Deanna Tanner Okun, Former ITC Chairman, Joins Adduci, Mastriani & Schaumberg

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Deanna Tanner Okun joins Adduci, Mastriani & Schaumberg as a Partner.  Ms. Okun recently completed twelve years of service as a member of the U.S. International Trade Commission. 

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Jim Adduci, Managing Partner of Adduci, Mastriani & Schaumberg, said, "Deanna is a dynamic, leading authority on global trade matters, experienced as a top administrator, regulator, enforcer, legislative aide and lawyer.  We are honored to have her join our firm.  She served two terms as Chairman of the ITC, a powerful independent federal agency that provides trade expertise to both the legislative and executive branches of government, determines the impact of imports on U.S. industries and directs enforcement actions against unfair trade practices, such as patent, trademark and copyright infringement.  Her first-hand knowledge of the agency, her tenure during a time which witnessed an explosion in Section 337 filings and her exceptional relationships in Washington bring to the firm the ideal set of skills that our clients need to navigate the crucial trade issues impacting global competitiveness."

"I plan to use my background in regulatory, policy and compliance issues to add to the firm's established trade expertise to steer companies through the intersection where innovation confronts barriers, such as intellectual property theft, unfair trade practices or regulatory hurdles," said Ms. Okun.  "I look forward to working at Adduci, Mastriani & Schaumberg and with Will Leonard, another former ITC Chairman."

Ms. Okun's term at the ITC began January 3, 2000, and ended September 7, 2012.  During her tenure she participated in decisions in over 1,000 import injury and unfair trade investigations of manufactured and agricultural products involving extensive microeconomic analysis.  The agency also reported to both Congress and the President on matters ranging from the probable economic impact of free trade agreements, including the Korea, Colombia, Panama and CAFTA FTAs, to examining the effects of China's intellectual property enforcement and indigenous innovation policies on the U.S. economy.  In addition, the ITC evaluated competitive conditions affecting U.S. industries, such as beef, wood flooring, insurance, medical devices and aircraft.

Prior to beginning her career at the ITC, she served as counsel for International Affairs to U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski, Chairman of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and senior member of the Finance and Foreign Relations Committees.  During her tenure at the ITC, she was nominated to be Deputy United States Trade Representative.  Ms. Okun and her family founded ThanksUSA, a charitable organization providing need-based scholarships to the children and spouses of active-duty troops.   Ms. Okun holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with honors from Utah State University and received her J.D. with honors from the Duke University School of Law.

About Adduci, Mastriani & Schaumberg, LLP

Adduci, Mastriani & Schaumberg, LLP, an international trade law firm based in Washington, DC, focuses on litigation and regulatory matters.  The attorneys at the firm have received recognition from publications such as Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, The National Law Journal, The Legal 500, Corporate Counsel, IP Law & Business, Managing Intellectual Property, SuperLawyers and the Washingtonian. The firm offers the largest group of international trade attorneys under one roof that specialize in Section 337 litigation, with participation in a quarter of the more than 850 Section 337 disputes.  Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 authorizes the ITC to exclude from the United States imported products that violate U.S. intellectual property rights or otherwise unfairly compete in the U.S. market.  A second edition of the firm's 2011 American Bar Association (ABA) top-selling book entitled, "A Lawyer's Guide to Section 337 Investigations Before the U.S. International Trade Commission" will be available before the end of 2012.  For more information, please visit www.adduci.com.

Media Contact:
Marguerite G. Downey
Director of Communications & Client Services 
Adduci, Mastriani & Schaumberg, LLP
Direct: 202.407.8664
Main: 202.467.6300
E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Adduci, Mastriani & Schaumberg, LLP