Junko Suetomi

Professional Summary

Junko Suetomi is a partner in Baker McKenzie Tokyo. Prior to joining the Firm, she worked in the WTO Dispute Settlement Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Economic Bureau. She has also worked for a global law firm in Washington, DC and New York, and served as a court-appointed defense attorney in many criminal cases.

Junko is recognized as a leading lawyer by Marquis Who’s Who, Asia Business Law Journal, Chambers Global and Chambers Asia Pacific, Nikkei News Paper, Best Lawyers, Who’s Who Legal and other legal directories. She was the Chair from 2019 to 2021 and now is Vice Chair of the Human Rights Committee of the Tokyo Bar Association and a part-time lecturer at Waseda University.

She was a legal advisor to the Ministry of Finance Japan’s Office of Trade Remedy Affairs, Tariff Policy and Legal Division, Customs and Tariff Bureau from 2016 to 2019. She served as a Bar Examiner of the Ministry of Justice from November 2020 until December 2023. She has served as an expert member of the Ministry’s Council on Customs, Tariff, Foreign Exchange and Other Transactions since 13 March 2019. She has served as an expert member of the Financial Services Agency’s Financial System Council, Fund Settlement System Working Group since October 11, 2021. She also holds a Certificate in Business Analytics from the Harvard Business Analytics Program (March 2021).

Practice Focus

Junko focuses her practice on commercial and trade laws and regulations, WTO dispute settlement, civil and criminal litigation, antitrust law, bankruptcy law and general corporate law. She has extensive experience advising clients on issues involving trade remedy matters such as anti-dumping and countervailing duties, and import restrictions. She also advises on customs matters, classification and valuation issues, export control and sanctions, tariff treatment, FTA/EPA applications, public procurement, and handles antitrust compliance programs for clients.

Representative Clients, Cases or Matters

• Advised financial institutions related with sanctions against Russia Federation (2022)
• Advised IT companies or manufacturing companies related with sanctions against Russian Federation (2022)
• Provided updates on Russia-Ukraine related sanctions measures (2022)
• Provided analysis and advice to a governmental organization on legal issues on offshore wind power generation (2022)
• Assisted a medical equipment manufacturer with negotiation with local government regarding public procurement process violation under WTO Public Procurement Agreement and related regulations (2022)
• Representing a Japanese company in the voluntary disclosure process under the export control regulations of the United States (2022)
• Advised a major bank with respect to sanctions imposed on Iran.
• Advised machinery manufacturers and a financial firm with respect to sanctions imposed on Iran.
• Advised on the effect of the sanctions imposed on Russia on energy-related projects.
• Assisted companies in responding to anti-dumping investigations.
• Assisted importers with customs classifications for auto parts.
• Assisted importers with customs classifications for medical products.
• Assisted a company in challenging an advance ruling on dairy product classifications.
• Advised a client on export licenses under CITES.
• Provided updates on export control regulations in various jurisdictions.
• Advised a client on customs valuations for auto parts.
• Advised a client on regulations on the transportation of dangerous products.
• Advised trading companies with respect to sanctions imposed on Iran.
• Advised a client considering a project in Cuba with respect to sanctions imposed on Cuba.
• Advised on a WTO dispute resolution matter.
• Member of the delegation on the following dispute settlement cases (countries in parentheses represent the complainants):
  • DS375, 376 and 377 – European Union and its member states – Tariff Treatment of Certain Information Technology Products (US, Japan, TPKM)
  • DS322 – United States – Measures Relating to Zeroing and Sunset Revisions (Japan)
  • DS336 – Japan – Countervailing Duties on Dynamic Random Access Memories from Korea (Korea)
  • DS408, 409 – European Union and a member state: EU – Seizure of Generic Drugs in Transit (India, Brazil)
  • DS397 – European Communities – Definitive Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Iron or Steel Fasteners from China (China)
  • DS383 – United States – Anti-Dumping Measures on Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags from Thailand (Thailand)
  • DS382 – United States – Anti-Dumping Administrative Reviews and Other Measures Related to Imports of Certain Orange Juice from Brazil (Brazil)
  • DS379 – United States – Definitive Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties on Certain Products from China (China)
  • DS350 – United States – Continued Existence and Application of Zeroing Methodology (EU)
  • DS344 – United States – Final Anti-Dumping Measures on Stainless Steel from Mexico (Mexico)
  • DS294 – United States – Laws, Regulations and Methodology for Calculating Dumping Margins (Zeroing) (EU)

• Handled civil rehabilitation proceedings on behalf of Japanese companies.
• Handled corporate reorganization proceedings on behalf of a hotel company.
• Handled special liquidation proceedings on behalf of a toy company.
• Handled bankruptcy administration in bankruptcy on behalf of a construction company.

Publications, Presentations and Articles

Publications and articles

• Commentator, “Japan, US, Netherlands chip restriction details still under wraps,” WorldECR (The journal of export controls and sanctions), March 2023
• Commentator, “Keymasters,” ASIA BUSINESS LAW JOURNAL, November 11 and 29, 2022
• Author, “Sanctions against Myanmar and Business Activities”, Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., 11 June, 2021
• Co-Author, Global Trends on Commercial Dispute Resolutions in the New Era (2) “Trend Under the Biden Administration of the Extraterritorial Application of U.S. Export”, JCA Journal, June 2021, Vol. 68 No. 6, 10 June 2021
• Author, “The Function of Dispute Settlement Systems under Bilateral or Regional Agreements to Complement the WTO’s Dispute Settlement System and the Reform of the Dispute Settlement System—Focusing on Disputes Related to Environmental Matters, Including Renewable Energy—”, ‘Public Policy Review Vol. 16, No. 5 “Diverse Perspectives on the Conventional Regimes for Free Trade in the Current International Community”‘, POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, Ministry of Finance Japan, August 2020
• Author, “Tactics of the United States and China over Hong Kong – US The Hong Kong Autonomy Act and National Security Law of the People’s Republic of China-“, Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., 25 January, 2021
• Author, “In the midst of separation and integration – US reinforcement of restrictions against Huawei and its effects of Semiconductors Industry-“, Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., 9 October 2020
• Author, “New Normal – on or after COVID-19”, Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., 18 June 2020
• Author, “Export Control regulations – its History and Issues -“, ‘ Issues of Special Civil Laws Vol. 6’, Kansai Law & Patent Office, Festschrift for 55th Anniversary of the Foundation, March 11, 2020, printed by Daiichi Hoki K.K.
• Author, “Investment Restriction in the Amendment of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act”, Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., 13 March 2020
• Contributing Expert, “World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2020”, World Justice Project. 11 March 2020
• Author, “Crisis of WTO Dispute Settlement System – Urgent Need of Reform – ” Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., 27 January 2020
• Author, “The Function of Dispute Settlement Systems under Bilateral or Regional Agreements to Complement the WTO’s Dispute Settlement System and the Reform of the Dispute Settlement System—Focusing on Disputes Related to Environmental Matters, Including Renewable Energy—”, ‘Financial Review’ Vol. 140, ‘Various Aspects of Treaty System of Free Trade in Current International Society’, POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, Ministry of Finance Japan, November 2019
• Author, “US OFAC Sanctions Program applied in parallel with Export and Re-export regulations” , ‘The Finance’, Seminar-Info K.K., September, 2019
• Author, “Overseas subsidiaries’ legal risk management practice”, Chapter 7 Trade investment risk, Chuokeizai-Sha Holdings, Inc., September 15, 2019
• Author, “Additional Export Control Regulations against the Republic of Korea – Export Control Regulations and Trade Disputes – ” Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., 8 August 2019
• Author, ” ECRA (Export Control Reform Act) and Restriction on Huawei,” Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., 3 July 2019
• Author, “Enforcement of the Japan-EU EPA and the Brexit Outlook,” Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., 3 March 2019
• Commentator, “Bowing out as Japan tires of UK’s waiting game,” The Times, 25 February 2019
• Author, “Fight for the Technical Superiority – the US introduction of new investment restriction act, ‘FIRRMA’,” Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., 25 December 2018
• Author, “Toward an Era where Thoughtfulness for Environment and Society is Valued – Rising Concerns with ESG Investments and SDGs Management,” Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., 12 November 2018
• Author, “CPTPP Product Specific Rules of Origin: Identifying Opportunities for your Business,” Trade Crossroads, Baker & McKenzie, 19 October 2018
• Author, “Signing of Japan・EP EPA and New Competition,” Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., 17 July 2018
• Participate in “Doing Business 2019” survey organized by the World Bank Group, 2018, Language: English
• Author, “Paradigm Shift happing in the midst of ‘Trade War’,” Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., 22 May 2018
• Commentator, “Trump unites steel-exporting countries against the US,” Nikkei Asian Review, 7 May 2018
• Commentator, “This morning’s news,” regarding US metal and aluminium tariff, Bloomberg, 16 April 2018
• Commentator, “Japan Could Retaliate Against Trump’s Metal Tariffs,” International Trade Daily, 16 April 2018
• Author, “Between data hegemony and regulation: prior to enforcement of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR),” Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., March 2018
• Author, “TPP-11 reached a basic agreement, negotiations on the Japan-EU EPA finalized, “One Belt, One Road”, and the next,” Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., December 2017
• Commentator, “Japan to Use EU Pact as Yardstick in Trade Talks With US,” International Trade Daily, 3 November 2017
• Author, “Japan-EU EPA, Agreement in principle: What this means and next issues,” Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., August 2017
• Author, “The Trump administration’s border adjustment tax plan: Compliant with international regimes?,” Nikkei Research Global Marketing Campus, Nikkei Research Inc., April 2017
• Participant, “World Bank Benchmarking Public Procurement 2017,” survey organized by World Bank Group, 2016
• Commentator, “Moving into Iran with ‘ambition’ and ‘worry’,” Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, 3 February 2016
• Author, “International Investment Arbitration Guidebook,” Chuokeizai-Sha Holdings, Inc., January 2016
• Author, “Q&A FTA・EPA Handbook – Strategy for Customs Tariff Saving Scheme,” Minjiho Kenkyu-kai, February 2013
• Commentator, “Harmful Rumors overseas – How to deal with excessive import restrictions (Legal Inside),” Nikkei Newspaper, morning edition, 30 May 2011
• Author, “Working at WTO Dispute Settlement Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Journal of the Japanese Institute of International Business Law,” Kokusai Shoji Homu, Vol.39, No. 2, 3 and 4, February, March and April 2011
• Co-author, “The Practice of Corporate Non-Contentious Matters,” Minjihou Kenkyukai, October 2008
• Co-author, “The Issues Concerning the Commercial Papers Handling Law,” The Practice of Bankruptcy Law and Corporate Law, Minjihou Kenkyukai, June 2005
• Co-author, “The Theory and the Practice of New Corporate Reorganization Act,” Minjihou Kenkyukai, March 2004
• Co-author, “The Committee System Corporation – The Duty and the Authority of Each Committee,” The Theory and the Practice of the Newest Corporate Law, Shinnihon Houki Shuppan, November 2003
• Co-author, “The Practice of Commercial Non-Contentious Matters,” Minjihou Kenkyukai, June 2002

Presentations

• Main speaker, “Sanctions Compliance to Disrupt Transnational Russian Proliferation Networks,” U.S. Department of State, CRDF Global, Baker & McKenzie, August 1, 2024, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Main speaker, “Sanctions Compliance to Disrupt Transnational Russian Proliferation Networks,” U.S. Department of State, CRDF Global, Baker & McKenzie, July 30, 2024, Bangkok, Thailand
• Main speaker, “Sanctions Compliance to Disrupt Transnational Russian Proliferation Networks,” U.S. Department of State, CRDF Global, Baker & McKenzie, June 5, 2024, Sofia, Bulgaria
• Main speaker, “Sanctions Compliance to Disrupt Transnational Russian Proliferation Networks,” U.S. Department of State, CRDF Global, Baker & McKenzie, May 20, 2024, Warsaw, Poland
• Guest speaker, “Sanctions compliance and Anti-Money Laundering”, Waseda University seminar, Waseda University, 7 May 2024
• Panelist, “Japan-ROK Economic Security Round Table,” Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, January 30, 2024
• Speaker, “Countering the Proliferation of Russian Advanced Conventional Weapons and Advanced Defense Technologies in the Logistics Sector and Semiconductor Industry,” U.S. Department of State, PwC, CRDF Global, Seoul, South Korea, January 16-17, 2024
• Lecturer, “Money Laundering,” National Tax College, December 2023
• Guest speaker, “Free Trade and National Security”, Gakushuin University Law Study Lecture Meeting, Gakushuin University, 31 October 2023
• Guest speaker, “Free Trade and National Security Issues-“, Waseda University seminar, Waseda University, 2 May 2023
• Lecturer, “Money Laundering,” National Tax College, December 2022
• Lecturer, “Compliance of AML/CFT and Anti Financial Crime Practice after the FATF 4th Mutual Evaluation Report on Japan and Latest Updates in Japan and overseas – Best Practice and Next Steps -, Seminar Info, 17 May 2022
• Guest speaker, “Free Trade and National Security Issues-“, Waseda University seminar, Waseda University, 26 April 2022
• Lecturer, “AML/CFT Case Study of Recent Practice”, “AML Conference 2022 – Increasing regulations risk and How to dealing with them-” GoodWay Inc., 18 February, 2022
• Lecturer, “Money Laundering,” National Tax College, 20 December 2021
• Lecturer, “U.S.-China Trade Friction – Recent Trend of Regulations in Trade and Strategy in Practice -” Engineering Advancement Association of Japan, 9 July 2021
• Guest speaker, “Issues and Reform of International Dispute Settlement System – Renewable Energy Cases-“,” Waseda University seminar, Waseda University, 25 May 2021
• Guest speaker, “Free Trade and National Security Issues-“,” Waseda University seminar, Waseda University, 7 July 2020
• Speaker, “Secondary Sanctions under US Export Control Regulations and the Latest Updates”, ZENMONDO, January 2020
• Guest Panelist, “Implementing an Effective Sanctions Compliance Program for Trade Finance”, HIS Markit Round Table Event, HIS Markit, 14 February, 2020
• Lecturer, “Latest Updates and Practice of Financial Institutions in Japan, U.S. and U.K. regarding Compliance of AML/CFT and Anti Financial Crime – Best Practice and Next Steps -, Seminar Info, 22 January 2020
• Lecturer, “Money Laundering,” National Tax College, 18 December 2019
• Speaker, “Supplement and Reform of the function of WTO Dispute Settlement System”, International Economic Dispute Settlement Study Seminar, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 9 October 2019
• Guest speaker, “Issues and Reform of International Dispute Settlement System – Renewable Energy Cases-“,” Waseda University seminar, Waseda University, 28 May 2019
• Moderator, “US and EU Sanctions: Latest Developments? Plus Restrictions on Foreign Direct Investments, US Export Control Reform Act – Emerging & Foundational Technologies,” JETRO, 15 January 2019
• Speaker, “Adventure with ‘Trade War’,” JETRO, 20 December 2018
• Lecturer, “Money Laundering,” National Tax College, 19 December 2018
• Moot Judge, 13th LAWASIA International Moot Competition 2018, LAWASIA, 3 November 2018
• Speaker, “‘Trade War’ and War between ‘Free Trade v. Protectionism’,” Japan Business Machine and Information System Industries Association (JBMIA), Trade Committee, September 2018
• Guest speaker, “Between data hegemony and regulation: prior to enforcement of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR),” Waseda University seminar, Waseda University, 22 May 2018
• Speaker, “EPA/FTA: The Latest Circumstances and Issues,” Association of International Business Advisors (AIBA) Seminar, AIBA, 24 March 2018
• Speaker, “The Trump administration’s border adjustment tax plan: Compliant with international regimes?,” WTO DS Study Seminar, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 8 June 2017
• Speaker/Panelist, “Lifting Sanctions,” Iran Latest Economic Circumstances Seminar organized byJETRO, 25 January 2016
• Commentator, “Free Trade Agreements and Natural Resources (Panel 3),” Symposium on International Trade Law and Policy Relating to Natural Resources, Energy and Environment – Perspective on Sustainable Development, Institute for International Studies and Training (IIST), 2-3 March 2015
• Speaker, “Dispute Resolution System of WTO and FTAs,” The Japan Chapter of the Asian Society of International Law, Fifth Conference, Theme: Mega FTA Era and Multilateral Trade System, 15 June 2014
• Speaker, “Principles of Competition Policy and Law for Judges – Phase 2,” Seminars organized by the Department of Justice and Office for Competition of the Philippines, Japan Fair Trade Commission and Japan International Cooperation Agency, 21-22 May 2014
• Panelist, “The Significance of WTO Dispute Settlement System and its Future,” Symposium organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 29 October 2013
• Commentator, “Reeling from Rumors,” NEWSLINE, NHK World, 13 June 2011

Admissions

• New York~United States (2006)
• Japan (2000)

Professional Association and Memberships

• Tokyo Bar Association – Member
• New York State Bar Association – Member
• Japan Association of International Economic Law – Member

Education

• Cornell Law School (LLM)
• New York University School of Law (LLM)
• Legal Research and Institute of the Supreme Court of Japan
• University of Tokyo (LLB)
• Kyushu University (LLB)

Languages

Japanese
English

Related