Kelly Zhang | Washington, D.C. | Hogan Lovells

Kelly Zhang

Associate Global Regulatory

Languages

English, Chinese

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Kelly Zhang
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  • Overview
  • Experience
  • Credentials
  • Insights and events

Kelly Zhang stands out for providing first-class client service across more than a dozen sub-practices within the International Trade and Investment group. While her primary focus is on export control, sanctions, and customs, Kelly also works closely with the Investigations, White Collar and Fraud, Transportation, and Government Relations and Public Affairs groups.

Kelly helps companies develop comprehensive trade control compliance policies and training programs, secure government licenses and authorizations, and manage internal investigations and voluntary disclosures. She has extensive experience navigating multiple sanctions programs administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), as well as export control regulations under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Kelly also represents clients before U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Senate, ensuring that her clients meet both regulatory and human rights requirements. She frequently advises on various complaince and enforcement related matters under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). 

Kelly’s clients span diverse industries, including automotive, defense, telecommunications, cloud services, life sciences, energy, and education, with operations across Europe, Asia, and North America. As a native Chinese speaker, Kelly also assists international companies in navigating the rapidly evolving U.S. regulatory landscape. Additionally, she is passionate about pro bono work, advocating for clients in immigration and veteran affairs cases.

While attending law school, Kelly gained significant experience working full-time at Hogan Lovells, further building her expertise in international trade and investments. Before joining Hogan Lovells, Kelly worked at a boutique law firm in Washington, D.C., where she honed her legal skills.

Representative experience

Advised multiple companies in Congressional investigations related to forced labor. 

Advising numerous U.S. importers to respond to Forced Labor detentions under the UFLPA and WROs.

Created global Forced Labor Compliance Programs for several large multinational companies and enhancing international forced labor/ESG compliance to mitigate the risk of detentions.

Advising a leading silicon producer on its compliance regarding employment and labor safety-related matters in front of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Advised numerous U.S. importers to respond to Forced Labor detentions.

Counseling global life sciences and medical device companies in obtaining required U.S. government licenses to export products or provide services to OFAC-sanctioned countries.

Assisting a major Chinese telecommunications company with trade compliance monitorship arising from settlement agreement with the U.S. government.

Assisted companies with voluntary disclosures to CBP,  BIS, OFAC, and the DDTC.

Credentials

Education
  • J.D., cum laude, American University Washington College of Law, 2022
  • B.A. (Hons), Beijing Foreign Studies University, 2014
Bar admissions and qualifications
  • District of Columbia
Court admissions
  • U.S. Court of International Trade