Dechert’s national security practice, led by Jeremy B. Zucker and Hrishikesh Hari in Washington DC, advises a broad range of clients, including sovereign wealth funds, private equity sponsors, and global corporates, on CFIUS, sanctions, export controls, and enforcement matters.

DLA Piper LLP (US)’s National Security and Global Trade practice is noted for its strength in navigating the increasingly complex intersection of foreign investment regulation, trade compliance, and government-facing enforcement matters. With deep experience across CFIUS, economic sanctions, export controls, tariffs, supply chain risk management, and congressional investigations, the team advises a diverse range of clients on the full spectrum of national security issues shaping today’s global transactional and regulatory environment. The Washington DC-based group is led by global CFIUS co-chair Nicholas Klein, a go-to adviser on the most complex foreign investment reviews, particularly in aerospace, defense, semiconductors, and emerging technology. Christine Daya brings broad expertise across CFIUS, OFAC sanctions, CBP enforcement, and politically sensitive congressional oversight matters, while veteran sanctions specialist Ignacio Sanchez is noted for resolving landmark enforcement and licensing mandates. Former Commerce Chief of Staff and Acting General Counsel Michael Walsh further strengthens the practice’s advanced technology and export controls capabilities. Recent highlights include securing CFIUS approval for South Korea’s LIG Nex1 acquisition of Ghost Robotics, advising QIC on its $1 billion investment in PSI Quantum, and serving as lead trade compliance counsel to General Electric on its ongoing three-way corporate separation.

Hogan Lovells US LLP‘s International Trade, National Security, and Government Contracts practice is noted for navigating complex cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, and high-stakes national security matters. The Washington DC-based team is co-led by Ajay Kuntamukkala, co-director of International Trade and Investment and a leading authority on export controls, sanctions, and cutting-edge technologies, and Jonathan Stoel, global co-head of International Trade and Investment, with deep expertise in public international law, trade disputes, and US regulatory matters. Key partners include Beth Peters, an export controls and sanctions expert; Deen Kaplan, a specialist in cybersecurity and international trade; Michael Scheimer, focused on government contracts and cleared-company M&A; Stephen Propst, lead counsel on complex export controls matters; Aleksandar Dukic, sanctions advisor for financial institutions and multinational clients; Brian Curran, a former intelligence community veteran and CFIUS expert; and Anne Salladin, former Treasury CFIUS counsel advising on inbound and outbound investment reviews. Zachary Alvarez remains a key member of the DC team. This deep bench advises governments, multinational corporations, and private equity clients across the full spectrum of national security matters. Significant matters from the past year include representing the Government of Ukraine in its landmark mineral rights trade agreement with the US, guiding Stonepeak Partners in its $3.1 billion acquisition of ATSG, advising Nightwing Group on its cyber acquisition of Roka Security, assisting SES on its $3.1 billion acquisition of Intelsat S.A., and serving as long-term US export controls and sanctions counsel to ZTE.

King & Spalding maintains a market-leading national security practice, co-led by Robert Hur and Christine Savage. The team is widely noted for handling the most sensitive and high-profile congressional, regulatory, and cross-border disputes facing major global institutions. The practice boasts strength across the full ambit of national security disciplines, including sanctions, export controls, CFIUS, and crisis management, frequently advising clients under intense public scrutiny and coordinating parallel investigations across multiple jurisdictions. Based in Washington DC, practice co-heads Hur and Savage provide strategic counsel on national security risks, sensitive investigations, and government enforcement matters. Savage, alongside Philip Ludvigson, is also a key figure in trade and CFIUS work, advising clients on major transactions and compliance frameworks in highly regulated sectors. Also in Washington DC, Alicia O’Brien is central to the team’s congressional investigations practice, guiding clients through subpoena responses, witness preparation, and engagement with senior government stakeholders. In New York, Dan Donovan is a leading name in major congressional oversight matters, while Andrew Hruska is a key adviser on sanctions and cross-border regulatory investigations, including those involving emerging technologies and international financial systems. The practice regularly represents multinational corporations, private equity sponsors, financial institutions, universities, and non-profit organizations, reinforcing their position as a trusted adviser in the most complex government-facing disputes.

Latham & Watkins is recognized for its market-leading strength in navigating the increasingly complex intersection of national security, trade compliance, and government-facing regulatory matters. With deep experience across CFIUS, FOCI mitigation, economic sanctions, export controls, anti-money laundering, government contracts, and cybersecurity, the team advises clients on the full spectrum of issues shaping today’s global investment and enforcement environment. The practice has made substantial investments in expanding its bench through senior former government hires, strengthening its ability to guide clients through the most sensitive regulatory and geopolitical challenges. The practice, centered in Washington DC, is co-led by Les P. Carnegie and Damara Chambers. Carnegie is widely regarded as one of the foremost CFIUS advisers, having secured clearance for transactions exceeding $200 billion in value over the past year. Chambers is similarly regarded for her versatility across CFIUS, FOCI, ITAR, and technology transfer matters, regularly handling landmark agreements and mitigation negotiations with the US government. Other key figures include James Barker, Global Chair of the Connectivity Industry Group, who advises clients across CFIUS and Team Telecom matters; Matthew Brill, a former FCC senior official with particular strength in telecommunications and national security-driven regulatory litigation; and Eric Volkman, who co-leads the firm’s sanctions and export controls practice and is noted for his work on major enforcement and compliance mandates in the digital assets space. Former Treasury Investment Security Assistant Secretary Paul Rosen further bolsters the group’s leadership, bringing unparalleled insight into CFIUS policy, enforcement, and outbound investment regulation. Vanessa Le, who joined the DC team in July 2025, further strengthens the practice, acting as lead partner on a number of congressional investigations. Michael Herman is noted as a rising talent within the DC team. Recent highlights include advising Desktop Metal on the CFIUS and trade controls aspects of its acquisition by Nano Dimension, representing Changpeng Zhao, founder and former CEO of Binance, in one of the most high-profile enforcement matters of the year, and assisting Mawarid Holding Company in securing CFIUS approval for a $500 million-plus investment into US aerospace innovator Sceye.

Morrison Foerster‘s market-leading practice is composed of leading advisors capable of covering the full spectrum of national security matters. The team is co-led out of the Washington DC office with David Newman, who guides clients through high-stakes sanctions, emerging technology, and geopolitical matters, and John Smith, recognized for his expertise in economic sanctions and enforcement. Rounding out the leadership team is Brandon Van Grack, who handles complex FARA, export control, and compliance investigations. Key partners also include Charles Capito, who advises on ITAR, EAR, and CFIUS compliance for technology companies and government contractors; James Brower, who has deep experience in national security reviews for cross-border technology and semiconductor transactions; Joseph Folio, who specializes in congressional investigations and government oversight; Rachel Fiorill, a sanctions enforcement expert for leading financial institutions; and Chris Chamberlain, who provides strategic guidance on export controls and high-technology national security matters. The team advises clients across technology, industrial, and financial sectors on cross-border M&A, regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity issues.

Baker McKenzie’s US national security and international trade practice continues to grow in strength and depth, with expanding expertise in CFIUS, sanctions, and export controls work, and particularly notable growth in cybersecurity. The team combines former senior government officials, including prosecutors and FBI cyber specialists, delivering a powerful mix of national security lawyers whose expertise spans multiple disciplines. Within the past 12 months, the Washington DC office has bolstered its capabilities. Former US Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein joined as National Security Chair, bringing unmatched experience in high-stakes investigations, litigation, and government enforcement. Sumon Dantiki, a former DOJ National Security and computer crime prosecutor, joined Rosenstein as co-chair of the practice, advising on complex multi-jurisdictional matters, often with cyber or national security dimensions.

Crowell & Moring LLP’s national security and international trade practice is recognized for its depth of expertise across sanctions, export controls, government contracts, and high-stakes investigations. The team combines former senior government officials with accomplished private practice lawyers, offering a strong blend of regulatory insight, enforcement experience, and transactional acumen. Led by Michael Atkinson, former Inspector General of the US Intelligence Community; Caroline Brown, an expert in CFIUS reviews and sanctions compliance; Adelicia Cliffe, a specialist in government contracts and national security matters; and David (Dj) Wolff, Co-Chair of the International Trade Group, the Washington DC office maintains real strength Further key partners in DC include Carlton Greene and Erik Woodhouse who provide deep experience in sanctions and AML. Evan Wolff departed the team in July 2025.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP’s National Security practice is recognized for handling some of the most sensitive congressional investigations, sanctions mandates, and export controls matters confronting global companies and financial institutions. Co-led by Zainab Ahmad in New York and David P. Burns in Washington DC, the team draws on deep enforcement experience across the full spectrum of national security risk. Ahmad, a former federal prosecutor, is a trusted adviser on high-profile regulatory and internal investigations, while Burns brings senior DOJ leadership experience spanning sanctions, FARA, export controls, and complex government-facing disputes. The DC team is particularly noted for its strength in congressional oversight and trade enforcement work. Michael D. Bopp leads major investigations before the House and Senate, including representing 23andMe in inquiries concerning genetic data privacy and the national security implications arising from its bankruptcy sale. On the sanctions and export controls side, Christopher Timura and Adam Smith advise clients on evolving Russia-related measures, voluntary disclosures, and multi-jurisdictional compliance programs.

Sidley Austin LLP‘s national security practice is led by David Lashway and Andrew Shoyer and is anchored by a deep bench of Washington DC–based partners with extensive government and private-sector experience. The team is noted for advising multinationals and critical-infrastructure operators on issues at the intersection of regulation, technology, and geopolitics. Shoyer is a leading authority on sanctions, export controls, and treaty-based trade and investment rules, drawing on senior experience at the Office of the USTR and the WTO. Lashway leads the firm’s cybersecurity and data governance capabilities, advising boards and executives on national-security-aligned cyber strategy, ransomware response, and emerging technology risk. Jim Mendenhall focuses on CFIUS, international trade policy, and investment disputes, while Jen Fernandez counsels clients on export controls, OFAC sanctions, ICTS supply chain rules, and outbound investment restrictions. Maura Rezendes, a former OFAC enforcement chief, advises financial institutions and multinational companies on sanctions compliance, enforcement, and licensing matters. Further strengthening the platform, Michael C. Hochman and John Woods bring senior policy and regulatory experience to cybersecurity, data security, and national security compliance mandates.

White & Case LLP’s national security practice is anchored in Washington DC by a deep bench of specialists. Cristina Brayton-Lewis, co-chair of the Economic Sanctions & Export Controls practice, is widely recognized for her work advising on complex sanctions and export controls issues, particularly those involving emerging technologies. Farhad Jalinous, Global Head of the firm’s CFIUS and Foreign Direct Investment Reviews practice, brings decades of experience handling sensitive cross-border transactions involving national security considerations. David Lim advises multinational clients on sanctions, export controls, and enforcement matters, drawing on prior government experience. The team is further strengthened by Laura Black, a former senior US Treasury official with significant CFIUS policy experience. The team advises a global client roster including major multinational corporations, private equity sponsors, and sovereign-affiliated entities on high-stakes cross-border transactions, regulatory filings, investigations, and litigation involving sanctions, export controls, and foreign investment review regimes.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP’s International Trade and National Security practice is anchored in Washington DC and is recognized for advising major investors, corporations, and boards on the most complex cross-border regulatory and investment risks. Key partners Ivan Schlager and John Kabealo are central figures in the team’s market-leading capabilities across CFIUS, sanctions, and export controls. The practice is further strengthened by Lucille Hague, who is highly regarded for her CFIUS and transactional expertise, alongside Evan Sills, who advises on trade compliance and investment clearance mandates. Erika Krum provides additional bench depth across major sponsor-driven and strategic matters. The team’s recent highlights include advising a consortium led by PIF on its proposed $55 billion take-private acquisition of Electronic Arts, as well as representing Renesas Electronics in Wolfspeed’s multi-billion dollar restructuring involving significant regulatory approvals. Mario Mancuso left the firm in October 2025.

Mayer Brown’s National Security practice is a leading force at the intersection of cybersecurity, emerging technology, and geopolitical risk. Anchored in Washington DC, the team is led by Rajesh De, former General Counsel of the NSA, alongside Kenneth Wainstein, Adam Hickey, and Thea Kendler, bringing deep DOJ and BIS enforcement and policymaking experience. The practice advises clients on sanctions, export controls, CFIUS, and high-stakes investigations, with particular strength in cyber incident response, insider risk, and sensitive national security transactions.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP’s National Security practice advises on CFIUS, export controls, economic sanctions, cybersecurity, and national security compliance. Based in Washington DC, John Carlin co-chairs the Cybersecurity & Data Protection and Investigations practices and leads the firm’s National Security & CFIUS work, drawing on extensive government experience. Ian Richardson focuses on high-stakes national security litigation and corporate enforcement. In New York, Nicole Succar provides counsel on economic sanctions, export controls, and AML matters. In DC, Daniel Gerkin handles international trade, export controls, and CFIUS reviews, combining transactional, compliance, and investigative expertise across critical industries. Roberto Gonzalez has left the firm.

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP’s National Security practice is distinguished by a bench of partners whose capabilities span the full lifecycle of security-sensitive business, from policy and transactions to disputes and enforcement. Based primarily in Washington DC, Nancy Fischer leads the practice with deep experience in export controls, sanctions, CFIUS, tariffs, and supply-chain strategy across technology, energy, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. She is joined by Christopher Wall, a former senior Commerce Department official widely trusted on export controls, sanctions, and investment security matters. Stephan Becker brings global trade and foreign investment depth, particularly for aviation, semiconductor, and manufacturing clients. Public policy partner Brian Finch adds authority on cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and SAFETY Act matters. In Los Angeles, Michael Rizzo provides government contracts and disputes expertise for defense and technology contractors. Marques Peterson, Managing Partner of the Washington DC office, rounds out the team with extensive experience in international defense procurement, investigations, and national security compliance.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP‘s National Security practice is recognized for advising on complex CFIUS, export control, sanctions, and cybersecurity matters. Michael Leiter heads the Washington DC-based practice, representing clients in high-stakes transactions and investigations across aerospace, defense, AI, and government contracting. Brian J. Egan advises on CFIUS, export controls, sanctions, AML, and international cybersecurity, leveraging his extensive government experience. Eytan Fisch focuses on sanctions, AML, fintech, and virtual currency, and Brooks Allen leads on international trade matters. David A. Simon co-heads the firm’s Cybersecurity and Data Privacy practice, advising on AI, cyber incidents, and privacy.

Wiley Rein LLP’s National Security practice is noted for its handling of CFIUS, export controls, sanctions, and cybersecurity mandates affecting critical technology and infrastructure clients. Based in Washington DC, the team is led by Nazak Nikakhtar, whose senior Commerce Department experience makes her a go-to adviser on supply chain security and emerging technology risk. Daniel Brooks adds strength in CFIUS and Team Telecom reviews, while Tessa Capeloto is noted for FARA and FOCI mitigation matters.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s practice co-chaired by David Mortlock and Britt Mosman in Washington DC, is a recognized leader in US sanctions and export controls. The team advises multinational clients, financial institutions, and sovereign entities on high-stakes matters at the intersection of international trade, national security, and regulatory compliance. Mortlock provides strategic guidance on sanctions and cross-border enforcement, including ongoing counsel to the Office of the President of Ukraine. Mosman handles complex transactional, compliance, and enforcement issues, serving as an expert witness in precedent-setting litigation. Recent highlights include guiding Fractal Marine through OFAC inquiries, and assisting global firms with restructuring under sanctions.

Akin‘s international trade and national security practice is led from Washington DC by Jonathan C. Poling, head of the international trade group, and Christian Davis, head of the CFIUS practice, who is noted for his leading role in cross-border investment reviews, export controls, and sanctions and regularly advises on complex multijurisdictional transactions. Katherine Padgett is also recognized as a key partner, specializing in CFIUS filings, non-notified inquiries, and mitigation negotiations, drawing on prior experience as lead CFIUS counsel at the US Department of State. The team advises sovereign investors, multinational corporations, and private capital sponsors on sensitive national security reviews and transaction structuring. Evan Wolff has joined the firm as Co-Head of Cybersecurity, Privacy & Data Protection Practice in Washington DC.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP’s National Security practice advises major corporates, investors, and financial institutions on the most sensitive CFIUS, sanctions, export controls, and cross-border enforcement matters. Co-headed in Washington DC by Rick Sofield and Satish Kini, the team serve as advisers on high-profile foreign investment reviews and national security regulatory strategy, including for clients such as American Express and Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. Carter Burwell and David O’Neil anchor the firm’s government investigations and white collar defense capabilities. The practice is further complemented by the firm’s cyber bench, with Luke Dembosky and Avi Gesser advising on complex incident response, AI, and data security matters. The firm’s recent work includes advising Nippon Steel and US Steel in landmark CFIUS litigation as well as representing Lafarge in connection with the DOJ’s first-ever corporate prosecution for providing material support to terrorism.

Eversheds Sutherland’s National Security practice is led out of the Washington DC office by Jeffrey Cottle and Patrick Gilman, global co-heads of National Security Investigations, combining decades of operational, investigative, and regulatory expertise. Cottle and Gilman guide a global team advising on CFIUS, export controls, sanctions, cybersecurity, and cross-border investigations. Supporting this leadership are Michael Bahar, co-head of the firm’s global litigation practice group, whose government and Navy JAG experience informs high-stakes national security transactions; Jeffrey Bialos, a former Deputy Under Secretary of Defense and CFIUS advisor; Ginger Faulk, head of US and global sanctions, a sanctions and compliance strategist across energy and finance; Mark Herlach, global co-chair of competition, trade and foreign investment, an expert in trade, nuclear, and industrial security; and Neal Higgins, former Deputy National Cyber Director at the White House and senior CIA official, who co-leads the Congressional Investigations practice while specializing in AI, cybersecurity, and other emerging technology matters.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP ‘s National Security Regulatory Practice is led by Washington DC-based Abram Ellis and Malcolm Tuesley, with George Wang serving as co-head of the International Trade Regulation Practice and Asia Litigation Practice out of the New York office. Tuesley is widely recognized for his expertise in CFIUS, FOCI mitigation, export controls, and national security agreements across the defense, technology, telecommunications, and energy sectors. Ellis advises global private equity and financial institutions on sanctions, anti-money laundering, and financial crime compliance in high-stakes cross-border acquisitions. Wang brings deep experience in OFAC, export controls, and international trade law, guiding clients through complex regulatory and internal investigations. Mark Skerry, in Washington DC, secures CFIUS and facility security clearance approvals, ensuring mitigation measures are commercially effective.