Akin is pleased to welcome Opher Shweiki, former U.S. Department of Commerce, Chief Counsel for the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office. With 25 years of experience between the departments of Justice and Commerce, Shweiki brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as well as an impressive track record of handling high-profile national security, export control and other cross-border government regulatory and enforcement matters.
Most recently, during his tenure as Chief Counsel for BIS and as part of its senior leadership team, Shweiki played a key role across BIS programs, including the agency’s export control-related regulatory changes and enforcement actions. That work included a lead role in some of the agency’s most significant enforcement matters to date, including the largest standalone civil penalty in BIS history. Shweiki also led the legal review of significant changes to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) affecting semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, among other areas.
Prior to his role at BIS, Shweiki was the National Security and Cybercrime Coordinator at the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and an Assistant U.S. Attorney with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., where he worked on sensitive national security, cybersecurity and other cross-border investigations, with a particular focus on security threats posed by advanced technologies. Shweiki’s contributions were recognized through numerous accolades at both departments, including the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award and Secretary’s Gold Medal Award.
Shweiki’s arrival adds further depth to Akin’s formidable export controls, sanctions, national security and global investigations team, and connects him with Akin partners Kevin Wolf, the former Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration, and Jonathan Poling and Ryan Fayhee, both former Department of Justice, National Security Division prosecutors.
“Opher brings a wealth of senior government experience, and his arrival complements our market-leading cross-border regulatory and government enforcement bench,” said Akin chairperson Kim Koopersmith. “As government investigations, in particular those relating to export controls and economic sanctions, continue as a top priority for regulators, Opher’s experience enhances our capabilities and further strengthens Akin’s ability to help our clients effectively navigate an increasingly complex world.”
Akin international trade practice head Jonathan Poling added, “Our clients are facing regulatory changes daily and an unprecedented expansion in export control-related regulations. Enforcement actions also show no signs of slowing. The expanding headcount and resources of BIS and other agencies are proof of that. Opher is a tremendous addition to our deep bench of government knowledge and experience, particularly in national security matters, that makes Akin a destination practice for clients navigating rapidly evolving global trade controls.”
Speaking on his move, Shweiki stated, “I have worked alongside or across the table from many of the partners at Akin for years, and the firm’s outstanding reputation in advising and representing clients and its commitment to excellence align perfectly with my professional goals. I am excited to join Akin and its esteemed regulatory and global investigations practices.”