The Financial Times has honored McGuireWoods in its prestigious European Innovative Lawyer Awards for playing a major role in establishing Green Lane, a first-of-its-kind one-stop-shop solution for trade law services. In the Oct. 5, 2016, report, McGuireWoods is among 15 elite law firms and companies named in the “Innovation in New Models” category for creating new and flexible business models to meet the changing demands of clients.
Last year, Brussels partners Yves Melin and Vassilis Akritidis led McGuireWoods in creating Green Lane, a network of European customs and trade law firms that aligned to assist clients in navigating the complex web of customs and international trade laws regulated centrally by the EU, but implemented by authorities of the 28 EU member states.
“Piecing together a team of outside counsel who are deeply knowledgeable about trade laws across the EU is a daunting task for global companies,” said Melin. “Green Lane provides seamless service to help clients prevent unforeseen costs and overcome regulatory hurdles that can delay shipment of products to customers. We are honored to be a member of the Green Lane alliance.”
Named after the “nothing to declare” line at customs facilities, Green Lane provides legal services in three key areas: customs, trade remedies (anti-dumping and countervailing duties, and safeguards), and export controls and sanctions. The network also helps clients establish in-house compliance programs and policies.
Highlighting McGuireWoods’ role, The Lawyer also recently recognized Green Lane among the most innovative legal products for 2016.
The Financial Times and its research partner, RSG Consulting, received more than 600 submissions from nearly 140 law firms and legal service providers and 115 in-house legal teams. The 2016 FT Innovative Lawyers awards and rankings are based on research and feedback from 605 interviews with clients, lawyers and experts.
Recognized by authoritative annual guides to leading law firms, McGuireWoods’ international trade team is ranked in Chambers and Partners’ 2016 Global Guide and honored as a top firm in The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa 2016 Guide. Melin and Akritidis are singled out as notable practitioners in both publications.