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Exposing Autocracies. Defending Democracies.

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About

At Bickett Law & Policy PLLC, we provide legal and policy support to individuals and organizations confronting repression, injustice, and abuses of power. Our mission is to challenge autocratic abuses while defending democratic principles and civil liberties. We do so by standing with those targeted for their beliefs, identities, or pursuit of accountability.

We work closely with NGOs, journalists, and democratic governments to conduct investigations, develop legal and policy strategies, and advance advocacy efforts on issues including human rights, rule of law, and sanctions evasion. We also provide organizational legal support to human rights nonprofits on matters beyond advocacy, including governance, compliance, litigation support, and operational issues.

Alongside this, we offer full-service legal support to members of diaspora communities, refugees, and others navigating the complex US legal system. Our services include immigration, labor, and civil litigation, delivered through tech-driven, cost-conscious models designed to expand access to justice for those most at risk.

Founded by attorney and advocate Samuel Bickett, the firm is rooted in years of frontline experience in the Hong Kong democracy movement and grounded in strong networks across Washington, Brussels, London, and beyond. We bring together legal precision and policy insight to help clients protect their rights, challenge repression, and advance democratic values.

For us, this is more than just work—it is a mission to promote freedom, transparency, and accountability in an increasingly challenging world.

Practice Areas

Policy Consulting & Legislative Advocacy

We provide strategic policy advice, legislative advocacy, and representation for clients engaging with governments to advance their goals. With strong ties to policymakers in Washington, London, and Brussels, we can work with you to develop advocacy strategies, draft legislation, and conduct policy analysis to advance human rights, transparency, and democratic values.

Sanctions & Export Control Investigations

We investigate and expose sanctions evasion networks across the world, from Hong Kong and China to Russia, Iran, and North Korea. We provide actionable insights to support accountability and enforcement efforts. We also advise clients on their own sanctions and export control compliance, ensuring adherence to international standards and mitigating risks.

Advocacy-Focused Research & Reports

We produce actionable research and reports on legal and policy issues, always aimed at supporting advocacy efforts and advancing specific policy goals. We also assist clients in promoting our research, engaging stakeholders, and driving policy changes through strategic advocacy and outreach.

Legal Advice & Representation

We provide legal advice on navigating federal and international laws and proceedings, and can represent clients in federal cases involving harm caused by autocratic regimes and their associates. Our litigation practice seeks accountability and justice for individuals and organizations impacted by repression or rights violations.

Immigration & Labor Dispute Support

We provide comprehensive legal support for individuals navigating the U.S. legal system, with a focus on immigration, labor, and civil matters. Our immigration practice includes humanitarian protections such as asylum, Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and refugee admissions, as well as other visa and status pathways. We also assist with labor and employment issues—such as workplace discrimination, wage theft, and retaliation—as well as select civil litigation matters that arise from abuse of power, exploitation, or systemic injustice. We offer significantly reduced rates for members of the Hong Kong and broader diaspora communities, refugees, and others displaced by political repression.

Nonprofit & Business Legal Services

We assist human rights NGOs, advocacy groups, and public interest businesses with incorporation, governance, and regulatory compliance. We can help structure organizations, assist with fundraising drives, and legal and operational integrity. We can provide tailored legal support to help mission-driven entities navigate complex legal requirements and operate effectively.

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Bio

Samuel Bickett is a lawyer* and advocate specializing in human rights, policy advocacy and trade sanctions, with a particular focus on Hong Kong and China.

Based in Washington, D.C., he works closely with the Hong Kong diaspora and global human rights organizations to advocate for democratic self-determination and civil liberties. He is the convenor of the U.S.-Hong Kong Policy Roundtable, a collaboration forum for Hong Kong advocacy organizations.

In addition to his advocacy work, Samuel maintains a diverse legal practice representing individuals and organizations in matters ranging from immigration and labor to civil litigation, regulatory investigations, and compliance. He draws on years of experience as a corporate lawyer and litigator in the U.S., Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore with Ropes & Gray and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, where he advised on white collar investigations, corruption, securities litigation, sanctions, and cross-border regulatory matters. He speaks Mandarin Chinese.

Samuel actively supported Hong Kong's 2014 and 2019 democracy movements. In 2019, he was arrested and imprisoned, ultimately serving two stints as a political prisoner before being expelled by the Hong Kong government in 2022.

*Admitted in Massachusetts and practicing federal law nationwide