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Julia Bonestroo Banegas

Julia Bonestroo Banegas

Associate
Overview

Julia enjoys helping clients keep their businesses on track in highly regulated sectors.

Julia helps clients navigate regulatory matters to conduct business smoothly across the nation and throughout the world.

She advises clients on federal and state regulatory issues, providing customized analysis before large-scale projects are set in motion and partnering with clients large and small to establish compliance programs that keep trade flowing across borders and keep business moving.

From maritime and transportation matters to federal regulatory matters, Julia advises clients to ensure their compliance is robust as they navigate changing and complicated regulatory schemes. Julia serves as a liaison and advocate for clients before various state and federal agencies such as the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)—as well as in state and federal court. Her regulatory knowledge includes campaign finance and election law, state investigations, antitrust, trucking and maritime compliance, and alcoholic beverage licensing.

When problems do arise, Julia manages the team that navigates litigation and provides strategic guidance to resolve disputes.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, Honors, 2021 and 2023; High Honors, 2022

Education

  • J.D., George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School
    • Moot Court Board, Best Team Brief at ABA National Appellate Advocacy Regional Competition
    • Civil Rights Law Journal, Senior Research Editor
    • Supreme Court Clinic
    • Administrative Law Clinic
  • B.A., University of Southern California
    • Political Science
    • Economics

Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland
  • U.S. Court of International Trade
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, District of Maryland

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • American Bar Association
Experience

Maritime and Trucking

  • Advised clients in negotiating and drafting maritime contracts with ocean carriers.
  • Developed strategies to navigate regulatory scrutiny and competition challenges.
  • Assisted non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) in pursuing claims related to cargo damage during transport, working closely with cargo owners and third parties, including insurers, to achieve favorable settlements.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive risk management strategies for a maritime logistics company, reducing exposure to legal and operational risks while optimizing vessel and cargo management.
  • Advised a global logistics provider on compliance with Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) regulations and international maritime conventions related to cargo security, safety, and hazardous materials transportation.
  • Advised clients with Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance risks and burdens.
  • Managed litigation related to detention and demurrage fees in federal court and at the FMC.
  • Advised clients on loss of value and damaged cargo claims.

Campaign Finance and Election Law

  • Advised clients on federal and state lobby disclosure requirements, gifting rules, and campaign finance rules.
  • Advised political action committees (PACs) on federal election laws, ensuring compliance with campaign finance regulations, contribution limits, and disclosure requirements.
  • Assisted corporations and advocacy organizations in complying with federal and state lobbying disclosure laws, including registering as lobbyists, reporting lobbying activities, and providing transparency in advocacy efforts.
  • Advised former public officials and government employees on ethics compliance, including conflict of interest rules, revolving door restrictions, and post-employment restrictions.
  • Conducted compliance audits for political committees and advocacy organizations to identify and rectify potential violations of campaign finance and lobbying laws.
  • Provided guidance on FARA registration and compliance for clients engaged in lobbying or public relations on behalf of foreign entities.
  • Assisted clients in multiple states with compliance regarding state-specific campaign finance laws, including contribution limits, reporting, and registration requirements.
  • On behalf of national wine distributor, researched complex state-to-state alcohol licensing restrictions.
  • Advised nonprofit organizations on permissible political activities, including issue advocacy, lobbying, and election-related activities, while maintaining tax-exempt status.

Federal Regulatory

  • Engaged in advocacy efforts on behalf of clients, working with industry associations and regulatory bodies to shape agency policies and regulations that align with client interests.
  • Conducted a comprehensive analysis of a client's market position in a highly regulated industry, assessing potential antitrust concerns. Developed and implemented strategies to mitigate antitrust risks and maintain market competitiveness.
  • Reviewed distribution agreements for clients in the agricultural and healthcare sectors, ensuring compliance with antitrust laws. Provided ongoing counsel to enhance the client's distribution network while avoiding antitrust pitfalls.
  • Served on outside general counsel team advising international food and agribusiness importers and suppliers, including trade organization, on geographic indications and labeling of dairy products regarding tariffs.
  • Served on legal team representing dairy food products client before state agency when antitrust claim was made after client terminated contract with dairy supplier.
  • Reviewed client labels for compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • Counseled educational institutions with regulatory matters.
  • Engaged in advocacy efforts on behalf of clients, working with lawmakers and regulatory agencies to influence legislation and regulations impacting client businesses.
White Papers | December 28, 2023
International Trade Law: 2023 Year in Review & Outlook for 2024

U.S. importers and exporters are navigating a new enforcement landscape where government officials are working collectively across agencies and increasingly leveraging new technologies.

Legal Updates | August 16, 2023
New Draft Merger Guidelines Complicate Deal Outlook
White Papers | December 21, 2022
International Trade Law: 2022 Year in Review & Outlook for 2023

How to get trade ready in 2023.

White Papers | December 2021
International Trade Law: 2021 Year in Review & 2022 Outlook

How to get trade ready in 2022.

Blog | September 07, 2021
August 2021 Trade Law Update
Blog | June 09, 2021
May 2021 Trade Law Update
Blog | May 06, 2021
April 2021 Trade Law Update
Blog | April 08, 2021
March 2021 Trade Law Update
Blog | March 05, 2021
February 2021 Trade Law Update
Blog | February 05, 2021
January 2021 Trade Law Update
Blog | January 04, 2021
December 2020 Trade Law Update
White Papers | December 2020
International Trade Law: 2020 Year in Review & 2021 Outlook

How to get trade ready in 2021.

Blog | December 01, 2020
November 2020 Trade Law Update
Blog | November 02, 2020
October 2020 Trade Law Update
Blog | October 01, 2020
September 2020 Trade Law Update
Blog | September 01, 2020
August 2020 Trade Law Update
Blog | August 03, 2020
July 2020 Trade Law Update
Blog | July 01, 2020
June 2020 Trade Law Update
Legal Updates | June 04, 2020
Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery, Stage Two
Blog | June 01, 2020
May 2020 Trade Law Update
Legal Updates | May 28, 2020
ReOpen DC to Begin Phase 1
Blog | May 04, 2020
April 2020 Trade Law Update
Blog | April 06, 2020
March 2020 Trade Law Update
News Releases | June 10, 2020
Husch Blackwell Secures ITC Win for TricorBraun-Led Importers

Working with Husch Blackwell’s Washington, DC-based International Trade Remedies team headed by Jeffrey Neeley, TricorBraun developed a coordinated strategy to protect the current supply of glassware available to small and mid-market businesses across the U.S.

Outside the Office

Julia and her husband, Jordan, like traveling, with favorite recent trips taken to Spain and Italy, and trying new restaurants. At home, she enjoys cooking, particularly lasagna, along with recipes from her home state of New Mexico.

Community Leadership
  • Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)