National Security in United States

King & Spalding

King & Spalding's Government Matters team boasts a bench full of sector specialists and former government seniors to provide a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape surrounding issues of national security. Boosted by the 2024 addition of former U.S. DoJ counsel Robert Hur, the practice is capable of assisting across a comprehensive spectrum of matters including national security risks, sensitive investigations and law enforcement engagement. Hur leads the practice alongside Christine Savage, who handles CFIUS, Export Controls and Sanctions matters, and Sumon Dantiki who focuses on sensitive government investigations. Philip Ludvigson is the firm's CFIUS expert. Jamieson Greer is a important member of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Robert Hur; Sumon Dantiki; Christine E. Savage


Autres avocats clés:

Phil Ludvigson; Rod Rosenstein; Paul B. Murphy; Steve Cave; Amelia Medina; John C. Richter; Andrew C. Hruska; Alicia O’Brien; J.C. Boggs; Jamieson Greer


Principaux clients

Foreign Individual: The Honorable Moise Katumbe Chapwe


Silicon Power Corporation


Siguler Guff


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted several large companies in the aerospace/defense and technology sectors in conducting internal investigations regarding export controls and to advise them on related compliance matters.
  • Represented Silicon Power in its interactions with Congress and the federal government (including the Departments of Commerce, Defense and Energy).
  • Represented Siguler Guff as lead counsel in response to DOJ criminal and FCA investigations into potential violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the False Claims Act.

Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins boasts a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory environment surrounding trade compliance and government-facing work. The Washington DC team is more than capable of providing counsel on CFIUS, economic sanctions, export controls, telecommunication regulations, cybersecurity, and government contracts. Les Carnegie is a CFIUS heavyweight whilst Damara Chambers contributes to both CFIUS and FOCI matters. James Barker has multifaceted expertise across emerging technology fields. Matthew Brill represents leaders of the communications industry in complex proceedings. Kyle Jefcoat handles government contracts and Dean Baxtresser represents clients in government litigation and investigations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Les P. Carnegie; Damara Chambers; James H Barker; Matthew Brill; Kyle Jefcoat


Autres avocats clés:

Dean Baxtresser; Tony Kim; Michael Rubin


Principaux clients

NCTA—the Internet & Television Association; Comcast; Charter; and Cox Enterprises


Changpeng Zhao (“CZ”)


Samuel Reed, Co-Founder and former Chief Technology Officer of BitMEX


SolarWinds


Gen Digital, Inc.


Truthfinder/Instant Checkmate


Accellion, Inc.


SLSCO Ltd (“SLSCO”)


Principaux dossiers


  • Continue to serve as the lead advocate for the cable industry before the Federal Communications Commission and courts of appeal on the agency’s renewed adoption of “open Internet” or “net neutrality” rules.
  • Represented Changpeng Zhao (known as “CZ”), founder and former CEO of Binance, in connection with a complex resolution of multiple agency investigations, one of the highest-profile enforcement matters of the year.
  • Represents software company SolarWinds in this closely watched, landmark SEC enforcement action, and succeeded earlier this year in “gutting” the agency’s case, defeating nearly all of the SEC’s claims.

Crowell & Moring LLP

Crowell & Moring LLP‘s national security team has become increasingly in demand by clients across various disciplines. The team advises on government-reviewed transactions, government contracting matters, and national security investigations, whilst also boasting a strong cyber security and data privacy team, with Evan Wolff being experienced in leading cyber-attack response processes. Michael Atkinson leads the National Security division alongside Caroline Brown and Adelicia Cliffe, all of whom are based in Washington DC. David (Dj) Wolff is the team’s sanctions expert. Maria-Alejandra del-Cerro is a key member of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Atkinson; Caroline Brown; Adelicia Cliffe


Autres avocats clés:

Evan Wolff; David (Dj) Wolff; Matthew Welling; Maria-Alejandra del-Cerro; Carlton Greene


Les références

‘Dj Wolff’s comprehensive understanding of global sanctions has enabled us to partner with Crowell & Moring in various countries around the world. Having the confidence to enter any country with the support and knowledge of Crowell & Morning behind us if a key differentiator.’

‘Dj Wolff is incredibly knowledgeable, thinks outside the box and is flexible. ’

Principaux dossiers


DLA Piper LLP (US)

DLA Piper LLP (US)'s National Security and Global Trade group has a broad practice with capabilities across the sanctions, CFIUS, cyber risk, and congressional investigations sectors. Co-head of the team, Christine Daya, based in Washington DC, advises across a range of industries including manufacturing, financial services, insurance, and pharmaceuticals. Nicholas Klein leads alongside Daya and is an expert in export control classifications. Ignacio Sanchez is a sanctions expert. Vanessa Le, who joined the firm in 2024 has become a vital member of the practice as a lead in the Congressional Investigations team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christine Daya; Nicholas Klein


Autres avocats clés:

Vanessa Le; Igancio Sanchez


Principaux clients

Georgia Institute of Technology


CrowdStrike


Lumen Technologies Service Group, LLC


General Electric Company


Tigran Gambaryan


Ghost Robotics LLC


QIC Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Georgia Tech throughout the investigation by the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party.
  • Represented Lumen Technologies, the victim of a nation-state actor hack affecting the entire telecommunications sector, drawing national media attention and Congressional interest.
  • Crafted and implemented a successful federal advocacy strategy that secured the release of Tigran Gambaryan, a former US law enforcement office.

Hogan Lovells US LLP

Hogan Lovells US LLP's National Security practice, based in Washington DC, offers clients a multidisciplinary team with experience across a gamut of legal issues, that has in-depth knowledge of a variety of significant industries. Washington DC managing partner Ajay Kuntamukkala  and Jonathan Stoel co-lead the team, whilst the experienced Beth Peters remains vital. Michael Scheimer is the firm's government contracts expert whilst Stephen Propst has extensive experience advising space and satellite industry clients on US export controls. Brian Curran and Anne Salladin lead the CFIUS branch of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ajay Kuntamukkala; Jonathan Stoel


Autres avocats clés:

Beth Peters; Michael Scheimer; Stephen Propst; Aleksandar Dukic; Brian Curran; Anne Salladin; Kelly Ann Shaw; Zachary Alvarez; Ashley Roberts


Principaux clients

ZTE


SES S.A.


Kinder Morgan


Multiple government contractors subject to US government cybersecurity and supply chain requirements


Classified government contracting and security clearances


Numerous government contractors with security clearances, and foreign investors in US cleared companies


Airbus Helicopters, Inc.


Bernhard Capital Partners (BCP)


Lockheed Martin


NuScale


Urenco


US Steel


Leading Global Cloud Services and Semiconductor Companies


Mersen


Principaux dossiers


  • Serve as lead US export controls and sanctions counsel to the Chinese multinational telecommunications equipment and systems company ZTE, assisting with all aspects of compliance with US regulations and the terms of the company’s unprecedented 10-year Superseding Settlement Agreement (SSA) with the US Department of Commerce.
  • Advised longstanding satellite client SES S.A. (SES) on signing an agreement to acquire Intelsat S.A. (Intelsat) and handled regulatory filings related to export controls, economic sanctions and CFIUS for SES on its acquisition of Leonardo DRS Global Enterprise Solutions (GES).
  • Represented Airbus Helicopters, Inc. in its acquisition of U.S.-based Aerovel and its tactical unmanned aerial system, advising on the national security aspects of the deal including government contracts diligence, CFIUS and Foreign Ownership, Control and Influence issues.

Morrison Foerster

Morrison Foerster‘s National Security bench encompasses subteams that specialize in economic sanctions, CFIUS, government contracts, privacy and data, and cyber-breach response. Practice co-head John Smith, a former OFAC director, focuses on economic sanctions. Brandon Van Grack leads the team alongside Smith and handles investigations, criminal defense, and a range of compliance matters. Charles Capito has a deep knowledge of the CFIUS framework. James Brower, promoted to Partner in 2024, focuses on CFIUS mitigation. Rachel Fiorill is a sanctions expert.

Responsables de la pratique:

John E. Smith; Brandon L. Van Grack


Autres avocats clés:

James Brower; Charles Capitol; Rachel Fiorill


Les références

‘MoFo is a highly reputable firm with a well regarded CFIUS practice. They are professional, collegial, and a pleasure to work with.’

‘James Brower is an exceptional CFIUS attorney. He has experience within the Committee and has valuable insight into the deliberative process. James is also very knowledgeable and easy to work with.’

‘In-depth knowledge of CFIUS’

Principaux clients

Anthony Ornato


Citigroup, Inc.


ITOCHU


Jean-Paul Van Avermaet, former CEO of G4S Belgium


JPMorgan Chase


SoftBank Group Corp.


Stellantis


The Clearing House


Timothy Thibault


Walmart


Wells Fargo


Principaux dossiers


  • Represent SoftBank, one of the largest global technology holding companies, on CFIUS and related national security aspects of acquisitions and investments in companies in a wide range of industry sectors.
  • Act as lead counsel representing Jean-Paul Van Avermaet, the former CEO of security services company G4S Belgium and most currently the CEO of Colmar Group, whom the DOJ’s Antitrust Division indicted for alleged fixing prices and rigging bids on contracts with the DOD and NATO.
  • Represent Timothy Thibault, a retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the FBI’s Washington Field Office, in connection with allegations of Hatch Act violations and political bias made by Republican senators and congressmen. Since May 2022, Mr. Thibault has been the subject of various allegations as part of a smear campaign designed to attack the FBI and Mr. Thibault.

White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP‘s National Security team boasts a deep bench of former government officials who served in senior positions are various US regulatory agencies. Leveraging this insight, the practice provides counsel to national states and multinational corporations on CFIUS, cybersecurity, compliance strategies, supply chain security, and security clearances. Farhad Jalinous is an authority on CFIUS matters and leads the practice in this area. David Lim, who joined the firm in 2024, advises clients on sanctions, export controls, and national security matters. Melissa Taylormoore is an experienced government contracts attorney and litigator, and is able to advise in matters of supply chain security, compliance with domestic laws, and critical infrastructure protection. Tara Lee is a leading white-collar crime and litigation lawyer.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Lim; Farhad Jalinous


Autres avocats clés:

Melissa Taylormoore; Tara Lee


Les références

‘Personalized service for complex trade issues.’

Principaux dossiers


Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie leans into its broad global network by offering a practice that is capable of handling worldwide foreign investment reviews. The team has the capability of representing companies in matters involving CFIUS, sanctions, export controls, and the mitigation of FOCI over government contractors. Rod Hunter (Washington DC) advises international and domestic firms on US foreign investment regulation, specifically regarding CFIUS and FOCI frameworks. Terence Gilroy (New York) advises financial institutions, corporations, and individuals on white-collar crime and sanctions compliance issues. Janet Kim, DC, focuses on economic sanctions and export control laws. Brian Whisler (Washington DC), Cyrus Vance (New York) and Alison Stafford Powell (Palo Alto) are key members of the wider National Security practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Cyrus Vance; Rod Hunter


Autres avocats clés:

Terence Gilroy; William Devaney; Janet Kim; Alison Stafford Powell; Brian Whisler


Principaux dossiers


Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Kirkland & Ellis LLP‘s International Trade and National Security practice demonstrates a deep understanding of CFIUS matters, US export controls, and global sanctions matters. The firm boasts a heavyweight of a CFIUS team, led by the experienced Ivan Schlager who is supported by Mario Mancuso and Lucille Hague in Washington DC. Daniel Gerkin has a deep knowledge of export controls regulations and works alongside Mancuso in this space.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ivan Schlager; Mario Mancuso


Autres avocats clés:

Lucille Hague; Daniel Gerkin; Justin Schenck; Erika Krum; Chad Crowell


Principaux clients

NICE Ltd.


Oaktree Capital Group, LLC


Panasonic Holdings Corporation


Patient Square Capital


Permira


Thales S.A.


Venafi


Principaux dossiers


Mayer Brown

Mayer Brown‘s National Security team, based in Washington DC, has seen significant growth since 2023, under the leadership of Rajesh De. The practice has broad capabilities, but has a notable strength in cyber-security matters, regularly counseling on compliance, enforcement, and breach response matters for a variety of clients. Adam Hickey focuses his practice on investigations and enforcement actions related to sanctions, export controls, and the FARA. John Sullivan and Mac Bernstein are key team members.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rajesh De


Autres avocats clés:

Adam Hickey; John Sullivan; Mac Bernstein


Les références

‘Mayer Brown did an excellent job piecing together practical and actionable guidance in a very complex matter implicating multiple areas of law across multiple national and international jurisdictions.’

‘We brought a very complex set of questions to Mayer Brown, reaching across national security law, cybersecurity law, national and international employment law and data privacy law. Mayer Brown assembled a fantastic cross-functional team.’

‘Adam Hickey stood out as both a reliable expert in his field, a trusted thought partner, and an extraordinarily effective manager of a team of Mayer Brown attorneys around the world and across practice areas.’

Principaux clients

Schneider Electric SE


Igneo Infrastructure Partners/First Sentier Investors


Principaux dossiers


Wiley Rein LLP

Wiley Rein LLP National Security practice has comprehensive expertise across critical tech sectors such as semiconductor design, telecommunications, energy storage, aerospace, and biotech. The firm is capable of providing various services including supply chain support, cybersecurity guidance, and CFIUS expertise for transactions. Nazak Nikakhtar has vast experience across a multitude of national security issues, and counsels defense-tech start-ups, high-tech joint ventures, and emerging technology manufacturing companies. Megan Brown co-chairs the Privacy, Cyber, and Data Governance Practice, and she advises global clients and associations on new cyber and data governance regulations. Daniel Brooks works closely with the firm’s TMT team on CFIUS and Team Telecom matters. Tessa Capeloto focuses on FOCI mitigation. All named lawyers are based in Washington DC.

Responsables de la pratique:

Hon. Nazak Nikakhtar


Autres avocats clés:

Megan Brown; Daniel Brooks; Tessa Capeloto; Nova Daly


Les références

‘The lead partner, Nazak Nikakhtar, is both a very seasoned trade and national security lawyer. She has real economic policy chops and was a very senior policy person at intersection of economics, trade, and national security. She crosses these three « tribes » seamlessly. Because of her client focus and unique experience, she attracts and retains highest caliber clients and demonstrates the very best of Wiley. ’

‘Nazak Nikakhtar is brilliant, charming, and loyal. As a lawyer, she is client focused and brings her unmatched policy and legal expertise while also working across silos both within the government and the private sector to maximize success for her clients. ’

‘Wiley is particularly strong with regard to national security issues in the telecom sector. Their deep regulatory experience coupled with strong national security lawyers allows them to assist clients in managing national security regulatory processes such as CFIUS, Team Telecom, Export Controls, FOCI, and FARA.’

Principaux clients

Facing Fentanyl, Inc. and affected families


CTIA


Grand Trunk Railroad Corp. and Illinois Central Railroad Co.


Principaux dossiers


  • Filed a 301 petition which alleges that the PRC government is actively supporting the production and export of illicit fentanyl products to the United States and has failed to implement sufficient legal measures to prevent such exports. This case brings to light that the Chinese government’s support for illicit fentanyl exports has had a devastating impact on the American economy, into the $ Trillions.
  • Serving as regulatory counsel to Ziply Fiber in its proposed $3.65 billion sale to Bell Canada, a wholly owned subsidiary of BCE Inc. – Canada’s largest communications company.
  • Represents companies in the sectors with national security-related representation. Several of our clients in this space are trusted U.S. government suppliers and are advancing domestic manufacturing, thereby eliminating the U.S.’s reliance on foreign adversaries.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP‘s Global Trade and Investment practice, based in Washington DC, provides a broad range of services to clients which include entities operating within the national security and defense sectors. The team is capable of advising on FARA issues, export controls compliance, CFIUS, sanctions compliance, investigations, and litigation. Notably, sanctions specialists and co-chairs of the group, David Mortlock and Britt Mosman have continued to advise the Office of the President of Ukraine on US sanctions laws and export controls against Russia, in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This is exemplary of their expertise, which is regularly exercised through the counsel of clients on potential challenges surrounding their cross-border activity.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Mortlock; Britt Mosman


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Office of the President of Ukraine on U.S. sanctions laws and export controls against Russia, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
  • Advised a large group of reinsurers regarding the sanctions implications of their coverage of the cargo after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps hijacked an oil tanker on international waters.
  • Served as leading experts on U.S. and global sanctions regimes for a host of clients spanning different industries and jurisdictions.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP's regulatory defense and white collar team advises US and non-US clients on economic sanctions, export controls, and CFIUS matters. The team has been advising clients on issues across various industry sectors including technology, fintech, and health care. John Carlin advises on a range of national security issues including conducting internal investigations. Roberto J. Gonzalez is a go-to advisor for financial institutions and technology companies in high-stakes investigations, and regulatory and compliance matters.

Autres avocats clés:

Brad Karp; Jessica Carey; John Carlin; Roberto Gonzalez; Kannon Shanmugam; Ted Wells


Principaux dossiers


Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP‘s multidisciplinary National Security team provides a range of clients with the guidance and representation needed to comply with policies, mitigate against challenges, and grow their businesses. The team has experience across a range of practices including CFIUS, supply chain, export controls, customs, and sanctions. Nancy Fischer co-heads the practice, and coordinates the Regulatory Business Unit, which advises corporates on a range of regulations, conducts internal investigations, and defends against enforcement action. Stephan Becker, described by a client as ‘the best trade counsel in business right now’, has a broad range of trade advisory capabilities including export controls, sanctions, and CFIUS. Brian Finch has a deep understanding of cybersecurity issues which allows him to offer clients cyberattacks and ransomware response services. Richard Donoghue, based in New York, represents clients who are facing government investigations. Aaron Hutman is a key member with an intricate knowledge of national security-sensitive issues. All named lawyers are based in Washington DC, unless stated otherwise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nancy A. Fischer; Richard P. Donoghue; Brian E. Finch


Autres avocats clés:

Brian Finch; Aaron Hutman; Christopher Wall; Matthew Rabinowitz; Stephan Becker


Les références

‘This practice has the abilities to cover a wide range of topics, and will ensure that it’s answers are relevant to the entire business of the client while also explaining how to operate and gain requisite authorizations within a national security environment.’

‘Stephan Becker is the best trade counsel in business right now. Stephan works to understand the client business completely, and gives his guidance and counsel with an awareness of what present and future implications to actions may be and what historical case history shows.’

‘Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, our outside counsel for US export control, stands out due to their exceptional responsiveness and deep understanding of our business needs. Unlike other firms, they provide answers that are not only legally sound but also highly relevant to our business context.’

Principaux clients

American Water Works Association


American Gas Association


Viakoo


Gigamon, Inc.


Censys


Bluefors Oy


Zvada Technologies


Principaux dossiers


Ropes & Gray LLP

Ropes & Gray LLP‘s National Security and Foreign Investment practice boasts capabilities in CFIUS, cybersecurity, trade, antitrust, and economic sanctions. Washington DC managing partner Ama Adams has vast experience advising on these issues in the context of international transactions and international investigations. Brendan Hanifin, based in Chicago, evaluates international risk compliance programs and conducts risk assessments to develop or enhance these processes. Edward McNicholas heads the firm’s Global Data, Privacy, and Cybersecurity practice which contributes to wider National Security mandates, whilst Emerson Siegle, a recently promoted partner, represents clients in CFIUS reviews and assesses transactional CFIUS risks. Ruchit Patel, based in London, focuses his practice on antitrust issues. All lawyers are based in Washington DC unless stated otherwise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ama Adams; Brendan Hanifin; Edward McNicholas; Ruchit Patel


Autres avocats clés:

Emerson Siegle


Principaux dossiers


Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP‘s National Security group represents clients in many of the most significant and complex transactions, compliance matters, and government investigations. The firm boasts a CFIUS practice which is integrated with its corporate team, allowing them to counsel clients on structuring transactions that anticipate regulatory concerns. Brooks AllenMichael Leiter, and Brian Egan are key members of the CFIUS team. Eytan Fisch is a key member of the team's economic sanctions and export controls practice which assists global financial institutions and multinationals on complex compliance and enforcement matters involving US economic sanctions regulations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Leiter; Brooks Allen; Brian Egan


Autres avocats clés:

Eytan Fisch; Khalil Maalouf; Patrick Stewart; Ondrej Chvosta; Nicholas Kimbrell


Principaux dossiers