Tatman R. Savio is a partner with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP (a limited liability partnership registered under the laws of Texas, U.S.A.) and a registered foreign lawyer in the firm's Hong Kong office.

Counsels clients on the extra-territorial impact of U.S. law and policy affecting international trade and business.
Represents clients in U.S. government investigations, internal investigations, and compliance matters, including with respect to U.S. sanctions, export controls and anti-corruption issues.
Manages national security reviews by the Committee for Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Tatman is a partner with Akin (a limited liability partnership registered under the laws of Texas, U.S.A.). Following almost nine years in the firm’s Washington D.C. office, she has been based in Akin’s Hong Kong office since 2015.

Tatman focuses her practice on the application of U.S. law to non-U.S. entities and operations, particularly with respect to global investigations and compliance with U.S. sanctions, export controls and anticorruption laws.

Tatman provides compliance counseling and support to clients on a range of issues related to export control, sanctions, and anticorruption laws. In this regard, she helps clients evaluate and meet their compliance obligations by analyzing legal requirements and trade policy initiatives that intersect with her clients’ business interests. She also assists clients with preparing license applications, advisory opinion requests, classification requests and commodity jurisdiction requests to relevant U.S. government agencies.

In addition, Tatman has significant experience conducting compliance reviews to assess the exposure of companies in relation to international trade laws. In connection with undertaking compliance assessments, Tatman works with both U.S. and non-U.S. companies to design, build, improve, and implement compliance programs that are tailored to address the areas of legal risk presented by their business operations. She also develops training presentations and seminars on a variety of international trade control topics, which she has delivered throughout the Asia Pacific region, including in China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan.

A key focus of Tatman’s practice is representing companies and individuals in government and corporate internal investigations. She has conducted dozens of internal investigations, many of which have resulted in voluntary self-disclosures to relevant government agencies. Specifically, she has experience representing clients in investigations and enforcement proceedings involving the following U.S. government agencies:

Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)
Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
Department of Justice (DOJ).

Tatman also manages national security reviews conducted by CFIUS under the Exon-Florio law and advises on the impact of CFIUS reforms under the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA). Moreover, she assists clients with cross-border transactions by conducting due diligence and developing strategies to mitigate international trade compliance liabilities.

Prior to joining Akin, Tatman clerked for the Honorable Lawrence E. Meyers of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. She also served as a summer law clerk on the House Committee on Homeland Security and worked as an intelligence analyst at the National Security Agency.

Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)
Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
Department of Justice (DOJ).

Representative Work

Represented a senior executive in a Chinese company as part of an ongoing investigation by the DOJ, BIS and OFAC.
Provided on-site legal support on international trade issues to a Fortune 50 technology company at its Hong Kong office, with responsibility for a range of issues, including licensing, audit and general compliance program management in jurisdictions throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Analyzed potential CFIUS implications and successfully managed CFIUS review of various mergers and divestitures in a range of industries, including the aerospace, defense, oil and gas, and technology sectors.
For private equity firms, conducted due diligence concerning anticorruption and trade-related matters for potential investments in China, India and South Korea. Also evaluated and developed compliance policies for the firms’ portfolio companies.
Represented a non-U.S. energy and infrastructure company in connection with a World Bank investigation related to a contract for a project in an African nation.

“Tatman is very easy to work with and is very knowledgeable and experienced. She is also very mindful of the client’s needs and concerns, particularly as to business outcome, rather than simply delivering legal advice. Her counselling always combines detailed legal analysis and practical advice.”

Chambers Asia-Pacific, 2023

Education
J.D., University of Texas School of Law, with honors, 2005
B.A., University of Virginia, with highest distinction, 2000

Clerkships
Texas Court of Criminal Appeal

Bar Admissions
District of Columbia
Registered Foreign Lawyer in Hong Kong

Recognitions

Euromoney, Expert Guide: Women in Business Law 2022, International Trade.
Who’s Who Legal – Global Leader, Trade & Customs - International Sanctions 2022 - Ranking: Recommended.
Who’s Who Legal – Global Leader, Trade & Customs 2022 Ranking: Recommended.
The Asia Legal Awards 2022, International Trade Lawyer of the Year, 2022.
Chambers Greater China Region 2023 - Band 2 for International Trade/WTO (International Firms)
Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023 - Band 2 for International Trade/WTO
Euromoney's Expert Guide: Women in Business Law, “Leading Practitioner: International Trade," Hong Kong, 2019-2022.
WorldECR Awards 2021, Recognized as part of a team of “renowned export control and sanctions lawyers” for two firm awards: Export Controls Law firm of the Year (USA) and Export Controls/Sanctions Law firm of the Year (Rest of the World).
Named “International Trade Lawyer of the Year”, The Euromoney Legal Media Group, Women in Business Law Awards Asia 2021.
Named in Euromoney’s Women in Business Law Expert Guide 2021 for International Trade.
Named “International Trade Lawyer of the Year”, The Asian Lawyer, Asia Legal Awards 2020.
Named “Best in International Trade”, Euromoney Legal Media Group Asia Women in Business Law Awards 2019.
Legal 500 Asia-Pacific, Recommended in Regulatory: anti-corruption and compliance, 2019.
Asian Legal Business Hong Kong Law Awards, Shortlisted for Woman Lawyer of the Year, 2018 and 2020.
Euromoney Legal Media Group Asia Women in Business Law Awards, Shortlisted for Best in Compliance and Regulatory, 2017-2018.
WorldECR Awards, Recognized as part of a team of “renowned export control and sanctions lawyers”, 2018.
Women in Compliance Awards, Best Regulatory Lawyer of the Year, 2016.

Affiliations and Public Service

Vice-Chair, Trade and Investment Committee, American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Hong Kong.
Women of Influence Committee, American Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong.
Mentor, The Women’s Foundation’s Mentoring Program.
Curation Committee, Tedx Tin Hau Women Hong Kong
International Pro Bono Committee, Akin Gump.
Steering Committee of Women’s Professional Development Initiative, Akin Gump.
Member, Association of Women in International Trade.

Speeches and Publications

“U.S. Export Controls and Sanctions Against Russia and Belarus”, webinar organised by The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute, May 17, 2022.
“CFIUS”, SelectUSA, the U.S. Department of Commerce-led program which promotes and facilitates business investment into the U.S., webinar organised by the US Consulate in Hong Kong, April 19, 2022.
“SelectUSA Investment Summit on the Regulatory and Legal Considerations for investing in the US), April 12, 2022.
“The Russia-Ukraine Conflict, Financial and Cyber Warfares: How Can Businesses Manage Risks?”, American Chamber of Commerce webinar, April 8, 2022.
“Can Hong Kong Continue as Asia’s World City?”, A SupChina online webinar, March 10, 2022.
“Regaining your Resilience in Life and at Work”, American Chamber of Commerce WOI Conference Event, November 17, 2021.
“A Conversation with Ryan Hass on America’s China Strategy in Age of Competitive Interdependence”, American Chamber of Commerce webinar, October 20, 2021.
“China / U.S. Part Three”, AIMA APAC Webinar, September 16, 2021.
“Navigating the Next Chapter in U.S.-China Trade”, Hong Kong Chartered Secretaries Webinar, March 18, 2021.
“Trump’s Executive Order Restricting Trading in Certain Communist Chinese Military Companies”, AIMA APAC Webinar, January 15 2021.
CNAS Virtual Event on Hong Kong and the Impacts of U.S. and Chinese Policies, Center for a New American Security, June 22, 2020.
“The US Presidential Election: Trade and Economic Issues in Asia”, Webinar, American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore, June 11, 2020.
“Update on U.S.-China Tensions: How the U.S. Government is Using Various Tools to Exert Pressure on China”, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, December 10, 2019.
“Bridging the Gap from Policy to Practice”, FTI Hong Kong, November 20, 2019.
INSOL International Hong Kong One Day Seminar, October 18, 2019.
“U.S. Trade Policy Under the Trump Administration: What Comes Next?” American Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong, October 14, 2019.
“Update on U.S.-China Tensions: How the U.S. Government is Using Various Tools to Exert Pressure on China”, National Press Foundation: International Trade Training for Journalists in Asia, Hong Kong, June 18, 2019.
“Global Sanctions Trends and Categories: How to Proactively Update Your Program in Response to Rapidly Changing Regulations”, ACI’s China Forum for Legal & Compliance Officers, Shanghai, June 12-13, 2019.
“Rising Enforcement Actions in Asia: Recent Cases and Lessons Learned”, CAPTCIS, Singapore, June 3, 2019.
ACI's Summit on Economic Sanctions Compliance & Enforcement, May 29-30, 2019.
“A closer look at the United States trade measures against Mainland China”, Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, March 12, 2019.
“Understanding and Managing U.S. Export Control and Sanctions Compliance Risk,” Global Export Control Shanghai Summit, December 6, 2018.
“CFIUS Reform – Focus on the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act,” American Chamber of Commerce Hong Kong, November 27, 2018.
“Where are the Risks for Asia-Pacific Companies?: How to Strengthen Compliance in Response to Increased Enforcement“, ACI Asia Summit on Economic Sanctions, Singapore, October 30, 2018.
“Prospering in a Time of Tariffs: How to Ensure Your Business is Not a Trade War Casualty,” Hong Kong Trade Development Council, October 25, 2018.
“Sanctions & Export Controls for Non-U.S. Companies Webinar,” Akin Gump, Hong Kong, September 20, 2018.
“Where are the Risks for Companies in Asia?: How to Upgrade Strategies in Response to Rising Enforcement,” ACI Hong Kong Summit on Economic Sanctions 2018, May 29, 2018.
“Introduction to U.S. Export Controls and Sanctions,” AllBright Law Office/Professional Committee of International Trade seminar, Shanghai, May 25, 2018.
“Trade Protection/Barriers: Implications for the Energy Industry,” AIPN, Singapore, May 17, 2018.
“Navigating the U.S. Foreign Investment Review Process and Managing CFIUS Risk,” Akin Gump Hong Kong, April 19, 2018.
“US Export Controls on Non-US Transactions – A Practical Guide to Compliance After US Export Reform Changes,” Export Compliance Training Institute’s Seminar Series, Singapore, March 19-22, 2018.
Panelist, “Trade Developments in APAC,” American Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, March 7, 2018.
Panelist, “EU Sanctions Developments,” Akin Gump’s Seminar on International Sanctions and Anti-Bribery Laws, Moscow, March 1, 2018.
Panelist, “Joint Venture Case Studies: How to Address the Most Complex Challenges in JV Relationships,” ACI’s Third-Party Risk Management in China Forum, Shanghai, January 22, 2018.
Moderator, “Roundtable C: Benchmarks for Third-Party Management,” ACI’s Third-Party Risk Management in China Forum, Shanghai, January 22, 2018.
“US and EU Economic Sanctions Annual Review: What Areas Present the Most Risk in Asia,” ACI’s Asia Pacific Summit on Economic Sanctions Compliance and Enforcement, Singapore, November 2, 2017.
“Exports to Iran under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action,” Joint Industry Outreach Seminar on Strategic Trade Management, Singapore, July 20, 2017.
“The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and its Impact on Strategic Goods Exports,” Joint Outreach Seminar on Strategic Trade Management presented by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIA) and the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Kuala Lumpur, May 18, 2017.
“Trump Series: Operation Regulation Rollback,” American Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, May 10, 2017.
“Iran Sanctions—Perception vs. Reality: What Is and Is Not Allowed for Companies and Their Subsidiaries, and a Practical Review of General Licenses H.I.G.” ACI’s Asia Summit on Economic Sanctions Compliance and Enforcement, Singapore, November 17, 2016.
“Operating in the Current Environment of Transparency and Inter-Government Cooperation,” American Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong, September 5, 2016.
“Strategic Trade Management – Focus on Iran Sanctions: Background, Implications, and Challenges of Iran Sanctions Relief,” Export Control & Related Boarder Security (EXBS), U.S. Embassy, Jakarta, August 20, 2016.
“What is an Effective Whistleblower Response Strategy: How to Encourage a Whistleblower to Report to You First and How to Respond to Anonymous Reports,” ACI’s Anti-Corruption China Conference, Shanghai, June 16, 2016.
“Iran Sanctions: Implications, Recent Developments and Opportunities,” AIPN Asia Chapter and SPE Singapore Sections, Singapore, June 2, 2016.
“Managing Legal and Reputational Risk in Global Business Transactions: Lessons and Trends in International Trade Enforcement and Corporate Social Responsibility,” American Chamber of Commerce, Singapore, February 4, 2016.
“Managing U.S. Export Requirements as a Non-U.S. Entity: Understanding and Mitigating Compliance Risks,” Joint Outreach Seminar: Strategic Trade Management for the Logistics Industry presented by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) and Singapore Customs, Singapore, September 2, 2015.
“Legislative and Regulatory Update: How Can We Create a Sensible and Harmonized System for Small UAVs?”, The Commercial UAV Show Asia 2015, June 30-July 1, 2015.
“Third-Party Management Benchmarking LAB (Learn, Analyze, Brainstorm),” ACI’s 8th Advanced China Forum on Anti-Corruption, June 16-18, 2015.
“How to Incorporate Asian and US Export Controls into an Effective Global Trade Compliance Programme: Strengthening Internal Policies and Procedures in Response to Recent Regulatory Changes and Heightened Enforcement Risks,” ACI’s 3rd Singapore Summit on Export Controls Compliance, Singapore, June 3-4, 2015.