Varick PLLC Launches to Address Complex, High-Stakes Export Control Matters
WASHINGTON, June 2, 2026 — Varick PLLC, a law firm focused on complex and high-stakes U.S. export control matters, announced its launch. The firm is dedicated to advising companies under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Varick supports clients navigating a challenging export controls environment of intensifying enforcement and increasing regulatory complexity.
“The government's enforcement playbook is changing,” said Christopher B. Stagg, who founded Varick. “The export control environment is materially different from even two years ago. Agencies are aggressively enforcing export controls and imposing larger penalties. Varick is built around this evolving reality.”
Varick operates under an issues-and-appeals approach to export controls. This brings an appellate lawyer's mindset to every matter, anticipating government scrutiny and testing the validity of the agency's claims. It applies endgame foresight to shape outcomes early by uncovering the issues and risks on both sides, directing strategy and execution, stress-testing positions, and building strong records.
“My experience as an export controls regulator, export controls litigator, and export controls enforcement defense lawyer shapes how every matter is evaluated,” Stagg said. “Whether the matter involves a complex regulatory interpretation, an enforcement case, an agency appeal, or litigation, we produce a comprehensive position that examines every issue, red-teams the position against possible government disagreement, and provides a detailed strategy.”
The firm's export controls practice covers proactive defense and red teaming, enforcement defense, regulatory advocacy before the agencies, and strategic litigation. The firm also serves as second opinion counsel to companies and outside law firms on sensitive export control matters. Varick serves clients across the aerospace, biotech, defense, semiconductor, and other advanced technology and manufacturing industries. It is based in Washington, D.C.
Stagg has shaped export control laws from inside and outside government. He was a senior advisor at the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) and the deputy lead for Export Control Reform, where he was an architect of the current regulatory framework. Before Varick, Stagg founded and led a multidisciplinary, high-stakes export controls practice at an AmLaw 50 firm. Stagg also serves as Co-Chair of the American Bar Association's Export Controls and Economic Sanctions Committee.
For more information, visit www.varicklaw.com or contact the firm at (202) 935-2778.
About Varick PLLC
Varick PLLC handles complex, high-stakes export control matters under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This includes proactive defense and red teaming, enforcement defense, regulatory advocacy, strategic litigation, and second opinion counsel. Varick PLLC is based in Washington, D.C.