LAWYER PROFILE
Deborah Curtis

Deborah Curtis

USA 2026

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Ranked in 2 practice areas

About

Provided by Arnold & Porter

Practice Areas

Deborah Curtis, Co-Chair of the White Collar Defense & Investigations Practice, is a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, cleared government contractors, financial institutions, and global technology firms navigating complex, high-stakes matters at the intersection of law, national security, and global regulation. She draws on two decades of invaluable government experience— including holding senior leadership positions across the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Intelligence Community, and the Commerce Department Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)— to counsel clients facing criminal investigations, regulatory enforcement, congressional inquiries, or sensitive national security exposure.

A former supervisory federal prosecutor, regulatory chief counsel, and Deputy General Counsel at the Central Intelligence Agency, Deborah brings unmatched insight into government decision-making and enforcement strategy. She has personally led or overseen hundreds of federal investigations and, as a prosecutor and a defense attorney, tried nearly 50 cases to verdict. Her background enables clients to anticipate, manage, and resolve risks with discretion, clarity, and strategic foresight.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

National Security - USA - Nationwide

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial

Deborah Curtis of Arnold & Porter leverages her experience as former Deputy General Counsel of the CIA to advise on a full suite of national security matters.

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations - District of Columbia

Band 6
Band 6

Individual Editorial

Deborah Curtis, co-chair of the firm's white-collar defense & investigations department, wins acclaim for her expertise advising clients on cases derived from national security matters, with particular expertise in the Espionage Act.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Deborah has a significant national security practice.

    National SecurityChambers Guide to the USA
  • Deborah has really deep expertise on the trickier issues.

    National SecurityChambers Guide to the USA
  • She has a deep experience at the highest level of the intelligence community.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsChambers Guide to the USA
  • We believe Deb is the best lawyer for addressing issues where national security and business intersect. She is an expert in sanctions, export controls and other national security related areas.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government InvestigationsChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at Arnold & Porter (170)

California

Colorado

District of Columbia

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