LAWYER PROFILE
Adam Smith

Adam Smith

Global 2026

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Chambers ranking badge

Ranked in 1 practice area

International Trade: Export Controls & Economic Sanctions

USA

7 years ranked

About

Provided by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP

Global

Practice Areas

Adam is the co-chair of Gibson Dunn & Crutcher’s global international trade practice group and is an experienced international lawyer with a focus on white collar compliance and financial crime, including with respect to federal, state, and international economic sanctions enforcement, embargoes, export and import controls, and anti-corruption. His recent projects include work with multinational financial institutions, manufacturers, and technology firms to enhance compliance processes, to engage with governmental agencies to secure interpretive guidance, licenses, and CFIUS clearances, to conduct internal investigations and pre- and post-M&A due diligence, and to defend against regulatory inquiries and enforcement actions.

Career

From 2010-2015 Adam served as the Senior Advisor to the Director of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and as the Director for Multilateral Affairs on the National Security Council. His prior positions include roles at the United Nations, the World Bank, and the OECD. Adam is regularly called upon by domestic and international tribunals as an expert and has testified before the U.S. Congress and the UK Parliament.

Publications

Adam is the author of dozens of articles and book chapters as well as three legal texts: International Judicial Institutions (1st and 2nd ed. 2015); After Genocide: Bringing the Devil to Justice (2009); US and EU Sanctions: Navigating the Divide for International Business (2019). He is also a frequent presenter at industry, academic, and governmental conferences globally.

Personal

JD, Harvard Law School, 2006, magna cum laude, Senior Editor ‘Harvard International Law Journal’, Chayes Fellow, Laylin Prize in International Law; MPhil, Oxford University, 1998; BA, Brown University, 1996, magna cum laude.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

International Trade: Export Controls & Economic Sanctions - USA

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial
Adam Smith is highlighted by peers for his expertise as it relates to economic sanctions. He works with both foreign and domestic clients.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Adam Smith has consistently provided actionable and practical advice and counsel.

    International Trade: Export Controls & Economic SanctionsChambers Global Guide
  • Adam Smith has an ability to synthesize and analyze information resulting in practical, actionable and business-oriented advice.

    International Trade: Export Controls & Economic SanctionsChambers Global Guide
  • Adam Smith is an exceptional attorney with deep expertise in export controls and sanctions.

    International Trade: Export Controls & Economic SanctionsChambers Global Guide

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