The Wall Street Journal Quotes Clete Willems in Profile of U.S. Trade Rep. Robert Lighthizer
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Incoming Akin Gump public law and policy partner Clete Willems has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal in an article about U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, “Trump’s Point Man on China Trade Is Still Trying to Close the Deal.” Willems, who will join Akin Gump next month (click here to learn more), is a former White House trade official and Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs who worked closely with Lighthizer during his tenure in the Trump administration.
The article, which profiles Lighthizer as he tries to negotiate a new trade deal between the United States and China, notes that the long-time trade lawyer has represented clients in the past that have petitioned the U.S. government for tariffs on overseas rivals.
According to Willems, Lighthizer “brings the characteristics to the table that you would want” when negotiating such a deal. “His background suits him uniquely well to the situation” with China.