Former U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce Francisco Sánchez Joins Holland & Knight

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 14, 2020) – Francisco Sánchez, who served as the Under Secretary of Commerce in charge of the International Trade Administration from 2010 to 2013, has joined Holland & Knight as co-chair of the firm's International Trade Practice. Mr. Sánchez will split his time between the firm's Washington, D.C. and Tampa, Fla. offices.

Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Sánchez was the Chairman and CEO of CNS Global Advisors, providing strategic advice to companies and governments looking to expand in or resolve issues in foreign markets.

"Francisco has a long and distinguished career in the public and private sectors and understands global trade issues at a level that will add materially to our existing depth in the space," said Jose Sirven, leader of Holland & Knight's Business Section. "Given the importance of trade in the current and future global economy, his experience will be increasingly valuable not only to clients that have trade and supply chain needs, but also to our international law firm partners whose clients require U.S.-based trade assistance."

"Over the years, I've had the good fortune of building relationships with and have worked closely with many Holland & Knight lawyers. We have worked together on interesting and complex trade and international business matters for clients," said Mr. Sánchez. "International trade is shifting in challenging and often unpredictable ways due to the pandemic, new government trade policies and priorities, and new thinking on how best to manage supply chains. Holland & Knight clients can expect to have an advantage in the marketplace due to the comprehensive team we have and continue to assemble, which includes world-class policy, advocacy, compliance and litigation professionals. "

Mr. Sánchez was nominated to the role of Under Secretary for international trade by President Barack Obama in 2009. As Under Secretary, Mr. Sánchez led the International Trade Administration in its efforts to improve the global business environment by helping U.S. businesses compete abroad. During the Clinton administration, Mr. Sánchez served as the assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Prior to the DOT role, he served in the White House as a special assistant to former President Bill Clinton and chief of staff to the Special Envoy to the Americas.

Mr. Sánchez earned a J.D. degree from Florida State University College of Law and a B.A. degree from Florida State University. He also received an M.A. degree from Harvard University Kennedy School of Government.