As Counsel in Fluet’s International Trade Practice, Jessica K. Thibodeau advises clients on complex international legal matters, drawing upon her extensive experience in government service and private practice. Ms. Thibodeau has specialized experience in export controls, economic sanctions, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), security assistance and arms transfers, and the law of armed conflict.

With over 15 years of experience spanning the U.S. Department of State and private practice, Ms. Thibodeau provides sophisticated guidance on compliance with U.S. and international legal frameworks. She has served as an Attorney-Adviser in the Office of the Legal Adviser at the U.S. Department of State for the past 10 years within the Office of Political-Military Affairs, the Office of Legislation and Foreign Assistance, and the Office of Employment Law. In these roles, she has advised policy officials on a wide range of topics, including the law of arms conflict, international and domestic legal obligations related to U.S. military operations, establishment of risk assessment and vetting processes for U.S. government programs in high-risk areas, armed transfers under the Arms Export Control Act, emerging technologies in the military domain, and employment law issues.

In the Office of Political-Military Affairs, Ms. Thibodeau served as the lead attorney advising State Department officials on the law of armed conflict in relation to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and conflicts in the Middle East. She has served on interagency delegations to multilateral negotiations, including the negotiation of a landmark political declaration on explosive weapons in populated areas and as Alternate Head of Delegation for negotiations on lethal autonomous weapons systems at the United Nations. She also advised Executive Branch officials on efforts to develop international consensus around practices  for the responsible development and use of Artificial Intelligence in the military domain.

She counsels clients on navigating the intricate regulatory landscape of international trade, including sanctions compliance, export control restrictions, and anti-corruption measures. Building on her experience at the State Department, Ms. Thibodeau leverages her deep understanding of interagency government operations and U.S. foreign policy and national security considerations to deliver practical solutions to complex cross-border challenges. Her expertise in the law of armed conflict and military affairs provides clients with a valuable perspective on risk management in conflict-affected regions.

Originally from West Hartford, Connecticut, Ms. Thibodeau lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two daughters.  In her free time, you can find her running, spending time outdoors, reading, and coaching her daughters’ basketball teams.

*Jessica K. Thibodeau is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia.