Why Big Law Firms Are Hiring National Security Experts

Several of the largest U.S. firms have been bringing in lawyers with national security backgrounds as client demand mounts in two key areas. Not surprisingly, privacy and cybersecurity is one of them, given recent history of data breaches in both law firms and law firm clients. The other follows from a more complex chain of factors, as “geopolitical uncertainty” and a generally deteriorating international political situation has raised the profile and potential relevance of a government agency known as CFIUS, or the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. CFIUS reviews the security implications of deals – or potential deals – involving foreign investment in U.S. companies. “There are many firms vying for expertise in foreign investment review,” says one legal recruiter. “This is a very good time for a lawyer with CFIUS experience.”