Experienced Counsel for Global Business

Biography

For over 14 years, Wes Demory has provided legal counsel on U.S. export controls, sanctions, international trade, foreign investment and national security in a variety of technology-oriented industries, including information technology, telecommunications, computing, networking, software/SaaS, biotechnology/pharmaceutical and others. In addition to advising clients on regulatory and legislative matters, he frequently conducts internal investigations and manages diligence activities to address administrative subpoenas and other government-initiated investigations. He also performs process audits and assists companies in the design and implementation of trade compliance programs.

Prior to pursuing a career in law, Wes worked as an engineer for a Fortune 500 company and spear-headed the operations and product management activities of a Maryland-based start-up software company. This background enables him to effectively communicate with technical, business and legal teams within a company and provide practical legal advice.

Biography

With two decades of experience, Maher Shomali advises clients on international trade and investment law, with a particular focus on information technology, telecommunications, and other technology companies. His practice spans regulatory, legislative, and enforcement matters involving U.S. import and export controls, economic sanctions, customs, and tariffs.

Maher advises clients on matters before the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). He helps companies navigate export classifications, licensing requirements, and requests for advisory opinions under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and OFAC sanctions programs.

He also advises on foreign investment transactions, helping clients evaluate requirements and potential filing obligations before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Maher helps companies develop and implement import and export compliance programs, conduct on-site compliance audits, and evaluate customers, end users, and end uses. His experience includes advising technology, telecommunications, and consumer electronics companies on economic sanctions and representing companies in matters involving CBP seizures and detentions.

Maher lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife and three daughters.