In conversation with Martin Schaefermeier

Martin Schaefermeier, of Counsel in DLA Piper’s Government Affairs- International Trade Group, has participated in a number of legal education and economic development projects with New Perimeter. Most recently, he joined an international team of five lawyers to teach a week long course on special economic zones at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Martin was also part of the team that advised the Government of Timor-Leste (East Timor) on a recent economic development project involving special economic zones.

Martin was able to capitalize upon the knowledge he gained in advising the Timorese government on economic development options to prepare his sessions for the LLM course in South Africa. Martin prepared and delivered a number of sessions during the week in Pretoria, including sessions on the history and reasons for special economic zones, the benefits of special economic zones, the legal options and considerations for special economic zones and a case study on the Philippines.

“Martin was a great asset to both the University of Pretoria and the Timor-Leste teams” said Lisa Dewey, Director of New Perimeter. “His skill set as an international trade lawyer was a perfect fit for both these projects. His commercial approach was extremely valuable in advising the Timorese Government, and the students in Pretoria really appreciated the wealth of practical experience he brought to the classroom”.

When he is not undertaking pro bono work, Martin practices in international trade law. His main areas of focus are antidumping and countervailing duty litigation, customs and foreign-trade zone matters, and strategic advice and counselling with respect to international trade issues.

New Perimeter thanks Martin for his hard work and commitment to pro bono.

About Martin Schaefermeier

Martin is a lawyer in DLA Piper's Washington, DC office.

Full bio

"Teaching at the University of Pretoria was an extremely rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. The quality of the program and the positive way in which it was received by the students is a testament to the team of lawyers from four different continents working together seamlessly. I felt inspired by the energy and competence of my fellow presenters as well as the warm reception from the students."