Jonathan Benson has extensive experience advising on complex sanctions, national security, business compliance and trade-related matters.
Benson has counseled on U.K. and EU sanctions and export controls for nearly a decade and also has a deep background in anti-bribery and anti-money laundering laws, human rights issues, foreign direct investment controls and international trade law. His work includes developing and implementing compliance programs, providing day-to-day compliance advice and counseling on internal and regulatory investigations, contentious matters and issues that arise in corporate and financing transactions. He has represented clients before regulators and enforcement agencies, including before the Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue & Customs and the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation.
Lawdragon Honors
| Honor | Year | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| The 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Investigations Lawyers | 2026 | White Collar Defense, Investigations |
In addition to many years in private practice, Benson’s experience includes serving as a senior lawyer at the U.K. Department for International Trade and the U.K. Ministry of Defence. His work included advising on national security and trade-related issues and helping prepare the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 as a member of the Export Control Joint Unit.
Benson frequently writes and speaks on sanctions, export controls and related topics. His experience prior to joining Skadden includes advising:
- a multinational digital transformation services provider on its IPO on the London Stock Exchange, the demerger of its Russian business and its de-SPAC
- a Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund on the unwinding of a joint venture with a Russian counterparty
- a European bank on the sale of its Russian bank and insurance subsidiaries
- an oil trader on a number of transactions, including its acquisition and subsequent disposal of a stake in a Russian oilfield and its acquisition of an interest in a European energy trading company
- a U.S.-based electronics manufacturer on the export controls classification of a number of its products
- a provider of oil-related goods and services on an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs into alleged violations of U.K. sanctions
- a Middle Eastern state on international trade and customs issues associated with the establishment of a new special economic zone and the drafting of its associated legal framework