Wiley Rein’s Tim Brightbill Profiled by Law360 as ‘International Trade MVP’

December 19, 2017

Washington, DC — Timothy C. Brightbill, a partner in Wiley Rein’s International Trade Practice, was profiled by Law360 as a 2017 “MVP” in International Trade. He was recognized as one of the top five lawyers in this area on this elite, national list. Mr. Brightbill, described by Law360 as being “at the forefront of global trade policy issues,” was recognized in part for his recent high-profile achievements on behalf of the U.S. solar panel manufacturing industry.

The publication cited as Mr. Brightbill’s biggest 2017 accomplishment the International Trade Commission’s (ITC) September ruling that U.S. solar cell and panel manufacturers had been injured by Chinese importers. In what Law360 described as the first safeguards case to be heard in the United States in 16 years, Mr. Brightbill argued before the ITC on behalf of co-petitioner SolarWorld and won. This industry is a “combination of high tech and renewable energy,” he told Law360, and “I think it’s so important for our future that America has a strong solar manufacturing industry.”

The profile also highlighted Mr. Brightbill’s work on behalf of the Coalition for Fair Trade of Hardwood Plywood. Earlier this month, the ITC unanimously found that U.S. industries had been injured, as the Coalition had shown in a 2016 petition asserting that Chinese hardwood plywood imports were being sold in the United States at rates that violated international trade rules. Mr. Brightbill noted that “we were able to show dumping and subsidies – and injury – and get a very positive result” for Wiley Rein’s client.

During a year of immense pressure and change in area of trade policy, Mr. Brightbill credits Wiley Rein’s “exceptional team” with navigating challenging waters and positioning the firm to deliver outstanding results. Having also served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center for the past 15 years, Mr. Brightbill emphasized the importance of research and writing, and noted that being a fierce advocate for clients has been a “key skill” contributing to his success.

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