David Stepp
Overview
A leading international trade lawyer with more than 30 years of experience, David Stepp provides multinational companies with strategic advice on global customs and international trade compliance matters. A trusted advisor, David helps clients navigate the legal and business challenges of operating in an increasingly contentious global business environment. He advises companies with complex global supply chains in a wide variety of industries, including electronics, automotive, aerospace, e-commerce, apparel, home improvement, agriculture, seafood, defense, medical supplies, among others.
Career & Education
- Duke University, A.B., 1983
- University of Georgia School of Law, J.D., 1986
- California
- District of Columbia
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- U.S. Court of International Trade
Professional Activities and Memberships
- Board of Directors, Northern California World Trade Center
- Board of Directors, International Visitors Council of Los Angeles (Chairman, 2014, and President, 2013)
- Member, Global Legal Customs Association (President, 2008-2010)
- Member, American Bar Association
David's Insights
Client Alert | 4 min read | 06.24.25
CBP Issues First Comprehensive Guide to Modifying a Withhold Release Order (WRO)
On June 2, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) issued its first ever Withhold Release Order (“WRO”) and Finding Modifications Guide (“Guide” or “the Guide”). The Guide serves as a roadmap for importers facing a possible WRO or Finding due to allegations of forced labor in the supply chain of their goods imported into the U.S. It provides guidance on information to be included in a modification petition, identifies possible cases in which CBP might request additional information, and provides resources for importers facing a WRO or Finding.
Speaking Engagement | 06.09.25
Firm News | 11 min read | 06.05.25
Press Coverage | 05.30.25
Recognition
- Thomson Reuters: Stand-out Lawyer, 2025
- Who’s Who Legal: Trade & Customs 2022, 2023
David's Insights
Client Alert | 4 min read | 06.24.25
CBP Issues First Comprehensive Guide to Modifying a Withhold Release Order (WRO)
On June 2, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) issued its first ever Withhold Release Order (“WRO”) and Finding Modifications Guide (“Guide” or “the Guide”). The Guide serves as a roadmap for importers facing a possible WRO or Finding due to allegations of forced labor in the supply chain of their goods imported into the U.S. It provides guidance on information to be included in a modification petition, identifies possible cases in which CBP might request additional information, and provides resources for importers facing a WRO or Finding.
Speaking Engagement | 06.09.25
Firm News | 11 min read | 06.05.25
Press Coverage | 05.30.25
Insights
Trade Winds: How Global Businesses Are Navigating Trade, Tariffs, and the Uncharted Waters Ahead
|02.27.19
Crowell & Moring's Regulatory Forecast 2019
“International Trade Sanctions: Russian, American and European Perspectives,” Global Legal Customs Association (GLCA) Conference 2024, Dubai, UAE
|02.08.24
Red Flags: Navigating the Hurricane (2024 Corporate Counsel Section CLE)
|02.02.24
"Global Legal Customs Association: Global Perspectives: Implementation and Enforcement of Forced Labor Laws," Global Legal Customs Association Webinar, 2023.
|06.28.23
Choose Words Carefully In Forced Labor Communications With Chinese Suppliers, Lawyer Says
|03.22.23
International Trade Today
U.S. Steps Up Enforcement On Apparel Imports Over Forced Labor in Xinjiang
|07.07.21
Women's Wear Daily
Continued Pain In The Retail Sector: Coming Enforcement Of Forced Labor Laws
|02.27.23
Crowell & Moring’s Restructuring Matters
- |
06.28.22
Crowell & Moring’s International Trade Law
CBP Issues its Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Operational Guidance for Importers
|06.17.22
Crowell & Moring’s International Trade Law
- |
06.06.22
Crowell & Moring’s International Trade Law
European Commission Issues a Proposal for a Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence
|02.24.22
Crowell & Moring’s International Trade Law
U.S. Senators Introduce the Slave-Free Business Certification Act
|02.17.22
Crowell & Moring’s International Trade Law
House passes bill barring imports of goods produced in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China
|12.10.21
Crowell & Moring’s International Trade Law
- |
08.31.21
Crowell & Moring’s International Trade Law
- |
07.02.21
Crowell & Moring’s International Trade Law
CBP Issues Withhold Release Order (WRO) on Certain Silica-Based Products from Xinjiang, PRC
|06.24.21
Crowell & Moring’s International Trade Law
David's Insights
Client Alert | 4 min read | 06.24.25
CBP Issues First Comprehensive Guide to Modifying a Withhold Release Order (WRO)
On June 2, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) issued its first ever Withhold Release Order (“WRO”) and Finding Modifications Guide (“Guide” or “the Guide”). The Guide serves as a roadmap for importers facing a possible WRO or Finding due to allegations of forced labor in the supply chain of their goods imported into the U.S. It provides guidance on information to be included in a modification petition, identifies possible cases in which CBP might request additional information, and provides resources for importers facing a WRO or Finding.
Speaking Engagement | 06.09.25
Firm News | 11 min read | 06.05.25
Press Coverage | 05.30.25