McGuireWoods is named among the shortlisted firms for The Lawyer’s Business Leadership Awards recognizing European law firms for developing innovative client solutions. The Aug. 17 article, titled “Problem solved: The new legal products transforming the market,” discusses McGuireWoods’ role in co-founding Green Lane, a first-of-its-kind one-stop-shop solution for trade law services.
Brussels partners Yves Melin and Vassilis Akritidis lead the McGuireWoods team that supports Green Lane.
Named after the “nothing to declare” line at customs facilities, Green Lane is a network of European customs and trade law firms that have aligned to provide clients with seamless service across EU member states. The alliance, launched in 2015, assists clients in navigating the complex web of customs and international trade laws that are regulated centrally by the EU, but are implemented by authorities of the 28 EU member states. Inconsistent customs practices by EU member states often results in the unexpected imposition of high import duties and unintended noncompliance with trade and customs laws may cause import/export delays.
Green Lane addresses these challenges by providing coordinated legal services in three key areas: customs, trade remedies (anti-dumping and countervailing duties, and safeguards), and export controls and sanctions. The network also helps clients establish in-house compliance programs and policies.
Recognized by authoritative annual guides to leading law firms, McGuireWoods’ international trade team is ranked in Chambers and Partners’ 2016 Global Guide and honored as a top firm in The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa 2016. Melin and Akritidis are singled out as notable practitioners in both publications.