Ashley W. Craig

Partner
Craig Ashley

Ashley Craig, chair of Venable's International Trade Group, maintains a diverse practice advising on a host of domestic and international regulatory compliance concerns. Ashley counsels both U.S. and non-U.S. companies on transactional matters and cross-border legal/regulatory and policy concerns, concentrating on export controls, economic sanctions, technology transfers, Customs compliance, and transport (all modes) regulation. Ashley regularly appears on behalf of clients before executive branch agencies and congressional committees with oversight of global commercial matters, foreign investment, transport/logistics, and economic regulation.

Ashley's practice touches on all matters of corporate governance and related compliance significance, ranging from trade sanctions and export controls to anti-bribery and corruption standards. He approaches corporate compliance with a practical attitude, recognizing the need to understand business priorities, while ensuring legal and regulatory compliance efforts are not overlooked. Ashley's experience includes matters arising under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and related corruption issues on a global basis and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). His work entails internal investigations, due diligence activities, opinion requests from federal agencies, voluntary self-disclosures, auditing, and compliance training.

Ashley regularly assists clients on U.S. export controls and economic sanctions, on a proactive basis (internal compliance) and before federal agencies (such as the Departments of State, the Treasury, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Justice).

Ashley also represents clients before foreign governments and international organizations, such as the European Commission, UK Parliament and ministries, numerous ministries and offices of the People's Republic of China, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the World Customs Organization.

His relevant legislative experience includes, in part, the SAFE Port Act of 2006, the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, the Trade Act of 2002, and numerous miscellaneous trade and tariff bills (addressing temporary duty elimination/reduction for U.S. importers), as well as implementation regulations before the competent agencies.

Ashley's understanding of the regulatory, legislative, and commercial issues affecting international concerns (such as transport and logistics) translates into practical solutions for those involved with global commerce and trade. Moreover, Ashley's familiarity with the various regulatory agencies that oversee trade, transportation, and homeland security issues ensures clients receive timely advice on issues of importance.

Experience

Representative Matters

  • Served on a senior-level task force of industry leaders and national security experts that has issued its final recommendations to close security gaps in global trade by better leveraging market incentives. Targeted at U.S. government and industry stakeholders, the proposals of the “Partners in Prevention Task Force” is an initiative of the nonprofit, nonpartisan Stimson Center. Former Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Science and Technology Jay Cohen (RADM, USN, Ret) served as task force chair. The group’s recommendations follow an 18-month Stimson Center collaboration with hundreds of industry partners spanning high-tech manufacturers and service providers, transport and logistics firms, and insurance providers. Topics addressed include the Export Control Reform Initiative; the increasing importance of third-party logistics services in global trade; security at U.S. port facilities; and implementation of the International Trade Data System
  • Following the 2001 terrorist attacks, served as a private sector advisor on the development of U.S. transportation security recommendations to the National Infrastructure Security Committee (a working group that reported to the secretary of the Department of Transportation)
  • Routinely advises clients on the complex regulatory landscape governing U.S. export controls, as well as the requirements governing defense articles used in support of U.S. and foreign military operations

Insights

Credentials
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Education

  • J.D. Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law 2000
    • Certificate, Comparative and International Law, 2000
  • B.A. American University 1992

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • Member, American Bar Association, Antitrust and Administrative Law Sections
  • Member, Maritime Administrative Bar Association
  • Member, Maritime Law Association
  • Member, Society for International Affairs
  • Member, British American Business Council; Defense, Transportation & Security Committee
  • Secretary, History of Containerization Foundation
  • Board member, Containerization & Intermodal Institute

Recognition
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  • BTI Consulting Group, Client Service All-Star, 2022
  • Who's Who Legal
    • Transportation, 2022
    • Transportation - Shipping, 2020
  • The Best Lawyers in America, International Trade and Finance Law, 2019 – 2023
  • Chambers USA, Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory, Nationwide, 2012 – 2023

Community
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Volunteerism

  • President, Propeller Club of Washington, DC