Audi K. Syarief

Audi Syarief is of counsel in the Washington, D.C. office of Gibson Dunn and a member of the firm’s International Trade Practice Group. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, where he teaches U.S. economic sanctions and export controls.

Audi advises clients on all aspects of U.S. economic sanctions and export controls, with significant experience in enforcement risk assessment, internal investigations, compliance program design, and restricted-party screening protocols. He routinely represents clients before OFAC, BIS, and DDTC, securing licenses and approvals, filing voluntary and directed self-disclosures, responding to administrative subpoenas, and resolving enforcement matters.

He regularly conducts international trade due diligence in corporate transactions and financings. His practice spans U.S. and non-U.S. clients across a range of industries, including aerospace and defense, private equity, cryptocurrency and blockchain, artificial intelligence, social media and technology platforms, fintech, telecommunications, enterprise software and cloud computing, hospitality, and travel. He has advised on matters involving jurisdictions such as China, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Burma, Iran, Cuba, and North Korea. He is particularly experienced in sanctions authorizations and exemptions relating to internet platforms, services, and technologies, including the Berman Amendment’s informational materials exemption and OFAC authorizations for internet communications and telecommunications services.

He also maintains an active pro bono practice, representing nonprofits and asylum seekers, and frequently publishes and speaks on emerging issues in international trade law.