Nancy Fischer leads the law firm’s 60-lawyer Public Practices and Public Policy sections. She concentrates her practice in international trade law and international dispute resolution including compliance and litigation matters related to export controls and embargoes, foreign investment reviews under the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) and foreign ownership mitigation for Defense Security Service (DSS) cleared facilities, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), trade remedy laws, customs law, and WTO and NAFTA disputes. She has represented Australian, Brazilian, British, Canadian, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Israeli, Japanese, Mexican, Russian, Swedish, Thai and U.S. companies in a variety of industry sectors, including aerospace, agriculture, automotive, chemicals, communications, defense and government contracts, electronics, energy, financial services, insurance, photographic products, satellites, plastics and technology.

Ms. Fischer counsels clients on regulations governing export controls and embargoes administered by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, the Defense Technology and Security Administration, the Bureau of Industry and Security and the Office of Foreign Assets Control. She develops internal compliance programs, assists clients with product and technology classifications under the Commerce Control List and the U.S. Munitions List, reviews government programs to determine whether export licenses or approvals are required, structures and prepares technical assistance agreements and export license applications, conducts internal investigations, prepares voluntary disclosures and acts as a liaison with the government.

Ms. Fischer advises clients on the many regulatory issues associated with foreign investment in the U.S. including CFIUS reviews, foreign ownership, control and influence (FOCI), mitigation plans under the NISPOM for acquisitions involving companies with security clearances, export control due diligence and license transfers. In the CFIUS area she has represented a broad range of buyers and sellers from various industries, including complex structures involving private equity purchases and assessments of critical infrastructure under the FINSA rules.

A member of Pillsbury’s Global Anticorruption and FCPA task force, Ms. Fischer counsels clients on FCPA compliance including the establishment of compliance programs and advises on daily compliance challenges involving businesses operating in high risk countries, conducts internal investigations, advises on FCPA due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, asset purchases or other investment transactions, and drafts agreements with foreign agents and representatives to maximize FCPA compliance. She also has particular knowledge in the overlap in enforcement between the FCPA and the U.S. export control rules involving brokering and commissions in the defense sector.

Honors & Awards

• Chambers Global,  International Trade: Export Controls & Economic Sanctions—USA (2013-2014), International Trade: Trade Remedies & Trade Policy—USA (2010-2012)
• Chambers USA, International Trade: Export Controls & Economic Sanctions (2012-2014), International Trade—National (2009-2011)