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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 11 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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<p>At the introductory session for the 11th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ambassador Robert Lighthizer acknowledged that the WTO is an important institution but then proceeded in his <a href="https://ustr.gov/about-us/policy-offices/press-office/press-releases/2017/december/opening-plenary-statement-ustr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opening statement</a> to criticize the organization and its focus. He stated that the WTO is &ldquo;losing its essential focus on negotiation and becoming a litigation-centered organization,&rdquo; claiming that member countries &ldquo;seem to believe they can gain concessions through lawsuits that they could never get at the negotiating table.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Lighthizer argued that the WTO &ldquo;cannot sustain a situation in which new rules can only apply to the few, and that others will be given a pass in the name of self-proclaimed development status. There is something wrong, in our view, when five of the six richest countries in the world presently claim developing country status.&rdquo; He opined that &ldquo;it is impossible to negotiate new rules when many of the current ones are not being followed&rdquo; and that some members are &ldquo;intentionally circumventing&rdquo; their obligations. He indicated that addressing these concerns and the transparency of the WTO will be a top priority for the United States.</p>

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USTR Lighthizer Criticizes WTO at Opening of its 11th Ministerial Conference