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Foreign Embassies & Consulates

Operating diplomatic missions is a challenging enough proposition even before considering the complications of a foreign legal and regulatory environment. Sovereign governments need cost-efficient quality guidance in carrying out their assignments and serving their citizens. They turn to Hodgson Russ not just because of our experience and deep knowledge of the law, but because our understanding of the unique role of foreign missions allows us to present solutions addressing the complex intersection of American and foreign law and policy.

We have an expression in America: “This is not our first rodeo.” Many firms provide a wide range of legal services, but few have done so for foreign governments or possess the depth of experience of Hodgson Russ.

Foreign governments turn to Hodgson Russ to provide advice and counsel on the full spectrum of legal issues, including tax, real estate and construction, immigration, and employment law, due to our long experience in these and other areas, across the breath of our multiple practices. Our work for foreign embassies and consulates includes providing assistance in the following areas:

  • Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of the United States, the Foreign Relations Law of the United States, as well as U.S. and international laws and conventions affecting foreign embassies and their governments.
  • Financial and other aspects of Consular Activities, such as banking relationships, professional services agreements, and financial transactions.
  • Real estate leases, property acquisition and transactions, location and status of embassies, real property improvements and construction contracts.
  • Facilitate cost-efficient expansion of home-country businesses in the United States, including establishing U.S. operations that are in compliance with U.S. regulatory requirements, including:
    • Labor laws
    • Introductions to key players in the marketplace
    • Creation of joint ventures
    • Technology transfer agreements
    • Obtaining approvals from federal, state, and local agencies
    • Cross-border protection of intellectual property
    • Advising on U.S. tax aspects of cross-border activities
  • Assist efforts to attract investment by U.S. companies into the client’s home country by working with consulates and associated foreign trade organizations.
  • Personnel taxation matters for consular officials, employees, and non-U.S. citizens.
  • Criminal defense representation.
  • International Trade issues.
  • Immigration/visa issues.

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