Senior Associate
Complex Commercial Litigation
Francisco J. Vélez provides operational and transactional guidance to Fortune 500 companies as well as small and mid-sized businesses across a wide range of industries and global markets. He advises clients on international trade and regulatory matters, with a focus on U.S. export controls, economic sanctions, CFIUS, and anti-corruption compliance. His work includes advising on national security reviews before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Francisco also assists clients with internal investigations and the development and implementation of compliance programs under global anti-corruption frameworks, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the World Bank Integrity Compliance Guidelines.
Before practicing law, Francisco was a student-athlete at the University of Florida, where he served as a placekicker for the Florida Gators football team. He played five seasons, was a two-year letterman, led the team in scoring during the 2014 season, and received a full athletic scholarship. He was also a four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll honoree.
Education
Admissions
Client Alerts
Growing Trade Compliance Hurdles: BIS Adopts the 50% Rule for Entity List and MEU List Entities
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) has adopted a 50% ownership rule that extends to parties on the Entity List and Military End-User List (“MEU List”).
November 10, 2025 • V&E Export Controls Update
November 10, 2025 • 4-minute read
Client Alerts
The Texas Legislature was active this Session in proposing and passing bills that seek to restrict foreign ownership of real estate and businesses in Texas.
September 17, 2025 • V&E CFIUS Update Published by The Real Estate Finance Journal, November 2025
September 17, 2025 • 6-minute read
Client Alerts
President Trump Orders Divestment of Jupiter Systems, Citing National Security Concerns
On July 8th, 2025, President Trump issued an order (the “Order”) forcing divestment of U.S.-based Jupiter Systems (“Jupiter”) by its China-based parent company, Suirui Group Co., Ltd. (“Suirui”), more than five years after Suirui acquired Jupiter.
July 17, 2025 • V&E CFIUS Update
July 17, 2025 • 2-minute read
Client Alerts
Commercial Considerations Related to the Shift in Syrian Sanctions Policy
On May 23, 2025, General License 25 (“GL 25” or the “General License”) was issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), suspending a wide array of sanctions against Syria.
June 16, 2025 • V&E Economic Sanctions Update
June 16, 2025 • 4-minute read
Deals & Cases
Vinson & Elkins Advises Golar LNG on $500 Million Senior Notes Offering
Vinson & Elkins advised Golar LNG Limited in the pricing of a private offering of $500 million in aggregate principal …
September 29, 2026
September 29, 2026 • 1-minute read
Deals & Cases
Vinson & Elkins advised FTAI Infrastructure Inc. (NASDAQ: FIP) in the acquisition of the Port Arthur Terminal in Port Arthur, …
September 28, 2026
September 28, 2026 • 1-minute read
Deals & Cases
Vinson & Elkins advised Goldman Sachs, its West Street Climate Credit Fund (part of Goldman Sachs Asset Management’s private credit …
September 21, 2026
September 21, 2026 • 2-minute read
Deals & Cases
Vinson & Elkins represented NextEra Energy, Inc in securing a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee of up to …
September 9, 2026
September 9, 2026 • 1-minute read
Deals & Cases
Vinson & Elkins Represents EPC Power on $4.4 Billion Sale to Flex
Vinson & Elkins LLP represented EPC Power Corp. and its controlling shareholders, Goldman Sachs Alternatives and Cleanhill Partners, in its …
September 4, 2026
September 4, 2026 • 1-minute read
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