Cari Stinebower - Winston & Strawn LLP

In today’s globalized economy, businesses and financial institutions frequently navigate a labyrinth of international trade regulations, economic sanctions, export controls, and anti-money laundering (AML) laws. For organizations based in or operating through Washington, D.C., the epicenter of U.S. policy and enforcement, expert legal counsel in these areas is not just advisable—it's critical for maintaining compliance and avoiding severe penalties. Cari Stinebower, a highly distinguished partner and Chair of the International Trade Practice at Winston & Strawn LLP, stands at the forefront of this complex legal landscape. With her extensive experience in both government and private practice, Ms. Stinebower provides invaluable guidance to clients grappling with the intricate and often conflicting web of domestic and international regulations.

Cari Stinebower’s practice at Winston & Strawn LLP is dedicated to helping multinational corporations and financial institutions develop robust compliance programs, conduct thorough risk assessments, respond to government investigations, and address intricate conflicts of law. Her deep understanding of agencies like the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) stems from her direct experience working within such governmental bodies. For businesses and entities within the District of Columbia and beyond, her expertise means having a seasoned advocate who can provide practical, forward-thinking solutions to manage risk and ensure adherence to ever-evolving international trade and financial crime regulations. This article will provide a detailed overview of Cari Stinebower, highlighting her location, the specialized services she offers, her key professional features, and why her expertise is particularly relevant for local clients.

Cari Stinebower practices at the Washington, D.C. office of Winston & Strawn LLP, a globally renowned law firm. The firm's office is conveniently located at 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA. This central downtown location places Ms. Stinebower and her team within a prime business district, making it highly accessible for corporate clients, financial institutions, and other organizations that require specialized legal counsel in international trade and regulatory compliance.

The Washington, D.C. office of Winston & Strawn boasts excellent accessibility for those relying on public transportation. It is situated just a short walk from key Metro stations, including Farragut North (Red Line) and Farragut West (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines). These Metro lines provide extensive coverage across the District and its surrounding suburbs, making it easy for clients to reach the office. Additionally, numerous bus routes serve the L Street NW corridor and adjacent areas, offering further options for convenient travel. While street parking can be challenging in downtown D.C., several commercial parking garages are available nearby for clients who prefer to drive. The office's strategic position in the nation's capital also provides immediate proximity to critical federal agencies such as the Department of the Treasury (including OFAC), the Department of Justice, and other regulatory bodies, which is a significant advantage for Ms. Stinebower’s practice area. The professional and secure environment of Winston & Strawn’s office ensures a discreet setting for sensitive discussions related to compliance and investigations.

Cari Stinebower’s practice at Winston & Strawn LLP is focused on economic sanctions, export controls, and anti-money laundering (AML), with a broad scope that encompasses both advisory and defensive legal services. She counsels a diverse range of clients, including financial institutions and multinational corporations.

• Economic Sanctions Compliance: Advising clients on compliance with complex U.S. economic sanctions programs administered by OFAC, including those targeting specific countries (e.g., Iran, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela), entities, or individuals (SDNs). This involves navigating rapidly evolving obligations and addressing potential conflicts with non-U.S. blocking statutes.

• Export Controls: Guiding clients on adherence to U.S. export control laws and regulations, particularly those enforced by the Department of Commerce (EAR) and the Department of State (ITAR), for the export and re-export of goods, software, and technology.

• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Compliance: Assisting financial institutions and other regulated entities in developing and implementing robust AML compliance programs, conducting AML risk assessments, and ensuring adherence to the Bank Secrecy Act and related regulations.

• Anti-Corruption/Anti-Bribery Laws: Counseling on compliance with anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other international anti-bribery statutes.

• Internal Investigations: Leading and advising on internal investigations related to alleged violations of sanctions, export controls, AML, and anti-corruption laws, helping clients uncover facts and assess potential liability.

• Government Investigations & Enforcement Actions: Representing clients in responding to inquiries, subpoenas, and investigations initiated by various government agencies, including OFAC, the Department of Justice, and FinCEN. This includes defending against challenges to OFAC's authority in litigation related to enforcement actions or congressional investigations.

• Compliance Program Development: Working with financial institutions and multinational corporations to design, implement, and enhance comprehensive, risk-based compliance programs tailored to their specific operations and international footprint.

• Delisting Matters: Representing multiple clients before OFAC and the State Department in de-listing matters, helping entities or individuals remove themselves from sanctions lists.

• Data Privacy & Conflicts of Law: Addressing potential conflicts of law arising from non-U.S. data privacy regulations in the context of international investigations and compliance efforts.

Cari Stinebower’s practice is distinguished by an impressive array of features and highlights that underscore her exceptional capabilities and recognition in the field:

• Extensive Government Experience: A significant highlight of Ms. Stinebower's background is her tenure as counsel and a Programs Officer for the U.S. Department of the Treasury's OFAC. During her time at OFAC, she advised on sanctions and anti-terrorism legislation, drafted United Nations Security Council Resolutions and related executive orders, and acted as agency counsel in Treasury's defense of challenges to OFAC's authority. This insider perspective provides an invaluable advantage in understanding government enforcement priorities and strategies. She received the Secretary of the Treasury's Certificate for her guidance in the war against terrorism and establishing programs targeting sanctioned entities.

• Recognized Industry Leader: Cari is consistently ranked by prestigious legal directories such as Chambers USA (Band 2 for International Trade: Export Controls & Economic Sanctions for 10 consecutive years) and The Legal 500 US ("Key Lawyer" for Transport: Aviation and Air Travel – Finance and Dispute Resolution: Corporate and White-Collar Criminal Defense). She is also recognized by Latin Lawyer 250 for Compliance & Investigations. These rankings reflect consistent peer and client recognition of her top-tier expertise.

• Frequent Author and Speaker: Ms. Stinebower is a prolific writer and sought-after speaker on sanctions, AML, and anti-corruption/anti-bribery related issues. She has been quoted in major publications like The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, Reuters, Bloomberg, and MoneyLaundering.com. Her contributions to industry discourse demonstrate her thought leadership and up-to-date knowledge of the evolving regulatory landscape.

• Comprehensive Compliance Solutions: Clients commend her for providing practical guidance that enables them to navigate complex and changing political and business environments. She excels at developing risk-based compliance programs that are both effective and tailored to client needs.

• Broad Client Base and Sector Experience: She has worked with a wide range of clients, from financial institutions to multinational corporations, across various sectors including maritime, energy, technology, and insurance, helping them address complex compliance obligations.

As a leading attorney in a highly specialized field within a global law firm like Winston & Strawn LLP, Cari Stinebower does not typically engage in consumer-style "promotions" or "special offers." However, the value proposition she offers to clients is substantial and includes inherent benefits that are critical for businesses operating in her areas of expertise:

• Proactive Risk Mitigation: The primary "offer" is her proactive and strategic counsel designed to help clients prevent costly violations, minimize exposure to enforcement actions, and maintain good standing with regulatory bodies. Investing in her expertise can save companies significant financial penalties and reputational damage in the long run.

• Unparalleled Regulatory Insight: With over 25 years of experience, including direct involvement with OFAC, Ms. Stinebower offers an insider's perspective on how government agencies operate, investigate, and enforce regulations. This deep insight provides clients with a unique advantage in developing compliance strategies and responding to investigations.

• Access to Global Resources: As part of Winston & Strawn LLP, clients benefit from the extensive resources of a global firm, allowing for seamless coordination on cross-border issues and access to a vast network of legal professionals across various jurisdictions and practice areas. This integrated approach is a significant asset for multinational corporations.

These factors collectively serve as a powerful incentive for businesses and financial institutions in Washington, D.C., to seek her counsel, highlighting that the value is in her specialized knowledge and strategic guidance rather than conventional promotions.

For businesses and organizations in Washington, D.C., requiring expert legal counsel on economic sanctions, export controls, anti-money laundering, or related government investigations, Cari Stinebower can be reached through the Winston & Strawn LLP Washington, D.C. office.

• Address: 1901 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

• Phone: (202) 282-5788

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-282-5788

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact the office directly to inquire about Ms. Stinebower's availability and to discuss their specific international trade and compliance legal needs.

For individuals and, more specifically, for businesses and financial institutions operating in the District of Columbia, Cari Stinebower at Winston & Strawn LLP offers an exceptionally suitable and critical legal resource. Her suitability for local clients stems from her highly specialized expertise, her extensive government background, and the strategic advantages of her firm's location and resources in the nation's capital.

In a city that is a global hub for policy, regulation, and international affairs, having an attorney who specializes in economic sanctions, export controls, and anti-money laundering is paramount. Ms. Stinebower’s over two decades of experience, including her significant time at OFAC, provide an unparalleled understanding of the regulatory landscape and the intricacies of government enforcement. This insider perspective allows her to offer D.C.-based clients proactive and sophisticated strategies for compliance, risk mitigation, and successful navigation of complex investigations.

Furthermore, the central location of Winston & Strawn LLP in downtown D.C. ensures easy accessibility for local clients, facilitating direct engagement and efficient handling of legal matters. Proximity to federal agencies is not just a convenience but a strategic asset for a practice that regularly interacts with these bodies on behalf of clients. For any D.C. enterprise engaged in international trade or facing regulatory scrutiny in areas of financial compliance, Cari Stinebower offers the precise, authoritative, and strategic legal counsel necessary to thrive in a highly regulated environment. Her consistent recognition as a leader in her field further solidifies her position as a top choice for local businesses seeking to confidently navigate global complexities.