Lisa C. Mays

Lisa Mays is an associate in the Governmental Practice in the firm's Orange County office. She is a member of the Practice’s Supply Chain Management, Sanctions, Imports, and Export Controls Teams. She is lead associate of the firm’s Transportation Team and a member of the firm’s Food & Beverage and AI Teams.

Areas of Practice

Lisa is an international trade attorney. She focuses on regulatory compliance counseling and investigations in export controls, economic sanctions, antibribery, antiboycott, CFIUS, and customs and imports. She provides practical solutions for global businesses while helping them detect and prevent compliance threats and navigate their supply chains.

Lisa regularly advises companies in the following industries: aerospace and defense, artificial intelligence, aviation, automotive, education, electronics, financial services, food and beverage, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, mining, retail, semiconductors, software, solar, space, staffing, technology, telecommunications, and transportation.

In that practice, she counsels clients on Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations; the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR); the Export Administration Regulations (EAR); the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA); trade agreements; Customs and imports laws, including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA); antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD); Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS); anti-boycott controls; anti-money laundering (AML); and related supply chain management.

Lisa represents clients before the U.S. Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control; the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR); the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS); the Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC); the Department of Justice (DOJ); the International Trade Commission (ITC); U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP); and CFIUS.

Prior to her career as an attorney, she worked for cloud-based startups in Berlin, Germany.

Experience

Export Controls:

• Obtained approval from Department of Commerce to enable German construction and engineering firm to operate in Cuba
• Advised U.S. university on technology and deemed export issues related to non-U.S. campuses, students and faculty
• Assisted in internal investigation and disclosure of encrypted software exports resulting in closing of Department of Commerce case without export penalties or monetary damages
• Performed due diligence enabling private equity firm to complete acquisition of defense and security business of a defense contractor
• Advised automotive components manufacturer regarding exports of technology to Russia
• Conducted export controls audits for U.S. rocket and missile propulsion manufacturer; U.S. aircraft parts manufacturer; and U.S. telecommunications software company  
• Drafted export control policies and procedures for Norwegian defense company; U.S. entertainment service provider; and U.S. consulting firm
• Counseled U.S. satellite communications company on end user due diligence under the EAR

Customs and Imports:

• Drafted exclusion requests for multiple U.S. manufacturers and retailers under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974
• Counseled U.S. companies on global supply chain solutions after implementation of Section 301 tariffs and with respect to AD/CVD duties
• Successfully helped electronics company secure the release of goods seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Assisted U.S. food and beverage companies with Customs classifications and country of origin markings under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
• Counseled Australian company on rules of origin under the U.S.-Australia Free Trade Agreement (USAFTA), and assessed Customs exposure risks
• Advised South Korean solar company on compliance with antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) orders
• Assisted U.S. manufacturers with prior disclosures, CF-28 and CF-29 notices and audits regarding valuation, antidumping and countervailing duties and classifications

U.S. Sanctions:

• Advised EU security service provider on U.S. sanctions compliance issues in transaction with Iranian airport authorities to provide security services at Iranian airports
• Analyzed sanctions risk for non-U.S. law firm with Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) clients
• Advised commercial launch services provider on compliance with Russia sanctions
• Counseled U.S. company in acquisition of intellectual property from Iranian company
• Advised non-U.S. bank on compliance with Cuba, Iran and North Korea sanctions
• Prepared expert report for non-U.S. aviation company regarding sanctions issues for British arbitration
• Drafted Iran sanctions compliance protocol for Italian aviation services company
• Counseled entertainment and technology company on compliance with Iran sanctions

Antiboycott:

• Conducted antiboycott analyses of financial and shipping transactions for top automotive manufacturer
• Analyzed antiboycott risk for U.S. manufacturer shipping globally
• Counseled software company with operations in Israel on compliance with antiboycott laws

Committee for Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS):

• Assisted U.S. entity in CFIUS submission regarding sale to foreign investment fund of infrastructure assets
• Advised U.S. subsidiary of German company on national security considerations raised by proposed acquisition, and assessed need for CFIUS filing
• Counseled Chinese acquirer regarding CFIUS in connection with health care systems and hospital acquisitions

Additional Experience:

• Created anti-money laundering (AML) policy for top credit rating agency
• Assessed AML risk for startup company seeking to operate globally
• Assisted in representation of South Korean company in antidumping case before the International Trade Commission (ITC)
• Conducted antiboycott analysis of financial and shipping transactions for automotive manufacturer
• Assisted technology company with grand jury subpoena response
• Counseled military mental health services nonprofit organization on compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
• Supported in the defense of Fortune 500 company in False Claims Act suit related to alleged General Services Administration (GSA) non-compliance

Articles

• "The Trickle Down Effect of Privacy Shield Uncertainty: Fluctuating Lines for Anti-Bribery Compliance," Journal of Internet Law, Wolters Kluwer, April 2016

Books

• Contributing author, "The CFIUS Book" WorldECR, May 2020
• Co-author, ABA Employment Handbook: Export Controls Chapter
• Co-author, GSA Schedule Handbook: International Trade Compliance for MAS Contractors Chapter
• Contributing author, "The CFIUS Book" WorldECR
• Co-author, "U.S. Export Controls and the Cloud" chapter, Cloud Computing Legal Deskbook, 2015 Edition, Thomson Reuters

Corporate & Securities Blog Posts

• "New Outbound Investment Restrictions Affect China, Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Computing," August 11, 2023

False Claims Act Defense Blog Posts

• "DOJ Seeks Rehearing in D.C. Circuit Case, Hoping to Resurrect Liability for a Contractor’s “Objectively Reasonable” Interpretation of an Ambiguous Contract Provision," February 18, 2016

Global Trade Law Blog Posts

• "SoL Long to Short Limits: The Sequel — A Decade of Recordkeeping and Enforcement," July 26, 2024

• "ITAR Fees Overhaul: Navigating the New Registration Costs," June 25, 2024
• "Proposed Outbound Investment Regulations: Understanding the New Restrictions on U.S. Outbound Investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Semiconductors, and Quantum Computing," June 25, 2024
• "Now Including the Kitchen Sink: Expansion of Export Controls on Russia Adds Restrictions on Low-Level Items and Software," June 20, 2024

• "Navigating the Solarscape: Our Handy Solar Tariffs Cheat Sheet," June 18, 2024
• "Say SoL Long to Short Limits: Doubling Down on the Sanctions Statute of Limitations," May 6, 2024

• "China Semiconductor Export Regulations, Episode III – What a Difference a Year Makes," October 20, 2023

• "Reverse CFIUS Unveiled: Focus on China, Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Computing," August 11, 2023

• "Tax Credits for Electric Vehicle Batteries Under the Inflation Reduction Act: Free Trade Agreement Edition," July 3, 2023

• "Biden Veto Maintains Solar Tariff Moratorium," May 19, 2023

• "Don’t Let the Government Name, Shame, and Fine You – Export Controls Do NOT Excuse Hiring Discrimination," April 25, 2023
• "U.S. Outbound Investment Restrictions Are Becoming a Reality," March 9, 2023

• "Friday Development: New Sanctions and Export Controls to Address Russia’s Ongoing Aggression in Ukraine (Including the use of Iranian UAVs)," February 27, 2023

• "New Year, New Development: Fewer Industries May be Affected by Proposed Outbound Investment Controls (Reverse CFIUS)," January 19, 2023

• "Will We Ring in the New Year with Outbound Investment Restrictions?," December 21, 2022

• "China Semiconductor Regulations, Episode II – The Curious Case of the American in a Chinese Chip Company," December 7, 2022

• "China Tariffs: Opportunity to Request Modifications," November 17, 2022
• "China Tariffs: USTR Requests Comments for Review of Section 301 Tariffs," October 17, 2022

• "U.S. and Allies Impose Additional Russia Sanctions After Sham Annexations," October 6, 2022

• "Technology to Iran: OFAC Lifts Certain Iran Sanctions In Response to Protests in Iran," September 27, 2022

• "The Trend of Production Moving from China to Mexico – Regulatory and Practical Considerations: Zai Jian Zhongguo, Bienvenidos a México," May 17, 2022
• "U.S., UK and EU Sanctions Over the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) Regions of Ukraine," February 25, 2022
• "Russian Risk: Transactions with Russian Banks and Exports to Russia Create Greatest Exposure Under New EU and UK Ukraine-Related Sanctions," February 25, 2022
• "Russian Risk: Transactions with Russian Banks and Exports to Russia Create Greatest Exposure Under New U.S. Ukraine-Related Sanctions," February 25, 2022

• "Does Your Trade Policy Support Your Company’s Values?," October 8, 2021
• "Exclusions 2.0. The USTR Announces a New Section 301 Exclusion Process for Chinese Products," October 8, 2021
• "Four Ways the Biden Presidency Could Impact Imports, Tariffs, and Trade Agreements," November 16, 2020
• "Lend Me Your EARs: CFIUS Makes Export Controls a Trigger for Mandatory Filings," October 14, 2020
• "Export Control HR Pitfalls To Avoid When Hiring," September 2, 2020
• "CFIUS UPDATE ISSUE — CFIUS Scrutiny in Biotech: The Ekso Case and the Eye of the Terminator," May 29, 2020
• "Refresher: How to Comply With U.S. Export Controls and Anti-Discrimination Laws When Recruiting and Hiring Foreign Nationals," April 8, 2020

• "The Emerging Landscape for Export Controls on Autonomous Vehicle Technology," April 8, 2020

• "From CFIUS, With Love: The FIRRMA Regulations" January 28, 2020
• "UPDATED: China Trade War Scorecard: Keeping Track of Tariffs," January 16, 2020
• "Chasing Huawei: BIS May Change the Rules of the Game to Target One Player," December 18, 2019
• "One Higher Ed Requirement To Know Now," October 18, 2019 
• "A Low-Key Way to Eliminate Thousands in Import Duties: Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Duty Suspension," October 18, 2019 
• "INTERNATIONAL TECH INVESTMENT ISSUE – A Wave of Export Regulation to Hit US Technologies," April 10, 2019 
• "The New Suits of Havana: How Non-U.S. Companies May Soon Be Sued for Their Business in Cuba," March 19, 2019 
• "Update from the Trump Trade War Front: Tariffs Will Not Increase March 2," March 1, 2019
• "Comment Deadline Extended: Export Controls on Emerging Technologies," December 11, 2018 
• "The Little Regulation That Will Make a Big Change in How You Do Business: Department of Commerce to Establish New Export Controls on Emerging Technologies," November 19, 2018 
• "The New NAFTA: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)," October 2, 2018 
• "The Latest U.S. Sanctions on Russia," September 20, 2018
• "Another Day Another Tariff… and Other Recent Restrictions on China," June 7, 2018 
• "The Future of CFIUS: Perhaps Not So Happy a New Year," December 12, 2017
• "The United States Munitions List: When Guns Come Off of the ITAR," September 14, 2017 
• "Preparing For Heightened Antidumping and Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD) Enforcement Under the Trump Administration," April 6, 2017 
• "Predicting the Unpredictable: Will Tariffs Under President Trump Cause a Trade War With China?," March 15, 2017

• "The Future of Russia Sanctions: The Awkward Edition," January 13, 2017

• "The Table Flip: Trump, the Iran Nuclear Deal, and American Business," December 7, 2016

• "The Future of the U.S.-Canada Trade Relationship in Light of the Election," November 22, 2016

• "Obama’s Not Slowing Down On Cuba: New Steps Forward Open Doors (and Humidors!) for Collaboration," October 17, 2016

• "The Revival of the Age of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Cases," August 17, 2016

• "Are You Within Reach of Anti-Money Laundering Enforcement? The Tentacles of Money Laundering Schemes Affect Real Estate Investors Worldwide," June 9, 2016
• "Hotels and Hospitality in Cuba: OFAC and Obama Paving the Way," April 20, 2016
• "The Day of North Korea Sanctions: the UN Imposes the Toughest North Korea Sanctions Yet While OFAC and State Designate More North Korean Entities," March 3, 2016
• "When Voluntary Self-Disclosure Isn’t so Voluntary: SEC Says Self-Disclose or Forfeit Non-Prosecution and Deferred Prosecution," January 6, 2016
• "The Schrems Decision: How the End of Safe Harbor Affects Your FCPA Compliance Plan," November 12, 2015
• "Shelter from the Coming Storm: Anti-Corruption Compliance in European Public Procurement," July 15, 2014

Government Contracts & Investigations Law Blog Posts

• "Antiboycott Update for Government Contractors and More," September 18, 2023

Media Mentions

Speaking Engagements

• Speaker, “Country of Origin – Sanctions and Prohibited Sources,” Public Contracting Institute, September 19, 2024
• Panelist, "Global Law Trade Insights 2024: A Women-Led Dialogue," Women in International Trade Orange County and Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service, Irvine, CA, March 13, 2024
• Moderator, "Chips, Data, Standards: Building a Competitive AI Economy," The Association of Women in International Trade, December 8, 2023
• Panelist, "Competing Employer Obligations: Complying with Export Control Laws While Avoiding National Origin Discrimination," Strafford, September 27, 2023
• Speaker, “Buy America & Country of Origin Series: Sanctions and other Prohibited Sources,” Public Contracting Institute, May 10, 2023
• Co-Host, “Proposed ‘Reverse CFIUS’ Outbound Investment Review Process,” Association of Women in International Trade, October 20, 2022
• Speaker, “U.S. Export Control Laws and Tariffs,” Public Contracting Institute, October 18, 2022
• Speaker, “U.S. Export Controls: ITAR, EAR and Emerging Technologies,” Public Contracting Institute, December 5, 2019
• Co-Host, "ABA YLD Midyear Program Doing Business with Cuba," ABA February 3, 2017

Events

Memberships

Co-Chair Imports & Supply Chain Committee, Association of Women in International Trade (WIIT)

Former Co-Chair of Americas Committee, WIIT

Former Exports, Sanctions & National Security Committee Member, WIIT

Member, Customs and International Trade Bar Association (CITBA)

Former Chair, Young Lawyers Division, International Law Committee, American Bar Association, 2016-2018

Member, California State Bar

Member, District of Columbia Bar

Digital Media