Ronald Meltzer's practice focuses on compliance and enforcement matters relating to US export controls and economic sanctions. His work includes due diligence reviews, transaction advice, licensing, corporate compliance programs, regulatory audits, voluntary disclosures and enforcement cases. Mr. Meltzer has extensive experience dealing with the US Department of State, US Department of Commerce and OFAC on these matters. Mr. Meltzer also represents clients in customs and trade remedy cases and provides advice on Foreign Agents Registration Act requirements.

Professional Activities

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Meltzer was a professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he published widely in the fields of US foreign economic relations, national security and international trade law. He previously worked on trade matters in the office of the Secretary of Commerce and for former Senator Bill Bradley, and has taught at the Universiti Teknologi MARA in Malaysia and at American University's School of International Service. Mr. Meltzer is a member of the Washington Council of Human Rights First and the Washington Leadership Board of the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School.

Experience

    • Represented US and foreign clients in numerous BIS and DDTC licensing matters involving transfers of technology controlled under the EAR and ITAR, including the development of comprehensive technology transfer control programs to ensure ongoing compliance with such authorizations
    • Represented US and foreign clients in designing and implementing product classification systems and internal license data bases to ensure ongoing compliance with EAR and ITAR licensing requirements
    • Represented US and foreign clients in numerous internal investigations concerning EAR, ITAR and OFAC compliance requirements and in resolving enforcement cases relating to registration, licensing, administration of authorized agreements, deemed exports and reporting obligations
    • Represented US and foreign clients in establishing export compliance programs applicable to all levels of operation, including foreign outsourcing, and in providing regularized compliance audits and training to domestic and foreign affiliates
    • Represented US-based financial services and securities firms in developing risk-based OFAC compliance policies, including the design and implementation of risk assessments and screening programs applicable to different lines of business
    • Represented US and foreign clients in obtaining OFAC licenses for exports of medical equipment and agricultural products to US-embargoed countries, including Cuba and Iran
    • Represented US and foreign clients, including financial institutions, securities firms and investment banks, on OFAC issues applicable to complex M&A and financing transactions

Recognition

  • Recognized as a key figure by The Wire China’s Who’s Who: China-focused Lawyers in 2024.
  • Ranked in the 2009–2024 editions of Chambers Global for his outstanding international trade: export control and economic sanctions practice.
  • Selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for international trade and finance law (2008–2024).
  • Regularly recognized by Chambers USA Guide in USA: Nationwide for International Trade: Export Controls & Economic Sanctions.
  • Recognized as a leading lawyer in the 2012–2016 editions of Expert Guides: Guide to the World's Leading International Trade Attorneys.
  • Selected as a "Super Lawyer" in the 2014–2023 editions of Washington DC Super Lawyers for his international trade practice.
  • Consistently recommended by The Legal 500 United States for his international trade practice.

Insights & News

Credentials

  • Education

    • JD, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Law, 1989

      summa cum laude
    • PhD, Columbia University, 1975

      John W. Burgess Distinguished Fellow
    • BA, Ohio University, 1970

      summa cum laude
  • Admissions

    • District of Columbia

    • New York

Credentials

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