International law firm Hogan Lovells has reinforced its European Union trade and regulatory capabilities by welcoming a high-profile three-partner team to its Brussels office. Renowned trade specialists Renato Antonini, Eva Monard, and Byron Maniatis join the firm from U.S. law firm Steptoe, bringing a combined decades-long track record advising on the most complex cross-border trade and compliance matters.

Strategic Growth of the EU Trade and Investment Platform

The addition of Antonini, Monard, and Maniatis represents a significant strategic investment in Hogan Lovells’ Global Trade and Investment practice, deepening the firm’s ability to advise multinational corporations, financial institutions, and sovereign governments on the full spectrum of EU trade regulation.

With over 75 professionals worldwide focused on trade and investment, Hogan Lovells now offers one of the largest and most experienced EU trade teams based in Brussels, the heart of European policy making.

The hires align with the firm’s global growth strategy, following recent senior appointments in Washington, D.C., Italy, Germany, and Singapore, and underline its ability to connect legal, regulatory, and commercial advice across five continents.

Distinguished Individual Expertise

Renato Antonini – Pre-eminent EU Trade Counsel

25 years of experience in EU anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, safeguard investigations, sanctions, customs, and WTO law.

Recognised for landmark judgments before the EU Courts and for advising high-stakes clients across industries such as steel, chemicals, energy, and financial services, as well as sovereign states.

Eva Monard – Leading Next-Generation Practitioner

Praised by Chambers as “probably the best trade lawyer of her generation.”

Advises on EU trade and customs law, WTO disputes, sanctions, internal market rules, and emerging trade barriers driven by environmental and social policies.

Represents corporates, trade associations, and governments before EU institutions and customs authorities.

Byron Maniatis – Trade Compliance and Policy Specialist

Began his career at Hogan Lovells in 2012 before joining Antonini and Monard.

Focuses on trade compliance, international agreements, dispute settlement, and EU policy matters, regularly appearing before the European Commission, EU Courts, and national authorities.

Leadership Endorsement

Jonathan Stoel and Ajay Kuntamukkala, Co-Leaders of the firm’s Global Trade and Investment practice, emphasised the strategic importance of the team’s arrival:

“Against a complex geopolitical backdrop, clients require seamless advice across jurisdictions. With this Brussels expansion we offer unmatched depth and the ability to integrate trade, regulatory, corporate, and litigation expertise for the most demanding cross-border mandates.”

A Global Platform for Complex Trade Challenges

Speaking for the new partners, Renato Antonini noted:

“Hogan Lovells provides a truly global platform capable of managing high-stakes regulatory and trade matters for corporates operating in today’s volatile geopolitical environment. We look forward to working alongside our Brussels colleagues and the wider global team to help clients navigate the rapidly evolving EU trade and compliance landscape.”

About Hogan Lovells

Hogan Lovells is a fully integrated global law firm with 2,800 lawyers across five continents, offering clients:

• Global reach with local insight for international trade, regulatory, and compliance challenges.

• Deep sector knowledge in highly regulated industries including life sciences, financial services, technology, energy, mobility, and media.

• Cutting-edge legal technology through its innovation arm ELTEMATE, leveraging AI, analytics, and automation to create efficiencies and bespoke client solutions.

• A purpose-driven commitment to sustainability, diversity, and pro bono work aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.