Farhad R. Alavi

Farhad Alavi is a recognized authority and thought leader on U.S. national security regulations and cross-border risk. As managing partner of Akrivis Law Group and head of its internationally known Sanctions, Export Controls, and Customs practice, Mr. Alavi advises leading global businesses, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs on the legal and regulatory dimensions of operating across jurisdictions in an increasingly complex geopolitical climate, bringing over 20 years of experience in the trade field.

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Mr. Alavi represents clients in matters involving the Department of the Treasury’s OFAC, the Department of Commerce’s BIS, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Department of Justice (DOJ). He has deep experience in matters involving sanctions compliance and enforcement, voluntary self-disclosures, export licensing, customs penalties, FCPA exposure, and CFIUS review. His clients span industries such as financial services, energy, technology, commodities, and manufacturing, with a geographic footprint focused on the EMEA and Asia-Pacific regions.

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Known for his sharp analysis and strategic approach, Mr. Alavi regularly defends clients in high-stakes DOJ investigations involving sanctions and export control violations. He also helps multinationals build and audit compliance programs, secure licenses and delistings, and navigate disruptions caused by rapidly evolving regimes such as those targeting Russia, Iran, Venezuela, China, and North Korea.

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A published author, Mr. Alavi appears regularly in conferences and webinars discussing sanctions and export controls, and his insights are frequently featured by global media outlets including The New York Times, Bloomberg, Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, AFP, and Der Spiegel. He has appeared on BBC World, Al Jazeera, TRT World, and other international broadcasts.

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Before founding Akrivis, Mr. Alavi practiced at Baker & McKenzie LLP and Holland & Knight LLP, where he helped launch the firm’s office in Abu Dhabi. He also previously taught as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center.

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Mr. Alavi is fluent in Persian and Spanish, and basic competency in German, and has served on the board of the Iranian-American Bar Association.