David Stepp is an experienced trade lawyer who provides multinational companies with strategic advice on global customs and international trade compliance matters. David is a partner in the Los Angeles office of Crowell & Moring.
His practice focuses on advising companies on their e-commerce strategies globally, conducting global customs and international trade audits, and assisting clients on improving, benchmarking, and coordinating compliance programs across borders.
David has over 30 years of experience handling international trade regulatory matters, including those related to tariff classification, valuation, country of origin marking, free trade agreements, and Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT).
He also has experience in advising on trade remedies and coordinating government investigations, including FCPA matters.
Prior to joining the firm, David led regulatory initiatives across Asia, as well as advised clients on U.S. customs practices and procedures.
Affiliations
Admitted to practice: California, District of Columbia, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and 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
Speeches & Presentations
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"Global Trade in a Changing World," Robert Matsui U.S. Courthouse, Sacramento, CA
(October 24, 2019).
Presenter: David R. Stepp.
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"The America’s Panel: Has the US gained from its trade rows and where does this leave its trade partners? Have Belgian (European) companies to gain from this?" Managing Risks When Trading Overseas: The Impact of a Rapidly Changing Trade Environment, Antwerp, Belgium
(March 15, 2019).
Panelist: David R. Stepp.
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"Trade Wars with China: Analysis of Outcome," Federal Bar Association: 2019 Fashion Law Conference, New York, NY
(February 8, 2019).
Moderator: Frances P. Hadfield; Panelist: David R. Stepp.
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"Key Considerations for Cross-Border Transactions in Asia," Asia Pacific Business Outlook (APBO) Conference, Los Angeles, CA
(April 17, 2018).
Presenter: David R. Stepp.
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"U.S. – Asia Update 2017: Tracking Emerging Trends & Opportunities," Asia Pacific Business Outlook (APBO) Conference, Los Angeles, CA
(March 27, 2017).
Presenter: David R. Stepp.
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"Trends in U.S. International Trade Policy in the New Administration," Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN) Annual Meeting & Conference, Lisbon, Portugal
(March 16, 2017).
Presenter: David R. Stepp.
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E-Commerce Workshop, American Association of Exporters & Importers and Foreign Trade Association’s 2017 Western Regional Conference, Los Angeles, CA
(January 30, 2017).
Presenter: David R. Stepp.
Publications
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"Trade – Importing: Risky Business," Crowell & Moring's Litigation Forecast 2020
(January 22, 2020).
Contributor: David R. Stepp.
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"China: Using Customs to Protect Your Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)" Crowell & Moring's International Trade Law
(January 18, 2020).
Authors: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Jackson C. Pai and David R. Stepp.
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"China Customs and Intellectual Property Rights Protection," Crowell & Moring's Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
(December 10, 2019).
Authors: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Jackson C. Pai and David R. Stepp.
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"Trade Winds: How Global Businesses Are Navigating Trade, Tariffs, and the Uncharted Waters Ahead," Crowell & Moring's Regulatory Forecast 2019
(February 27, 2019).
Contributors: Ambassador Robert Holleyman, David R. Stepp, Cheryl A. Falvey, Frederik Van Remoortel, Teresa Stanek Rea, Carlton Greene, and John B. Brew.
Client Alerts & Newsletters
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"New Rules Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods Impact E-Commerce,"
International Trade Bulletin
(February 11, 2020).
Contacts: John B. Brew, David R. Stepp, Lorraine M. Campos, Paul M. Rosen, Peter Eyre
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"Getting Products to China: Avoiding Tariff Classification Traps in Uncertain Times,"
International Trade Bulletin
(January 30, 2020).
Contacts: David R. Stepp, Evan Y. Chuck
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"The Month in International Trade – May 2019,"
International Trade Bulletin
(June 12, 2019).
Contacts: Jeffrey L. Snyder, Frances P. Hadfield, Edward Goetz, David (Dj) Wolff, David Baron, Eduardo Mathison, John B. Brew, Spencer Toubia, Rebecca Toro Condori, Evan Y. Chuck, David R. Stepp, Nicole Janigian Simonian
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"China Releases Product Exclusion Process for Certain U.S. Products Subject to Additional Retaliatory Tariffs,"
International Trade Bulletin
(May 15, 2019).
Contacts: David R. Stepp, Nicole Janigian Simonian, Evan Y. Chuck
Media Mentions
Firm News & Announcements