Global law firm Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. has successfully recruited David Spooner to the firm’s Antitrust, Competition, Trade and Regulatory Practice Group. As assistant secretary of commerce for import administration, Spooner led US trade enforcement efforts from 2005 until this year. He is of counsel at Squire Sanders.

“David brings an unusual combination of hands-on leadership in complex trade matters with an insider’s knowledge of Capitol Hill and the executive branch,” said Barry A. Pupkin,  who heads the practice group, adding, “Spooner has been at the forefront of nearly every major trade policy debate over the past eight years. He has extensive experience working with both sides of the aisle, particularly on matters related to China and on matters that impact the apparel and retail trade.

“Given the significant changes anticipated in US trade relationships under the new administration, David’s comprehensive grasp of trade and supply chain issues will be an invaluable resource for clients whose businesses are affected by international trade,” Pupkin said.

In his role as assistant secretary of commerce for import administration, Spooner led US enforcement of the trade remedy laws, particularly the dumping and antisubsidy laws, supervising hundreds of trade remedy proceedings. His achievements include the first-ever application of the antisubsidy law to China.

Prior to his Senate confirmation as assistant secretary, Spooner was the lead textile and apparel negotiator in the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR), where he served as a chief negotiator of free trade agreements with countries in Asia, Central and Latin America, and the Middle East. Spooner also has considerable Capitol Hill experience. He managed the Washington DC office and was legislative director for US Representative Sue Myrick, worked for the House Committee on Rules (which manages House consideration of legislation) and served as communications director for the House Committee on Agriculture.

Spooner will also work with Squire Sanders Public Advocacy, LLC, Squire Sanders’ government relations affiliate. Robert D. Lehman, former chief of staff of the US Office of Management and Budget and the Office of the US Trade Representative, recently was named head of Squire Sanders Public Advocacy, LLC.

“David has been working closely with Congress and senior staffers for two decades, first as a senior aide and then as a top official of USTR and the Commerce Department. His experience further strengthens our growing lobbying practice by bringing another seasoned international trade professional with extensive bipartisan relationships on Capitol Hill and in the business community,” Lehman said.

About Squire Sanders: Founded in 1890, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P. has lawyers in 32 offices and 15 countries around the world. With one of the strongest integrated global platforms and a longstanding one-firm philosophy, Squire Sanders provides seamless legal counsel worldwide. Offices in the Americas are located in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Palo Alto, Phoenix, San Francisco, Tallahassee, Tampa, Tysons Corner, Washington DC, West Palm Beach, Caracas, Rio de Janeiro, Santo Domingo and São Paulo. In Europe, offices are in Bratislava, Brussels, Budapest, Frankfurt, Kyiv, London, Moscow, Prague and Warsaw. In Asia, offices are in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo. Associated firms are in Bucharest, Buenos Aires, Dublin and Santiago.

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP announced today that Frederick J. Ufkes has joined the firm as a partner in its Los Angeles office.

A trial attorney with more than 25 years of experience, Ufkes focuses his practice on complex litigation, environmental, toxic torts, mass torts and products liability defense. He comes to Hinshaw from the Los Angeles office of K&L Gates LLP where he served as a partner since 2001.

“Fred is a savvy trial lawyer with a wealth of experience in environmental, toxic tort and products liability law,” said Donald L. Mrozek, Chairman of Hinshaw.  “As lawmakers from California to D.C. continue to heighten the level of urgency and attention to environmental rules, regulations and compliance, and products safety laws, Fred’s addition expands our capability to serve our corporate clients as they navigate these vast and evolving areas. We’re pleased to welcome him to our Los Angeles office and to our robust environmental, toxic torts and products liability practices.”

“Part of my reason for joining Hinshaw was to be reunited with old friends and colleagues from my days at Haight, Dickson, Brown & Bonesteel,” said Ufkes. “John (Sheller), DJ (Hinds) and I have known each other for many years.” Sheller is partner in charge of the Los Angeles office. He and Hinds joined Hinshaw from Haight, Brown & Bonesteel LLP in January 2004.

Ufkes has national and regional counsel experience in both products liability and mass torts, and has defended companies and manufacturers in a broad spectrum of products, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, computer software and hardware, heavy machinery, construction equipment and consumer products. In addition, he has handled a substantial number of matters involving compliance and litigation surrounding California’s Proposition 65, the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act. He has also litigated matters under the federal CERCLA, RCRA, Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act statutes.

Ufkes has been lead trial counsel for a number of Fortune 500 companies in matters including plaintiffs’ claims for exposure to industrial solvents, degreasers, paints, adhesives and epoxies. He also served as trial counsel in asbestos litigation throughout California.

He is a graduate of the University of California at San Diego (1979) and earned his J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law (1982).
Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is a national law firm with 475 lawyers in 25 offices. The firm offers a full-service practice, with an emphasis in litigation, corporate and business law, environmental, labor and employment law, professional liability defense, and wealth preservation and taxation matters. The firm provides services to a range of for-profit and not-for-profit clients in industries that include construction, financial services, health care, insurance, legal, manufacturing, real estate, retail and transportation. Firm clients also include government agencies, municipalities and schools.