johanna oliver Rousseaux, C'89
miami, FL
Johanna Oliver Rousseaux advises clients on the resolution of complex disputes before U.S., foreign, and international tribunals. With almost 30 years of experience working in Latin America and Europe, Rousseaux understands the cultural contexts of disputes and brings a unique perspective to resolving them. She works closely with in-house and foreign counsel, witnesses, and experts to develop a cohesive strategy capable of straddling widely different legal systems. Rousseaux has extensive experience with state, federal, and appellate litigation, cross- border discovery, trial before foreign tribunals, private and treaty-based arbitration, mediation, and consultation with government agencies.
Rousseaux represents one of the world’s largest energy companies and saw the company through an historic case involving a foreign government, its state oil company, individual plaintiffs, and the international coalition of lawyers and activists who supported them.
Named a “Pro Bono Hero” by Americans for Immigrant Justice for work on behalf of unaccompanied minor children, Rousseaux also is a dedicated pro bono lawyer, repeatedly winning recognition from the nonprofit agencies she collaborates with. She helped establish Jones Day’s Laredo Project, which represents women in immigration detention, and is one of the lead lawyers “on the ground” on the Texas border.
Before joining Jones Day, Rousseaux headed the conflict resolution and prevention program at the Arias Foundation, founded by Nobel Peace laureate and President of Costa Rica Oscar Arias. Working closely with Arias taught Rousseaux the power of leadership through service. In addition to her pro bono work, she sits on the board of directors of Americans for Immigrant Justice and the executive council of United Way Miami-Dade’s Women United.
At Sewanee, Rousseaux majored in politics, was on the varsity volleyball team, and was a member of Theta Pi sorority. As an alum, she has served as a Sewanee Career Readiness advisor.
