Nicole Janigian Simonian is the co-chair of the firm’s International Trade practice and International Employment and Global Mobility Lead, with a focus on the firm’s Asia practice. A partner in the firm’s Los Angeles office, she is also a director of the firm’s China consulting subsidiary in Shanghai. Nicole’s practice covers a range of international compliance and regulatory issues, including cross border transactions, international trade, global mobility and employment, and global supply chains.
Nicole is a member of the firm’s COVID‐19 Working Group, focusing on advising employers on compliance with U.S. and international initiatives affecting private employers and providing guidance on how to navigate the myriad of regulatory complexities companies are confronted with on a global basis.
A highly experienced business, compliance, and global employment lawyer, Nicole has over 20 years of experience working as a strategic advisor for a wide range of clients, from emerging growth companies to Fortune 500 multinational conglomerates, on their market entry and global business expansion throughout Asia (including China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam and Thailand), the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe.
Nicole advises companies on:
- Market entry, international expansion, global supply chain, and e-commerce strategies.
- Mobilizing and managing global workforces in conjunction with companies expanding and increasing their international footprint, including structuring and managing global mobility and expatriate workforces, day to day compliance, strategic alliances, restructuring and reorganizations, outsourcing, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and post-acquisition integration.
- Delivering a holistic legal approach to the management and legal compliance aspects of multi-jurisdictional and cross functional projects involving corporate, tax, data privacy, employment, and regulatory issues.
- Managing compliance risks for multinational companies regarding cross-border investigations, investment regulations, and data privacy and cybersecurity as applicable to employee data, including training local employees in China and throughout Asia with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
She has been a strategic advisor to private equity and portfolio companies spanning a number of industries, including aerospace, personal care, semiconductors (assembly and testing), food and beverage, medical devices, retail, apparel and textiles, advertising, outsourcing services, nonprofit organizations, and universities.
In addition to the Crowell leadership roles mentioned above, Nicole is a member of the firm’s Retail Task Force and Investigations Practice. She is also an advocate for diversity, currently serving as a member of Crowell’s Women’s Leadership Initiative.
With years of experience leading International Trade and Asia practices at Crowell and her prior firm, Nicole has a passion for international policy issues and serving the community. She is member of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the newly appointed Chair of the Chamber’s Global Initiative Council, and a member of the Chamber’s World Trade Week Committee. She is also a member of the Pacific Council on International Policy, an international affairs organization focused on public policy issues impacting the West Coast. Nicole is a former board member of Inner City Law Center, active in the Armenian American community and her children’s school committees.
Nicole is a frequent speaker on international compliance issues before domestic and global in-house legal counsel with a focus on advising on international employment and global mobility issues.
Representative Matters
- Advised multiple U.S.-based universities in establishing professor exchanges and joint certificate programs with overseas institutions of higher learning (in Asia and in Latin America), including reviewing relevant agreements, analyzing legal structures for personnel exchanges, and providing assistance on regulatory compliance.
- Serves as lead legal advisor for American multinational aircraft manufacturer with respect to its international employment strategies in Latin America and Asia.
- Serves as lead legal advisor for American multinational gas turbine manufacturer; responsible for overseeing compliance with respect to various aspects of international trade, including foreign investment, imports and exports, sanctions, and other regulatory compliance issues.
- Advises on all aspects of international employment in connection with the spin-off and formation of a publicly traded health care company in Asia and Latin America.
- Advises a multinational cosmetics company on all aspects of market entry into China, including corporate structure, joint venture negotiations, employment issues, distribution arrangements, trademark licensing, regulatory requirements, product labeling rules, and customs requirements.
- Served as lead legal advisor for a major multinational consumer products company and medical technology company with respect to their global mobility, expatriate secondment, and international employment strategies for Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
- Advises on various regulatory requirements, including market access into Asia, for several U.S. multinational clients.
- Represented a U.S. semiconductor equipment manufacturer in structuring its operations in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, PRC, Taiwan, South Korea, Germany, and Italy.
- Represented a GPS manufacturer in acquiring licensing rights to mapping data from various Chinese governmental authorities.
- Counseled a U.S. industrial construction materials manufacturer in the transfer of operations to Mexico.
- Represented a multinational corporation in a multijurisdictional disposition of offshore assets and operations in the U.S. and China.
- Represented a leading multinational toy manufacturer in the development and launch of its flagship store in Shanghai.
- Represented a collections-based educational and research institution in the design and construction of one of the largest Chinese classical gardens to be built outside of China.
Affiliations
Admitted to practice: California
Professional Activities and Memberships
- Member, Board of Directors Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, 2018, 2019, and 2020 World Trade Week Committee
- Member, Pacific Council on International Policy, Future Leaders Program
- Member, Inner City Law Center, Past Board of Directors
- Member, Council of Advisors to the Armenian Community of Hong Kong and China
- Member, Women in International Trade
- Member, Remarkable Women
- Member, Armenian Bar Association
- Member, MAPLE Business Council
- Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association – Conference of Delegates to the State Bar of California (2002-2004)
- Sustainer, Junior League of Los Angeles
- Moot Court 1L Oral Arguments Judge, UCLA School of Law (Spring 2018)
Recognition
- Named by the Los Angeles Business Journal to the 40 in their 40’s list of influential business owners and executives in the Los Angeles business community (2020)
- Named by Latinvex as one of Latin America's Top 100 Female Lawyers (2020)
- Named by the Los Angeles Business Journal to the LA500 list of the most influential people in Los Angeles (2020)
- Named by Los Angeles magazine as one of Southern California’s Rising Stars (2005-2007, 2009-2013)
- Named by the Armenian Bar Association as one of the “20 Rising Stars Under 40”
Speeches & Presentations
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"International Trade in 2021: What’s Ahead," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(February 17, 2021).
Presenters: Vassilis Akritidis, Caroline E. Brown, Michelle J. Linderman, Joshua Pond, Nicole Janigian Simonian, David R. Stepp, Robert Clifton Burns, Carina C. Federico, Jackson C. Pai, Nicole Sayegh Succar, Michael Bowen, Chandler S. Leonard, Brian McGrath, Nimrah Najeeb, and Joshua Boswell.
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"What are the legal implications of extended remote work arrangements?" Crowell & Moring Webinar
(December 9, 2020).
Presenters: Gregory D. Call, Thomas P. Gies, Kate M. Growley, S. Starling Marshall, and Nicole Janigian Simonian.
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"A FinTech Sector Briefing," LA Area Chamber of Commerce Webinar
(November 17, 2020).
Moderator: Nicole Janigian Simonian; Presenters: Michelle Ann Gitlitz and Michel C. Narganes.
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"Looking Ahead: Updates for Global Employers on the Impact of Brexit and the COVID-19 Pandemic on Employee Mobility," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(August 20, 2020).
Presenters: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Stefanie Atchinson, Evelien Jamaels, and Jackson C. Pai.
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"A Deeper Look at Cross-Border Trade Shifts with Mexico," Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Global Initiatives Council
(August 19, 2020).
Moderator: Paul M. Rosen; Council Chair: Nicole Janigian Simonian.
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"Supply Chain and Mobility: ...the limitations on mobility, continued lockdowns, and talent shortages are affecting the supply chain and trade processes for multinationals across the globe." Women in International Trade - Los Angeles
(July 30, 2020).
Presenters: Nicole Janigian Simonian and Jackson C. Pai.
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"International Employment Law Reality Check During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Jurisdiction-Specific Snapshots," ABA Webinar
(July 22, 2020).
Moderator: Nicole Janigian Simonian.
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"Geopolitical Shifts From COVID-19: Implications for China, the U.S. and Los Angeles," Global Council of the Los Angeles Area Chamber Webinar
(June 17, 2020).
Moderator: Nicole Janigian Simonian.
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"The Way Ahead - Opportunities of USMCA," Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Webinar
(June 8, 2020).
Moderator: Nicole Janigian Simonian.
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"Looking Ahead: Will Re-Opening Be as Challenging as Adapting to Stay-At-Home Orders?" Society for Human Resource Management Webinar
(May 6, 2020).
Presenters: Thomas P. Gies and Nicole Janigian Simonian.
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"Preparing for Employees to Return to the Workplace: Strategies for Global Employers During the COVID-19 Pandemic," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(April 29, 2020).
Presenters: Kris D. Meade, Emmanuel Plasschaert, Nicole Janigian Simonian, Evelien Jamaels, and Jackson C. Pai.
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"Re-opening Your Business During A Pandemic – A Morass of Legal and Practical Issues To Consider," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(April 21, 2020).
Presenters: Trina Fairley Barlow, Jodi G. Daniel, Ellen Moran Dwyer, Cheryl A. Falvey, John Fuson, Thomas P. Gies, Kate M. Growley, and Nicole Janigian Simonian.
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"Confronting COVID-19: What Every Employer Needs to Know Right Now," Association of Corporate Counsel Webinar
(March 17, 2020).
Presenters: Thomas P. Gies, Paul M. Rosen, Jackson C. Pai, and Nicole Janigian Simonian.
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"COVID-19 Roundtable Discussion: Practical Guidance for Legal Departments, Business Leaders, and Boards," Crowell & Moring Webinar
(March 10, 2020).
Presenters: Bryan Brewer, Jodi G. Daniel, Peter Eyre, Laura Foggan, Thomas P. Gies, Paul M. Rosen, Nicole Janigian Simonian, Evan D. Wolff, and Michelle D. Coleman.
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"Key Considerations for Cross-Border Transactions in Asia," Asia Pacific Business Outlook (APBO) Conference, Los Angeles, CA
(April 17, 2018).
Speakers: Nicole Janigian Simonian and Evan Y. Chuck.
Publications
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"Three Crowell & Moring Practices Recognized as Law360 Practice Groups of the Year," Crowell & Moring’s International Trade Law
(November 30, 2020).
Authors: John B. Brew, Nicole Janigian Simonian, David (Dj) Wolff, Frances P. Hadfield and Jackson C. Pai.
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"Considerations for Global Employers During the COVID-19 Pandemic," Crowell & Moring’s International Trade Law
(March 12, 2020).
Authors: Nicole Janigian Simonian and Jackson C. Pai.
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"Doing Business in China – Managing “Fapiaos”" Crowell & Moring's Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
(February 4, 2020).
Authors: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Jackson C. Pai, Evan Y. Chuck and Ye Zhou.
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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.
Client Alerts & Newsletters
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"Global Trade Talks: Trade on the West Coast with Dr. Jerrold D. Green of the Pacific Council on International Policy,"
Podcast: Global Trade Talks
(February 11, 2021).
Contacts: Robert Holleyman, Nicole Janigian Simonian
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"Permanent Establishment Risks Arising From Sending Employees to China,"
(December 28, 2020).
Contacts: S. Starling Marshall, Nicole Janigian Simonian, Zhongdong Zhang, Yi Huang, Jackson C. Pai, Ye Zhou, Ph.D.
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"Looking Ahead: Enforcement of the USMCA Labor Provisions,"
International Trade Bulletin
(December 18, 2020).
Contacts: John B. Brew, Nicole Janigian Simonian, Robert Holleyman, David R. Stepp, Jackson C. Pai
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"Global Trade Talks: A Reporter’s Perspective with Bloomberg's Shawn Donnan,"
Podcast: Global Trade Talks
(December 14, 2020).
Contacts: Robert Holleyman, Nicole Janigian Simonian
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"Remote Working Abroad: 10 Tips for Global Employers,"
Labor & Employment Law Alert - US
(November 30, 2020).
Contacts: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Emmanuel Plasschaert, Maarten Stassen, S. Starling Marshall, Robert Clifton Burns, Evelien Jamaels, Jackson C. Pai, Yi Huang
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"Global Trade Talks: Trade and Cyberspace with Bruce McConnell of the EastWest Institute,"
Podcast: Global Trade Talks
(November 19, 2020).
Contacts: Robert Holleyman, Nicole Janigian Simonian
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"Fifteen Asia-Pacific Countries Sign World’s Largest Trade Agreement,"
International Trade Bulletin
(November 16, 2020).
Contacts: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Clark Jennings, Mugant M, Evan Yu
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"China Tax Policies to Address the COVID-19 Pandemic,"
Labor & Employment Law Alert - US
(November 9, 2020).
Contacts: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Zhongdong Zhang, Yi Huang, Jackson C. Pai, Ye Zhou, Ph.D.
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"Trump Administration Announces New Interim Final Rules to Tighten Visa Requirements for High Skilled Foreign Workers,"
Labor & Employment Law Alert - US
(October 14, 2020).
Contacts: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Jackson C. Pai
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"Global Trade Talks: Trade is Not a Four-Letter Word,"
Podcast: Global Trade Talks
(October 6, 2020).
Contacts: Robert Holleyman, Nicole Janigian Simonian
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"Upcoming Revisions to Sexual Harassment Requirements in China: How Employers Should Prepare for Changes to Employer Liability,"
Labor & Employment Law Alert - US
(September 28, 2020).
Contacts: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Jackson C. Pai, Zhongdong Zhang, Yi Huang
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"Global Trade Talks: China’s Digital Silk Road,"
Podcast: Global Trade Talks
(September 14, 2020).
Contacts: Robert Holleyman, Nicole Janigian Simonian
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"Brexit and its Implications for Global Mobility: Where Are We Now?,"
Labor & Employment Law Alert - UK
(September 8, 2020).
Contacts: Emmanuel Plasschaert, Nicole Janigian Simonian, Stefanie Atchinson, Evelien Jamaels, Jackson C. Pai
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"Labor Provisions of the USMCA: What Multinational Employers Should Know,"
Labor & Employment Law Alert - US
(August 4, 2020).
Contacts: Kris D. Meade, Nicole Janigian Simonian, Christine B. Hawes, Jackson C. Pai
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"Employer Responses to COVID-19 in Real Time,"
Labor & Employment Law Alert - US
(March 13, 2020).
Contacts: Trina Fairley Barlow, Thomas P. Gies, Kris D. Meade, Eric Su, Ira M. Saxe, Katie Erno, Nicole Janigian Simonian, Jackson C. Pai, Suzanne E. Rode
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"Considerations for Global Employers During the COVID-19 Pandemic,"
Labor & Employment Law Alert - US
(March 12, 2020).
Contacts: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Jackson C. Pai
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"The Government Contractor Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness Toolkit,"
Government Contracts Bullet Points
(March 3, 2020).
Contacts: Michelle D. Coleman, Peter Eyre, Stephen J. McBrady, Nicole Janigian Simonian, Thomas P. Gies
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"New Social Insurance Requirements for Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Employees,"
Labor & Employment Law Alert - US
(February 13, 2020).
Contacts: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Jackson C. Pai
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"Coronavirus: DHS Announces New Travel Restrictions on Certain Inbound U.S. Flights and Travelers from China, Including Medical Screening and Quarantine,"
International Trade Bulletin
(February 3, 2020).
Contacts: Evan Y. Chuck, Robert Holleyman, Paul M. Rosen, Nicole Janigian Simonian, Alex Rosen
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"Coronavirus: Key Issues for Employers,"
Labor & Employment Law Alert - US
(January 31, 2020).
Contacts: Nicole Janigian Simonian, Evan Y. Chuck, Jackson C. Pai, Jillian Ambrose
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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, 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: Evan Y. Chuck, Nicole Janigian Simonian, David R. Stepp
Media Mentions
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International Trade Group Of The Year: Crowell & Moring
December 4, 2020 — Law360
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Crowell & Moring Brings In International Trade Team From DWF
September 30, 2020 — Global Trade Review
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Latin America: Top 100 Female Lawyers
September 30, 2020 — Latinvex
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Crowell & Moring Picks Up DWF Brussels Trade Duo
September 23, 2020 — Law.com International
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Crowell Beefs Up Brussels-Based Trade Team With Double Partner Hire
September 23, 2020 — Global Legal Post
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US-Mexico-Canada Agreement Introduces Labor Changes
July 29, 2020 — SHRM Online
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The Most Influential People In L.A.
May 1, 2020 — Los Angeles Business Journal
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Former US Treasury Lawyer Moves To Crowell & Moring
February 25, 2020 — Global Trade Review
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Crowell & Moring Nabs Former Government National Security Advisor
February 21, 2020 — Global Investigations Review
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Crowell & Moring Hires 10-Year Treasury & DOJ Alum In DC
February 20, 2020 — Law360
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Coronavirus; Major Tech Event Canceled As Bay Area Companies Stay Away
February 12, 2020 — San Francisco Chronicle
Firm News & Announcements