Leading international law firm Baker McKenzie announced today that trade and customs lawyer Jon Cowley has rejoined the Firm as a Partner in the North America International Commercial & Trade Practice Group. Jon returns to Baker McKenzie after serving as Principal Counsel at a leading multinational technology company, where he was the lead legal advisor on global trade matters. He was previously a partner in Baker McKenzie’s Hong Kong and Chicago offices, and before that, in-house Customs and International counsel for a major apparel company.
Jon's practice focuses on international trade issues, including customs, UFLPA compliance, trade remedies, export controls, sanctions and other cross-border regulatory matters. He brings extensive experience assisting multinational companies with devising tariff mitigation and supply chain diversification plans. Fluent in Mandarin, he also brings unparalleled knowledge of US-China trade issues. Additionally, Jon has hands-on experience designing, developing and deploying predictive analytics tools to monitor trade risks.
"Significant US trade policy changes are expected under the new US Administration, and our clients are making preparations for increased tariffs and other restrictive trade measures,” said Alison Stafford Powell, Chair of the North America Trade Compliance team. “Jon’s breadth of experience at the cutting edge of advising companies on supply chain diversification and tariff mitigation strategies in the context of geopolitical crises will be a tremendous asset to our clients as they navigate a new trade regime and seek support on trade compliance issues. His China expertise is especially valuable to clients as US-China trade relations remain a focal point for businesses."
Baker McKenzie's International Trade lawyers help clients keep up with rapidly changing, often conflicting import, export and trade regulations that impact cross-border trade transactions and activities. The Firm’s areas of expertise include customs and import controls, tariff mitigation and supply chain security and derisking, export controls, sanctions, anti-boycott controls, trade remedies, VAT/indirect taxes, strategic sourcing, and trade litigation. The International Trade team helps clients navigate the complex challenges of sourcing, manufacturing, distributing and selling products and services across the globe.
“Jon is a leader in the trade sphere for his skill in handling complex US-China trade and supply chain matters – chief business concerns for many multinationals," commented Will Woods, Chair of Baker McKenzie’s North America International Commercial & Trade Practice Group. “His return further solidifies our position as one of the most comprehensive international trade teams in the US.”
"We are thrilled to welcome Jon back to Baker McKenzie, especially when trade compliance is a top priority for our clients,” added David Malliband, Managing Partner of Baker McKenzie's Chicago office.
Jon received his BS from Brigham Young University and his JD from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and is proficient in Cantonese and Mandarin Chinese.