Hal Shapiro Discusses White House Pick of Froman for USTR
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Law360, in its article “Obama Would Signal Trade Push By Picking Froman For USTR,” quoted Akin Gump international trade partner Hal Shapiro on the possibility that the White House will nominate Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs Michael Froman for U.S. Trade Representative.
Shapiro notes that the news that Froman is likely to take on this challenging role is a clear sign that the Obama administration is keen to see the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership free trade agreements concluded, saying “For people like me and people who are in favor of trade, Froman's selection would be a very good signal. It's a real sign that the administration is elevating trade to a higher priority in the second term.”
He added, “Froman has the ear of the president. People who see him coming into this job, they'll know he really can speak for the president.”
Prior to joining Akin Gump, Shapiro served as senior advisor for international economic affairs and senior counselor to the director of the National Economic Council at the White House as well as associate general counsel in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
