Judith A. Lee
(1962 – 2025)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our partner and friend Judith A. Lee — a vibrant and cherished member of our firm’s community for 35 years.
Judith joined Gibson Dunn’s Washington, D.C. office in 1990 and became a member of our partnership in 1996, serving as Co-Chair of our International Trade Regulation and Compliance Practice Group from 1990 to 2023. She had earned her law degree in 1987 from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary and her bachelor of arts in 1984 from Mount Holyoke College, where she studied Chinese and politics.
Throughout her career, Judith was known as a devoted mentor to many current and former Gibson Dunn lawyers, as well as to a generation of international trade lawyers throughout Washington, D.C. She was a key catalyst in establishing the informal sanctions bar, which for the first time brought together sanctions lawyers from throughout Washington and beyond.
Judith was a trusted advisor to colleagues and clients alike, always willing to lend a listening ear or offer thoughtful guidance. She was also a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, playing an integral role in championing the rights of the Native American community and serving as one of only 10 appointed members of the American Bar Association’s Coalition on Racial and Ethnic Justice.
Judith’s mastery in the area of international trade regulation earned her countless accolades and honors, and her expertise made her a natural leader for various professional organizations. She was also a sought-after speaker, as well as a prolific writer in many journals and publications.
In addition to her professional memberships and leadership, Judith was involved in the broader Washington, D.C. community, including as a prior Board Member for the Washington Performing Arts Society. She was also very much involved with The Washington Ballet and helped found the National Ballet of Costa Rica, where she had a retirement home.
Judith’s integrity, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her work and everyone around her made her a beloved figure. She will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.
Capabilities
- International Trade Advisory and Enforcement
- Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice
- National Security
Credentials
Education:
- College of William & Mary - 1987 Juris Doctor
- Mount Holyoke College - 1984 Bachelor of Arts
Admissions:
- District of Columbia Bar
- Virginia Bar