Alexander W. Koff

Alexander W. Koff is a partner whose legal practice spans international trade, cross-border business transactions, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property enforcement. He serves as general counsel to U.S. and foreign companies, advising clients from startup entrepreneurs to global corporations. His work bridges continents and industries, delivering legal strategies that align with business growth and international regulatory demands.

Alexander earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1996, preceded by an M.Phil. in International Relations from Cambridge University and a B.A. from the University of Michigan. This academic foundation supports his comprehensive understanding of global policy, trade law, and multinational business operations.

Alexander’s international practice includes advising clients on treaty-based trade and investment frameworks, including WTO, NAFTA, and UNCITRAL arbitration. He has represented companies and sovereigns in global disputes and provided strategic counsel in trade negotiations, arbitration, and dispute resolution before organizations such as the WTO, ICC, and AAA’s ICDR. His experience includes government advisory roles in Vietnam and work with the U.S. Trade Representative, State Department, and United Nations.

In his corporate practice, Alexander helps companies strategically manage risk and unlock growth from startup through exit. He advises on complex international compliance issues, including ITAR and EAR export controls, OFAC sanctions, FCPA anti-bribery requirements, and CFIUS national security reviews. By aligning compliance with business goals, he enables clients to meet stringent regulatory standards while confidently expanding their global footprint.

Alexander W. Koff is valued for building long-term client relationships and delivering proactive legal solutions. From advising governments on trade policy to resolving multinational disputes, he brings deep insight and practical counsel to every engagement. His global perspective and multidisciplinary expertise make him a trusted advisor in international legal matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Venable LLP
• Former Chair, Maryland/Washington, DC, District Export Council
• Former Chair, Maryland State Bar Association’s (MSBA)
• Elected At-Large Member, International Trade Commission Trial Lawyers Association
• Adjunct Professor, international law, University of Baltimore School of Law
• Research Associate, George Washington University Law School

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• Maryland
• New York

Education

• University of Michigan Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Cambridge University
  Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.)
• University of Michigan
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges