Prominent U.S. Officials Establish Beatrice & Asuncion: A New National Security Law Firm

Beatrice & Asuncion: A New Era in National Security Law

In a significant development for the legal landscape surrounding national security, two distinguished former U.S. officials, M. Jeffrey Beatrice and Anthony Asuncion, have officially launched Beatrice & Asuncion PLLC, a law firm dedicated to addressing the complexities of national security law. Their extensive backgrounds within the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Justice form the backbone of this newly established firm, which aims to offer expert legal assistance in export controls, sanctions, and other vital national security matters.

Background of Founders

M. Jeffrey Beatrice is a well-respected figure with a storied career in the government sector, having served as the Acting Chief Counsel in the Commerce Department's Office of Chief Counsel for Industry and Security (OCCIS). His experience includes advising on enforcement and regulatory issues within the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), where he led the Enforcement and Litigation Division. Notably, Beatrice also carries the distinction of over 15 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., and has served as General Counsel for Anti-Money Laundering at Citigroup, showcasing his breadth of expertise in complex legal environments.

Co-founder Anthony Asuncion has similar accolades and a rich experience portfolio, having taken on pivotal roles such as Chief of the Policy, Legislation, and Regulation Division at OCCIS, where he championed significant regulatory work involving the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). His government career includes leading efforts related to the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) program, as well as serving as Deputy Chief of the Counterterrorism Section at the Department of Justice. His role as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the National Security Section emphasizes his deep understanding of national security issues, particularly those related to export controls.

Adding to this impressive team is Philip R. Kuhn, a former Special Agent with the Commerce's Office of Export Enforcement (OEE). Kuhn’s three decades of experience in federal investigations, coupled with his leadership roles—ranging from Assistant Special Agent in Charge to Deputy Director of the Export Enforcement Coordination Center—provide vital insights into government operations and enforcement.

A Unique Approach to Client Service

The driving force behind Beatrice & Asuncion PLLC is the firm's commitment to delivering more than just legal expertise. As Beatrice pointed out, clients confronting high-stakes national security and enforcement issues require not only knowledge of existing regulations but also seasoned judgment that enables them to navigate the complexities of government perspectives and decision-making processes.

Asuncion echoed this philosophy, stating, "We built this firm around a combination of experience that is difficult to replicate." This distinct blend of governmental and in-house expertise positions Beatrice & Asuncion to manage every aspect of national security regulation—from the development and implementation of rules to the advising of companies and handling of enforcement actions.

Areas of Practice

Beatrice & Asuncion PLLC emphasizes several crucial practices: export controls, enforcement, sanctions related to trade policies, ICTS matters, as well as internal investigations and voluntary self-disclosures. This comprehensive focus allows the firm to assist clients at every stage of compliance and regulatory challenges.

The firm fosters a collaborative environment that prioritizes resolved outcomes and principled advisement, which is an indispensable asset in today’s increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

Conclusion

With a team composed of leading experts in national security law and a commitment to innovation in client service, Beatrice & Asuncion PLLC is poised to make significant contributions to the realms of export controls and enforcement. Their promising launch underscores the firm’s goal of not just interpreting regulations, but truly enhancing the national security landscape through expert legal guidance.

To learn more about Beatrice & Asuncion PLLC and their services, interested parties can visit their website at beatriceasuncion.com.