Big Firm Talent for a Smaller Company Budget

Karen Bland, an attorney with an entrepreneur’s soul, has a single mission – help small and medium-sized businesses thrive in this dynamic global economy.  Karen’s practice is tailored clients needing legal representation to help them:

• Establish their business on sound legal footing
• Protect their business assets by making informed decisions about contracts, agreements, and other legal documents
• Explore opportunities to sell their goods or services outside the U.S. market
• Advise and train their staff on U.S. trade laws and regulations
• Understand how policy decisions in Washington, D.C. impact their businesses

Karen’s experience includes advising and training new exporters on compliance with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and Anti-boycott restrictions, advocating clients’ global trade interests before Congress, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the Departments of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security, and helping new business owners navigate the start-up process, including guidance on certification mechanisms for women and minority-owned businesses.

Prior to starting her own law practice, Karen was the Vice President, International Affairs and Trade Counsel for The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., where she served as the association’s lead in-house trade expert.  While practicing law at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP, she successfully defended the interests of several U.S. and overseas-based manufacturers in U.S. unfair trade proceedings, advised her clients on U.S. customs compliance, multilateral trade disputes, and U.S. trade policy developments impacting their businesses.

What can you expect if you retain The Law Office of Karen Bland for your legal needs?

• An attorney looking out for your best interests.
• An attorney that understands your business challenges and will work with you to resolve them cost effectively.
• An attorney that enjoys the practice of law and sincerely wants to help you.

EDUCATION

Washington College of Law, American University, J.D., 1992

American University, School of International Services, M.A. Law and International Affairs, 1993

University of Virginia, B.A. American Government, 1989

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program, Professional Service Provider 

President, Hampton Roads Chapter of the Organization of Women in International Trade, Inc. (OWIT-HR)

Board Member, Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) International

Member, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce

Member, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), Hampton Roads Chapter 

 

**Licensed in Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Maryland