Foster Garvey is proud to announce that Paul S. Hoff, counsel in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, has been awarded the prestigious Japanese Ambassador's Commendation in recognition of his longstanding service strengthening the friendship and mutual understanding between Japan and the United States.
The honor was awarded during a ceremony held in Washington, D.C., on February 12, 2026, at the Embassy of Japan. Minister Yasuyuki Okazaki, head of the Embassy’s Economic Section, presided at the event. Paul was joined by past and present colleagues from Foster Garvey in celebrating this monumental achievement.
For nearly 40 years, Paul has provided trusted counsel to the Embassy of Japan, delivering legal guidance on U.S. fisheries laws and regulations, and related judicial and administrative proceedings. Japan’s Ambassador Yamada, in announcing the award, commended Paul for his great contributions supporting the Embassy’s understanding of U.S. policies and legal frameworks through his steady involvement and deep knowledge of the regulatory landscape.
Over his career, Paul has also represented foreign and domestic clients on U.S. laws and policies regulating international trade, including export controls and financial sanctions on foreign countries, as well as the application of U.S. antitrust law to foreign companies. Paul previously served as Associate General Counsel of a Senate Committee, where he worked on international trade issues and a variety of regulatory matters.
This commendation recognizes not only Paul’s decades of meaningful contributions but also his enduring commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration and mutual respect between Japan and the United States. Paul’s work is the latest chapter in the firm’s long history of representing Japanese clients with regard to U.S. fishing regulations. He exemplifies the firm’s dedication to building and upholding lasting relationships grounded in trust, clarity and service.
(Pictured L–R: Foster Garvey alum Matthew Schneider; John Knab; Paul Hoff; and Yasuyuki Okazaki, Minister and Head of the Economic Section, Embassy of Japan)
