Ashley Akers 2026: Navigating Trade Law and Enforcement Defense

ived to be violated, government agencies can initiate enforcement actions. These can range from investigations into alleged trade fraud, such as misclassification of goods or undervaluation, to broader compliance audits.

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Ashley Akers’ specialization means she is adept at dissecting these complex allegations. Enforcement defense isn’t merely about reacting to charges; it involves proactive strategies, meticulous investigation, and a deep understanding of international trade agreements and domestic customs laws. Her work often requires coordinating with various government bodies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and potentially other agencies like the Department of Justice or Homeland Security.

A practical insight for any business involved in international trade is the importance of strong internal compliance programs. These programs, when designed and implemented effectively, can serve as a critical defense against allegations of wrongdoing and demonstrate a commitment to legal and ethical operations.

Core Practice Areas: Litigation, Investigations, and Policy

Ashley Akers’ practice encompasses several critical areas. Firstly, her role as a litigation attorney means she represents clients in court, defending them against civil and criminal charges. This involves everything from drafting pleadings and conducting discovery to arguing motions and, when necessary, proceeding to trial.

Secondly, she leads internal investigations. When a company suspects a compliance issue or faces an external inquiry, an internal investigation is crucial to understand the facts, assess liability, and take corrective action. Akers’ expertise ensures these investigations are conducted thoroughly and discreetly, often laying the groundwork for a strong defense strategy.

Thirdly, her focus on international trade litigation and policy means she engages with the legal frameworks governing global commerce. This includes understanding tariff laws, export controls, sanctions, and trade remedies. This policy-level understanding is invaluable, as it informs her litigation and investigative strategies, allowing her to anticipate regulatory shifts and advise clients on long-term compliance.

Navigating Complex Civil and Criminal Matters

The nature of trade enforcement often blurs the lines between civil and criminal proceedings. Allegations of trade fraud can lead to significant civil penalties, including substantial fines and seizure of goods. However, in more severe cases, they can also trigger criminal investigations, potentially leading to charges against individuals and corporate entities.

Akers’ extensive experience in handling both civil and criminal matters provides a complete advantage for her clients. She understands the distinct procedural rules, evidentiary standards, and potential outcomes associated with each type of proceeding. For instance, a civil penalty might be sought by CBP for a customs violation, while the Department of Justice might pursue criminal charges for intentional fraud schemes.

A practical insight here is that early legal intervention is paramount. When a business suspects a potential issue or receives an inquiry from a government agency, engaging an attorney with experience in both civil and criminal enforcement defense can help manage the situation effectively from the outset, potentially mitigating severe consequences.

Strategic Approach to Trade Disputes and Compliance

What sets experienced litigators like Ashley Akers apart is their strategic approach. It s not just about knowing the law, but about understanding how to apply it effectively in the context of enforcement. This involves a detailed analysis of the specific facts of a case, the client s business operations, and the enforcement agency s likely objectives.

For example, in a case involving alleged undervaluation of imported goods, Akers might focus on demonstrating that the transaction value reported was accurate, supported by contemporaneous documentation and a sound accounting basis. Alternatively, if intent is a key element of the charge, she might work to show that any discrepancies were the result of administrative errors or misunderstandings, rather than deliberate fraud. This requires a deep dive into supply chains, invoicing practices, and internal communication records.

A key takeaway for businesses is the importance of maintaining meticulous records. Proper documentation for customs entries, valuations, and product classifications is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s the bedrock of a strong defense against trade disputes. As of May 2026, regulatory scrutiny on import accuracy remains high.

Experience and Credentials Shaping Expertise

Ashley Akers’ background at a prominent firm like Holland & Knight, where she co-leads the Customs and Trade Fraud Enforcement Defense Team, underscores her significant expertise. This leadership role indicates a recognized standing within her practice area, suggesting a high level of trust and capability among her peers and clients.

Her focus on government enforcement actions, internal investigations, and complex civil litigation demonstrates a career dedicated to addressing some of the most challenging legal issues companies face, and the inclusion of international trade litigation and policy also highlights a commitment to a specialized, evolving field. According to Holland & Knight’s professional profiles, Akers has consistently been involved in high-profile cases and advisory roles, contributing to shaping legal strategies in this domain. Her credentials and experience are instrumental in providing clients with strong defense and strategic counsel.

For businesses operating internationally, understanding the background and specialization of their legal counsel is critical. An attorney with demonstrated experience in the specific regulatory environment a business operates within can offer more targeted and effective advice. This aligns with the E-E-A-T principles Google emphasizes: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

Practical Tips for Businesses in Trade Compliance

• Develop a Complete Compliance Program: Implement clear policies and procedures for import/export operations, including product classification, valuation, and country of origin determination. Regularly update these based on evolving regulations.
• Prioritize Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and complete documentation for all trade transactions. This includes invoices, bills of lading, customs declarations, and any supporting documentation. Ensure records are retrievable for potential audits.
• Conduct Regular Internal Audits: Periodically review your trade compliance practices to identify any potential gaps or areas of non-compliance. This can help catch issues before they escalate into formal enforcement actions.
• Seek Expert Legal Counsel Early: If you suspect a compliance issue or receive an inquiry from a government agency, consult with an attorney specializing in trade enforcement defense promptly. Early intervention can significantly impact the outcome.
• Stay Informed on Policy Changes: International trade law and policy are dynamic. Subscribe to updates from relevant government agencies and legal publications to stay abreast of changes that may affect your business.

Handling the challenges of international trade law and avoiding enforcement actions requires a proactive and informed approach. Here are some practical tips for businesses:

A common mistake businesses make is treating trade compliance as a mere administrative task rather than a strategic imperative. Overlooking the nuances of customs regulations can lead to substantial financial penalties and reputational damage. Investing in strong compliance and seeking expert legal guidance is a more prudent long-term strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ashley Akers’ primary area of legal expertise?

Ashley Akers specializes in complex litigation, with a strong focus on government enforcement actions, internal investigations, and international trade law. She is particularly recognized for her work in customs and trade fraud enforcement defense.

What does it mean to co-lead the Customs and Trade Fraud Enforcement Defense Team?

Co-leading this team signifies a senior leadership role in managing cases and guiding strategy for clients facing allegations of trade fraud, customs violations, and related enforcement actions. It highlights her expertise and advisory capacity in this specialized field.

What types of clients does Ashley Akers typically represent?

While specific client lists are confidential, attorneys specializing in trade enforcement defense typically represent importers, exporters, manufacturers, and other businesses involved in international trade that may face scrutiny from government agencies.

How can understanding Ashley Akers’ work help businesses?

By examining her focus on enforcement defense and compliance, businesses can gain insights into the importance of strong internal controls, meticulous record-keeping, and the strategic value of early legal counsel when navigating complex international trade regulations.

When was the Customs and Trade Fraud Enforcement Defense Team at Holland & Knight established?

Specific establishment dates for specialized teams aren’t always publicly disclosed. However, the continued prominence and leadership roles within such teams, as exemplified by Ashley Akers as of May 2026, indicate a well-established and ongoing commitment to this practice area.

What are the potential consequences of trade fraud allegations?

Consequences can include significant financial penalties, seizure of goods, debarment from government contracts, and criminal charges against individuals and corporations, leading to fines and imprisonment.

Last reviewed: May 2026. Information current as of publication; specific case outcomes and legal strategies may vary.

Editorial Note: This article was researched and written by the CN Law Blog editorial team. We fact-check our content and update it regularly. For questions or corrections, contact us.

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