Matthew Nolan

Counsel

Matt Nolan has 30 years of experience advising clients on all aspects of international trade and business issues.

Matthew Nolan Portrait

A former leader of the firm’s internationally recognized International Trade practice, Matt is recognized as a leading trade advisor in Martindale Hubbell, Chambers USA, Legal 500, Who’s Who Legal, and Best Lawyers.

Matt is known for his broad experience in trade issues, complex case management skills, and his deep understanding of clients and industries including steel, energy, agriculture, finance, and life sciences. During his career, Matt has represented foreign governments in trade negotiations or bilateral disputes, and defended numerous foreign producers in trade disputes. Matt has also assisted nonprofits on trade and investment issues and in obtaining licenses to operate humanitarian missions in sanctioned countries. and represented  multinational corporations in customs audits and disputes.  

Matt served on the board of the Canadian American Business Council from 2006 to 2012. He served as a member of the Board of Advisors at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University from 2001 to 2015.

Client Work

Matt has worked extensively for multiple clients on steel trade dispute issues involving antidumping, countervailing duty, safeguards, and the recent 232 investigations. His work includes representing companies and governments in dispute proceedings, and organizing advocacy efforts before government agencies and Congress. He has worked for clients in Canada and Mexico (for both government and private sector clients) on issues related to NAFTA and WTO disputes. He has worked for major US and foreign corporations on export control and sanctions matters; section 301 investigations; customs audits and focused assessments; NAFTA verification audits by US, Mexican, and Canadian authorities; civil and criminal investigations on export, import, and FCPA issues; development, implementation, and audits of internal compliance programs; and advising on trade policy initiatives. He has also worked with companies in a range of industries, including softwood lumber, steel, oil exploration and production, chemical products, beverage and snack foods, life sciences, computer electronics, defense, airlines, textiles, tobacco, banking, telecommunications, and insurance.

Previous Work

Before joining ArentFox Schiff, Matt practiced at a nationally recognized law firm where he was chairman of the international department from 1999 to 2003.

Professional Activities

Matt’s professional activities include:

  • Chairman, Board of Trustees of World Partnerships
  • Member, Global Advisory Council at International Research and Education Exchange (Irex)
  • Member, Board of Advisors of the Gulf States Partnership
  • Chair, Board of Trustees, St. Anselm’s Abbey School

Publications, Presentations & Recognitions

Matt is an author and speaker on issues pertaining to the WTO, NAFTA, trade litigation issues, and US trade embargoes.

His publications include:

  • “Treatment of Post-Importation Adjustments to Transfer Prices,” Practical Trade and Customs Strategies (Thomson Reuters), October, 15, 2012
  • “Customs Valuation and Multinational Transfer Pricing: Can they Co-exist?” Practical Trade and Customs Strategies (Thomson Reuters), September 15, 2012
  • “At the Border Fees are Hurting Trade,” Legal Times, February 23, 2009
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Recognitions:

  • Recognized as a leading international trade attorney by Chambers USA
  • Best Lawyers in America, Best Lawyers (2008-2024)
  • The Legal 500 (2023)
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His presentations include:

  • “Trump’s trade policy and EU reactions: what lies ahead for steel trade?” SteelOrbis Spring 2025 Conference & 92nd IREPAS Meeting, April 28, 2025
  • “Debate: How the US steel industry moves forward in 2021,” 15th Annual Conference, New Horizons in Steel Markets, December 2, 2020
  • “Expectations for post-pandemic trade policy and protectionism,” Steel Orbis COVID-19 Webinar Series, May 27, 2020
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Life Beyond the Law

Matt spends his spare time enjoying his family, collecting and tasting fine wines with friends, working on his cabin in Maine, and traveling.

Awards

Awards

US Leading Partner 2024

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ArentFox Schiff LLP