Derek Ha

Associate
Derek is an Associate at ArentFox Schiff, based in the San Francisco office.
Derek Ha, Associate, Arent Fox LLP

Derek helps US and international companies navigate the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions, providing advice on regulatory compliance as well as political and reputational risks. He regularly handles matters such as export licensing applications, commodity classifications, and voluntary disclosures. 

Derek also advises clients on a range of other cross-border compliance issues, including customs classifications and country of origin determinations; Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews; and investor-State arbitrations. 

Derek is experienced with complex civil litigation as well. He supports clients across a broad array of practice areas in matters before state and federal courts, including commercial disputes and class actions.

Previous Work

Prior to joining ArentFox Schiff, Derek worked at an education start-up in China and was a paralegal in one of the country’s largest immigration law firms. During law school, he received the Prosser Award in Advanced Legal Writing, and he was an associate editor for the California Law Review and the Asian American Law Journal. His pro bono experience includes work in unlawful detainer defense, affirmative asylum, and LGBTQ rights impact litigation.

Derek is one of the recipients of the 2020 ArentFox Schiff Diversity Scholarship.

Professional Activities

Derek is a member of the Asian American Bar Association and Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom.

Life Beyond the Law

Derek enjoys cooking with friends, exploring the Bay Area, bicycling, tennis, and singing with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.

Perspectives