Insight
Charlene Barshefky, 2017 Washington D.C. "Lawyer of the Year" for International Trade and Finance Law
Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky of WilmerHale.
Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky worked her way from associate to partner at a large Washington, D.C., law firm and became an expert on global trade and investment. When Bill Clinton was elected president, she was asked by Mickey Kantor, the President’s newly appointed U.S. Trade Representative, to serve as his deputy. This position carried with it the title of Ambassador and was a sub-cabinet position, requiring confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Barshefsky hesitated and initially told Kantor no—she and her husband had two small children, and she loved the practice she had at her law firm. Kantor, who had met Barshefsky only once, was evidently impressed, and he begged her to reconsider.
“I thought it over for about 10 days—which in the annals of Washington is unheard of for what is considered one of the plum jobs in government,” says Barshefsky. “Ultimately, I was commuting to work with my husband down one of the major roads, and my husband said, ‘You need to call Mickey Kantor and tell him yes or no. You’re really keeping him waiting, and you just need to decide.’ I said, ‘I remain very torn; I need a sign.’ At that moment—this is a true story—a white car passed us in the next lane and the license plate on that car said G-O-4-I-T, ‘Go for it.’ I said, ‘Oh my goodness! That’s the sign,’ and I went to my office, called Mickey Kantor, and took the job.”
Barshefsky served as deputy and acting U.S. Trade Representative from 1993 to 1997 and, for the remaining four years of the Clinton Administration, as the U.S. Trade Representative and a member of the President’s cabinet. The Clinton administration sealed more than 300 trade agreements during those eight years, including the completion of: the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); the Uruguay Round; global agreements in financial services, telecom, high tech products, and cyberspace; and China’s WTO Agreement, of which Barshefsky was also the architect and lead negotiator. During this period, she notes, U.S. exports exceeded more than one trillion dollars for the first time in history.
“It was a very rewarding experience on so many levels,” she says. “Especially the honor of working with the President of the United States.”
Barshefsky returned to private practice at WilmerHale in Washington, D.C., where she chairs the international trade, investment, and market access practice group. She advises multinational corporations on their global strategy and government relations, market access, investment and litigation matters, and negotiations with governments and private parties. She is a member of and has been honored by many professional organizations, and serves on the boards of directors of the Intel Corporation, American Express Company, Estée Lauder Companies, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. She is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She has been listed with Best Lawyers since 2005 for international trade and finance law and government relations.
Related Articles
Moving With the World
by Best Lawyers
Attorney Adrián Vázquez from the Mexican firm Vázquez Tercero & Zepeda discusses the firm's 2019 award, changes coming to the WTO, Mexico's shifting trade strategy, and more.
Contracts and Translations
by Christian Ray Pilares
Working with manufacturers in China can be profitable but challenging. Third party services like law firms and translation services can be helpful.
Technology and the Changing IP Climate in Mexico
by Best Lawyers
Roberto Arochi discusses Arochi & Lindner’s 2019 “Law Firm of the Year” award for Intellectual Property Law in Mexico in an interview with Best Lawyers.
The Economic Landscape Changing Capital Markets Law in Mexico
by Best Lawyers
Michell Nader discusses his firm's 2019 "Law Firm of the Year" award for Capital Markets Law in Mexico.
When the Levy Breaks
by Warren Friedman
Tariffs against China on construction materials are capricious, unpredictable, and often spectacularly ill-timed. How can the industry prepare?
Trending Articles
The 2024 Best Lawyers in Spain™
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain™ and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain™ for 2024.
Presenting The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2025
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is proud to present The Best Lawyers in Australia for 2025, marking the 17th consecutive year of Best Lawyers awards in Australia.
Best Lawyers Expands Chilean 2024 Awards
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is pleased to announce the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Chile™ and the inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Chile™, honoring the top lawyers and firms conferred on by their Chilean peers.
Best Lawyers Expands 2024 Brazilian Awards
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Brazil™ and the first edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Brazil™.
Announcing The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2024
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is excited to announce the landmark 15th edition of The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ for 2024, including the exclusive "Law Firm of the Year" awards.
The Best Lawyers in Mexico Celebrates a Milestone Year
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is excited to announce the 15th edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico™ and the second edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Mexico™ for 2024.
How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power
by Gregory Sirico
Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.
The Best Lawyers in Portugal™ 2024
by Best Lawyers
The 2024 awards for Portugal include the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Portugal™ and 2nd edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Portugal™.
The Best Lawyers in Peru™ 2024
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is excited to announce the landmark 10th edition of The Best Lawyers in Peru, the prestigious award recognizing the country's lop legal talent.
How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.
Presenting the 2024 Best Lawyers Family Law Legal Guide
by Best Lawyers
The 2024 Best Lawyers Family Law Legal Guide is now live and includes recognitions for all Best Lawyers family law awards. Read below and explore the legal guide.
The Best Lawyers in Colombia™ 2024
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Colombia™ for 2024, which honors Colombia's most esteemed lawyers and law firms.
Announcing the 2024 Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico™
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is proud to announce the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico™, honoring the top lawyers and firms across the country for 2024.
Announcing The Best Lawyers in Japan™ 2025
by Best Lawyers
For a milestone 15th edition, Best Lawyers is proud to announce The Best Lawyers in Japan.
