The Senate on Thursday confirmed Jeffrey Kessler, a partner at international law firm WilmerHale, as under secretary of commerce for industry and security in a 54-45 vote.
In this capacity, he will lead the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, which advances national security, economic objectives and foreign policy by fostering U.S. strategic technology leadership and ensuring an export control and treaty compliance system.
Return to Commerce Department
Kessler’s Senate confirmation for the under secretary role marks his return to the department.
During President Trump’s first term, he served as assistant secretary of commerce for enforcement and compliance for two years. In this role, he oversaw efforts to ensure foreign compliance with trade agreements, enforce U.S. anti-dumping and countervailing duty laws and support the implementation and negotiation of international trade agreements to open foreign markets, among other responsibilities.
Kessler’s Career Highlights
Kessler most recently served as a partner within WilmerHale’s international trade practice.
At the firm, he represented U.S. manufacturers in trade remedy cases, including those associated with chemicals and plastics products, softwood lumber and fertilizer products. He also advised clients on sanctions and export controls, Section 301 tariffs and exclusions and other trade issues.
The Yale University graduate first joined WilmerHale in 2011 as a counsel.
“We congratulate Jeff on his confirmation to this critical role in US trade policy at a time when the complexities and challenges in international trade have rarely been greater,” said Anjan Sahni, WilmerHale’s managing partner. “Our clients and our firm greatly benefited from Jeff’s wisdom and deeply informed insights. We wish him great success in his new role as he serves the nation.”
Kessler holds a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Chicago and a juris doctor and master’s degree in economics from Stanford University.
