Fatema Merchant

Fatema K. Merchant is a senior associate in the Government Contracts, Investigations & International Trade Practice Group in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Ms. Merchant’s practice focuses on investigations, compliance counseling, and transactional due diligence related to international trade laws.

She has extensive experience with U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and U.S.-Sanctioned Countries investigations, compliance, due diligence, and training. Ms. Merchant also advises clients on compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, Export Administration Regulations, Import regulations and Anti-Money Laundering laws.

Ms. Merchant regularly handles due diligence and regulatory issues stemming from cross-border transactions, including filings with the U.S. State Department and Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

At Sheppard Mullin, she is the Associate Chair of the D.C. Diversity Working Group. Ms. Merchant also serves on the pro bono committee and is actively involved in various pro bono matters, including representation of asylum seekers.

Prior to joining Sheppard Mullin, Ms. Merchant worked in the D.C. office of another international law firm, where she was also seconded as a Special Assistant Attorney General with the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General.

At the OAG, Ms. Merchant negotiated settlements, prepared dispositive motions, handled pleadings and discovery, and argued motions. She served as co-counsel in a jury trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, securing a favorable verdict for the District.

Ms. Merchant was also featured in The American Lawyer and on a podcast titled “Multiple Identities: Intersectional Challenges in the Legal Profession,” discussing challenges faced by lawyers of color and her work on diversity & inclusion issues in the legal profession.

Education:

• J.D., American University Washington College of Law, 2008
• B.A., Al-Jamea-Tus-Saifiyah Arabic Academy, 2003

Admissions:

• District of Columbia
• Texas

Memberships:

• American Bar Association, International Section
• ABA International Anti-Corruption Committee
• ABA India Committee