Lansing

313 South Washington Square

Lansing, MI 48933-2114

T: 517.371.8276

F: 517.371.8200

Email

vCard

Print PDF

Jean G. Schtokal

A shareholder, Jean joined Foster Swift in 1991 after having worked for a Detroit law firm for four years. She practices primarily in the business transactions area, handling both domestic and foreign matters.

Her experience as an international business attorney in Lansing is quite expansive and includes international trade, distribution, manufacturing and licensing arrangements; establishment of subsidiaries, branch offices and facilities; joint ventures and strategic alliances as well as acquisitions and direct investments. Jean also has first-hand knowledge of U.S Export Controls (ITAR). As a result of her thorough understanding and ability to clearly communicate these complex topics, she often speaks on international business topics including international business transactions and international trade.

Jean is equally experienced in assisting U.S. businesses with entity formation, business planning, negotiation and drafting of contracts, creation of joint ventures and serving as a trusted advisor.

A native of Dearborn, Michigan, Jean is a University of Michigan alumnus and received her juris doctorate, cum laude, from Wayne State University. Prior to completing law school, Jean was the aide in charge of the Tax Expenditures Subcommittee of the Taxation Committee for the Michigan House of Representatives.

Thoroughly immersed in the Michigan business community, Jean holds many leadership roles. She has been appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to the Michigan District Export Council-West, she is a member of the Advisory Board of Center for International Business Education and Research at Michigan State University, and serves as Co-Chair of the Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan. Jean is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.  She is also on the Board of the United Nations Association - USA Lansing Chapter.

Highlights & Recognitions

Representative Matters

• Drafting and negotiating domestic and international joint ventures, teaming and cooperation agreements for automotive supply, chemicals, defense, manufacturing and agricultural industries
• Negotiating manufacturing and license agreements for the chemical and defense industries
• Representing clients in acquisitions and corporate reorganizations in automotive, chemicals, drilling/oil and gas, insurance and manufacturing industries
• Setting up foreign operations
• Representing clients in foreign acquisitions and transactions in regulated and non regulated industries
• Drafting distributor, agent, and broker agreements in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East
• Providing clients protection of trade secrets/confidential information and resolution of matters involving misuse of proprietary information
• Counseling clients on registration and licensing regarding U.S. Munitions List defense articles, technical data and defense services for export
• Helping minority and women-owned business enterprises with state and national certification matters
• Assisting clients with the resolution of minority shareholder/member disputes
• Representing U.S. subsidiaries for foreign-owned companies

News

• Jean Schtokal appointed Division Director of International Business Services for Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, December 12, 2011
• Foster Swift's 2011 Best Lawyers, August 17, 2010
• Schtokal Facilitates Michigan Chamber Seminar on Exporting, June 11, 2010

Speaking Engagements

• Explore Agricultural Exports: A World of Opportunity, Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan, February 9, 2012
• Connecting your Business to MSU’s Global Talent: Practical Steps & A World of Benefits, Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan, January 25, 2012
• International Trade In Arms (ITAR) Overview, PTAC of Lansing, October 14, 2011
• Jean Schtokal presents "International Traffic in Arms Regulations- Registration Overview", Departments of Defense Procurement Technical Assistance Centers of Michigan, June 9, 2011
• Jean Schtokal will moderate a panel titled "Brazil - Breaking Through Export Barriers" for the World Trade Week in Grand Rapids, US Department of Commerce, May 4, 2011
• Jean Schtokal speaks to the East Lansing Rotary Club, East Lansing Rotary Club, April 25, 2011

For more, click here

Publications

• Reimbursement for International Marketing Activities, Foster Swift Agricultural Law Update, July 2011
• Consider Brazil as a Market for Your Products or Services, Foster Swift Business & Corporate Law Report, Spring 2011
• Consider Brazil as a Market for your Products or Services, West Michigan World Trade Week, May 2011
• Avoid Liability Associated With Foreign Export Control Violations, Foster Swift Business & Corporate Law Report, Winter 2011
• Using Arbitration to Resolve International Business Disputes, Michigan Manufacturers Association, September/October 2004

Memberships & Affiliations

Legal Affiliations: 

• American Bar Association, Canadian Law Committee
• State Bar of Michigan
• Michigan State Bar Foundation, Fellow
• International Bar Association
• Ingham County Bar Association

Industry & Professional Associations:

• Michigan District Export Council-West, Vice Chair and Board Member
• Center for International Business Education and Research at Michigan State University (MSU-CIBER), Advisory Board Member
• Society for International Affairs, Member

Community Involvement:

• Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors
• Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan, Co-Chair
• United Nations Association - USA Lansing Chapter, Board of Directors