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Melanie Garcia

Melanie Garcia

Partner
Washington, DC
About

Melanie Garcia’s practice focuses on economic sanctions (OFAC), international trade compliance (BIS), and advocacy before the Executive branch and Congress.

Melanie regularly advises US and multinational companies on matters related to US national security law and policy. As part of her practice, Melanie draws on her robust knowledge of relevant government regulations – including economic sanctions, export controls, and anti-boycott laws – to assist clients with complex compliance issues, including those that may result in investigations and enforcement actions or may require seeking authorization from relevant government agencies. Melanie frequently helps clients develop strategies to address the legal and political issues related to these matters. She provides timely and thoughtful advice to clients in a wide range of industries, including insurance, aerospace, financial services, and manufacturing.

Areas of FocusRegulatory and Government Affairs
Bar admissionsDistrict of ColumbiaMaryland

EXPERIENCE

  • Melanie has substantial experience and success advocating for clients before the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), including proactively seeking authorization for clients to engage in certain activities and assisting clients in enforcement actions.
  • Melanie assists clients in developing and improving internal compliance controls, including designing and implementing compliance policies and procedures, providing training on regulatory obligations, and advising on new regulatory challenges.
  • With regard to international trade compliance, Melanie advises clients on export control and anti-boycott obligations under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and on compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Melanie brings clarity to clients dealing with this complex regulatory framework by achieving a strong understanding of each client’s business and providing succinct and relevant advice.
  • Melanie has represented companies on implementing strategies to advocate before Congress and the Executive branch, including before the Departments of State and Commerce, on policy, legislation, and appropriations issues affecting their business interests.
Languages
  • Spanish
Education
  • J.D., Georgetown University Law Center 2012
  • B.A., English, Duke University 2007

Pro Bono

  • Her Pro Bono work has earned Melanie recognition from the firm and has focused on helping improve the situation of immigrants and non-profit education organizations. Melanie is engaged in multiple DLA Piper initiatives, and serves on the firm's Leadership Alliance for Women and on the steering committee for the firm’s Washington, D.C. Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Bylines

  • US government sanctions Petróleos de Venezuela, authorizes US persons to engage in certain limited transactions, 29 Jan 2019
  • Section 301 additional tariffs on imports of Chinese products: options for high tech and manufacturing companies, 3 Oct 2018
  • Section 301 trade action against Chinese products: time for quick action, 4 Apr 2018
  • Section 232 trade action - steel, aluminum tariffs: trade war? Mechanisms for possible relief for certain companies and countries, 9 Mar 2018

Prior Experience

Before her legal career, Melanie taught English to freshmen and sophomores at a private school in Florida. In law school, she achieved a strong academic record and gained legal experience working as law clerk at the National Hispanic Media Coalition, where she focused on First Amendment issues.

My latest insights

Publication
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Congress ramps up pressure on outbound investments and “strategic competition” with China

17 January 2023 .8 minute read

Publication
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DOJ plans to make US sanctions enforcement “the new FCPA": watch these key areas

21 July 2022 .7 minute read

Publication
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Coming soon: a national security screening mechanism for outbound investments

27 June 2022 .5 minute read

View All

Connect

Phone

+1 202 799 4325
(Work, Washington, DC)
+1 202 304 7715
(Work)
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