Sidley Austin Adds Former Treasury Official Jess Sanchez as Washington, D.C. Partner

Sidley Austin added Jess Sanchez as a partner in its Washington, D.C., office and its Global Arbitration, Trade and Advocacy practice, the firm said. Sanchez joins Sidley's Litigation group after more than a decade of federal government experience, most recently as Acting Principal Deputy Assistant General Counsel at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Pulse 2.0 reported.

Jess Sanchez's Treasury and Defense Background

Sanchez previously held positions at the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and in private practice, according to the firm. At Sidley, she will advise companies, sponsors, investors, and other clients on legal, regulatory, policy, and national security matters. Her areas of focus include the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, the Outbound Investment Security Program, and national security-related trade issues.

Yvette Ostolaza, chair of Sidley's Management Committee, said, "Jess brings exceptional experience at the center of U.S. investment screening and national security policy, including significant involvement in CFIUS matters and the development of regulations governing outbound investment."

Kristin Graham Koehler, managing partner of Sidley's Washington, D.C., office, said, "Jess is a terrific addition to our Washington, D.C. office, with contacts throughout the U.S. government."

Sanchez's arrival adds another former government official to Sidley's trade and national security capabilities. Recent additions to the practice include Maura Rezendes, who focuses on economic sanctions; John Foote, who concentrates on customs; Justin Becker, who handles trade remedies; and Boyd Greene, who advises on government contracts and national security matters.

Sidley's Partner Promotions and Office Footprint

Sidley elected 52 new partners in June 2026, following 29 new partner promotions and 15 counsel promotions earlier in the same year, according to akta.pro company records. The firm has approximately 2,300 lawyers across 21 offices worldwide, the same records show.

Earlier Sidley Leadership Additions

Sidley added Justin Solomon as a partner in Los Angeles and co-leader of its Private Equity Funds group, Pulse 2.0 reported in October 2026. The firm also announced in October 2026 that Ryan McNish joined as a partner in its Investment Funds practice in Chicago, coming from Kirkland & Ellis, Pulse 2.0 reported. In September 2026, Sidley added former Cooley partner Lin Jiqiang as a New York partner to strengthen its life sciences practice, Law.asia reported.