Butzel Adds Elite International Trade Law Attorney to its Growing Washington, D.C. Office
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Butzel continues to grow its Washington, D.C. footprint with the addition of international trade law attorney and shareholder Jennifer Smith-Veluz.
Smith-Veluz is a trusted advisor and seasoned advocate, known for guiding clients through the complexities of international trade law with precision and foresight. With nearly two decades of experience representing clients across a wide range of industries, she delivers practical, strategic solutions to help businesses navigate the evolving global trade landscape and achieve their compliance and commercial goals.
Her practice encompasses the full spectrum of international trade matters, including international trade agreements and dispute resolution, antidumping and countervailing duty proceedings, export controls, economic sanctions and embargoes, anti-boycott laws, customs compliance, and trade adjustment assistance. Clients rely on Smith-Veluz’s representation before key federal agencies such as the International Trade Commission, Department of Commerce, Customs and Border Protection, Department of State, Department of the Treasury, Office of the US Trade Representative, and the Department of Labor.
Beyond advocacy, Smith-Veluz provides strategic guidance on the design and implementation of import and export compliance programs. Her work often includes conducting detailed compliance assessments and due diligence reviews in mergers and acquisitions, helping businesses mitigate risk and capitalize on global opportunities.
Appointed to the US NAFTA Chapter 19 and USMCA Chapter 10 Roster of Panelists from 2019 to 2023, Smith-Veluz adjudicated trade remedy disputes–further reflecting the depth of her experience in international trade law and dispute resolution. A recognized thought leader, she frequently writes and speaks on trade and compliance issues and serves in leadership roles including as Co-Chair of the Publications Committee of the Customs and International Trade Bar Association (CITBA) and as a member of the Georgetown University Law Center International Trade Update Advisory Board.
Prior to joining the firm, Smith-Veluz practiced at other Washington, D.C. law firms concentrating on international trade law. Before entering private practice, she served as a clerk to Chief Judge Jane A. Restani at the United States Court of International Trade.
Notably, Smith-Veluz has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® – International Trade and Finance Law, Washington, DC, 2023-2025, Washington, DC Super Lawyers – International, 2025 and Washington, DC Super Lawyers - Rising Stars, International, 2014-2024.
She is a member of the District of Columbia Bar, New York State Bar Association, Customs and International Trade Bar Association and Women in International Trade.
Smith-Veluz earned a juris doctor, cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center, and a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from The George Washington University.
