John Cobau is Chief Counsel for International Commerce at the U.S. Department of Commerce, serving as the lead attorney for the International Trade Administration. His office advises the International Trade Administration and senior Department officials on U.S. and international trade and investment law, particularly with respect to foreign investment and national security, international data flows, export and investment promotion, and trade agreements compliance.  He served as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the American University Washington College of Law, where he is currently an adjunct professor. 

Prior to his current position, Mr. Cobau served as Director for International Trade and Investment at the National Security Council, where he focused on international investment and intellectual property issues. 

Before serving on the National Security Council staff, Mr. Cobau was a Senior Counsel in the Office of the Chief Counsel for International Commerce.  Since coming to Commerce in 1997, Mr. Cobau has supported the negotiation and implementation of many international agreements, including free trade agreements, textile agreements, and multilateral trade agreements. 

Before coming to Commerce, Mr. Cobau practiced trade law with a private firm in Washington, DC.  He is a graduate of Princeton University and a cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan Law School. 

Visit: Office of the Chief Counsel for International Commerce