regulations and compliance, and various trade and security initiatives of the Administration and the Congress. He served as Acting Under Secretary for Industry and Security and as Acting Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade.
“Peter’s return after three years at the center of federal regulation of exports and other foreign trade matters further broadens and strengthens our international capabilities,” said Edward J. Krauland, head of the firm’s International Regulation and Compliance Group. “The reputation he has established nationally and internationally as a member of the Bush Administration will be very valuable for him and for the International Department in the months and years ahead.”
In his role as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, Mr. Lichtenbaum occupied a key position in the U.S. government’s interagency export control process, and was a principal spokesperson and participant for the Administration on trade and security issues. As Acting Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade, he also played a leading role in various cross-border commercial trade matters, including the recently concluded U.S.-Mexico cement agreement. The Commerce Department bestowed on Mr. Lichtenbaum the William C. Redfield Award for distinguished service.
“”I am very excited to be returning to Steptoe,” said Mr. Lichtenbaum. “Not only is it a homecoming for me, it’s great to rejoin a firm that continues to build momentum in the international arena serving top-tier clients. With its ever-expanding reputation as the leading firm in this sector, Steptoe affords me the strongest platform in the nation for building on my government service and practice interests.”
Prior to initially joining Steptoe & Johnson, Mr. Lichtenbaum worked at the Department of the Treasury on issues of international law and economic policy. He graduated from Harvard Law School and received a Master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University, concentrating in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs.
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