Jean 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 and the Executive Committee of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. She is also on the Board of the United Nations Association - USA Lansing Chapter.