Jennifer Smith-Veluz, Butzel Long Photo

Jennifer M. 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.

Overview

Ms. Smith-Veluz’s 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 her 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, Ms. 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 Roster of Panelists from 2019 to 2023, she 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, Ms. Smith-Veluz practiced at other Washington, DC 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.

Jennifer Smith-Veluz is a Shareholder practicing in Butzel’s Washington, DC, office. She received her juris doctor, cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center, and her Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from The George Washington University.

Credentials

Education

Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., cum laude

The George Washington University, B.A., summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa

Admissions

Memberships

  • District of Columbia Bar
  • New York State Bar Association
  • Customs and International Trade Bar Association
  • Women In International Trade

Languages

Awards & Recognitions

Awards & Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America® – International Trade and Finance Law, Washington, DC, 2023-2025

Washington DC Super Lawyers – International, 2025

Washington DC Super Lawyers - Rising Stars, International, 2014-2024

Community & Professional

Customs and International Trade Bar Association (CITBA) – Co-Chair, Publications Committee, 2024-Present

Georgetown University Law Center International Trade Update Advisory Board

Georgetown University Law Center – The Georgetown Law Review, Articles Editor

News & Events

Speaking Engagements

  • Speaking Engagement, 10.25.2023
    “Trading with the NME: The Legacy of Judge Restani’s GPX Decisions,” Have Gavel, Will Travel: The Scope of Judge Jane A. Restani’s 40 Years of Service, a symposium and special session of the US Court of International
  • Speaking Engagement, 2020
    Moderator, “What Are Your Ethical Obligations if Your Client Wants to Engage in ‘Shady’ Trade Practices?” 41st Annual Georgetown Law International Trade Update
  • Speaking Engagement, 2018
    Panelist, International Trade presentations before the Association of Corporate Counsel’s International Legal Affairs Committee and Primerus International Convocation
  • Speaking Engagement, 5.22.2018
    "Trends and Developments in U.S.-China Cement Trade and Shipping” INTERCEM Shipping Americas
  • Speaking Engagement, 4.17.2018
    Panelist, “Year in Review” at the United States Court of International Trade 
  • 1.30.2018
    Panelist, “Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela in the Crosshairs: What Your Company Needs to Know About the New U.S. Sanctions,” The Knowledge Group webinar
  • Speaking Engagement, 1.11.2018
    Panelist, “Navigating the NAFTA Crossroads: The NAFTA Renegotiations and What They Mean for Business” webinar for the Association of Corporate Counsel’s International Legal Affairs Committee
  • Speaking Engagement, 2.16.2017
    Moderator, “Trade Policy in 2017” panel, CITBA Young Lawyers Committee
  • Speaking Engagement, 11.21.2016
    Panelist, “Getting Down to the Facts: Developing the Record and Using AFA,” United States Court of International Trade 19th Judicial Conference
  • Speaking Engagement, 9.9.2015
    Panelist, “Iran Sanctions and the JCPOA: Updates in 2015 & Beyond,” The Knowledge Group webinar
  • Speaking Engagement, 10.30.2014
    Panelist, “Chinese Subsidy Study” webinar for SPI: The Plastics Industry Association
  • Speaking Engagement, 4.8.2014
    Panelist, “U.S. and European Export Control Laws Webinar” presented by The International Society of Primerus Law Firms through West LegalEdCente

Alerts & Publications

Publications

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