Dorsey Partner Larry Ward Appointed to the Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG)

International law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP announced today that Larry Ward, a partner in the Firm’s Seattle office who specializes in U.S. National Security Law, including export controls, has been appointed to a two-year term on the Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG) that advises the U.S. State Department on defense trade matters.

The DTAG, established as a continuing committee under the authority of §22 U.S.C. 2656 and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, provides the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs with a formal channel for regular consultation and coordination with U.S. private sector defense exporters and defense trade specialists on issues involving U.S. laws, policies, and regulations for munitions exports. The DTAG advises the Bureau on its support for and regulation of defense trade to help ensure that impediments to legitimate exports are reduced while the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States continue to be protected and advanced in accordance with the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

“We are delighted that Larry has been appointed to the DTAG,” noted Ken Cutler, Managing Partner of Dorsey & Whitney. “His appointment to this prestigious committee is recognition of his technical expertise in the area of export controls and the aerospace and defense industry. It is a tremendous honor for Larry. With Larry serving on the DTAG and our colleague Nelson Dong serving on the President’s Export Council Subcommittee on Export Administration, which similarly advises the U.S. Commerce Department, Dorsey’s National Security Law Group has emerged as the preeminent practice of its kind based on the West Coast and as one of the leading groups in the nation.”

DTAG members are appointed by the Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs on the basis of individual substantive and technical expertise and qualifications, and are drawn from a representative cross-section of U.S. defense industry, association, academic, and foundation personnel, including appropriate technical and military experts.