LAWYER PROFILE
Jonathan R Wakely

Jonathan R Wakely

Global 2026

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Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by Covington & Burling LLP

Practice Areas

Jonathan Wakely practices at the intersection of national security and the private sector, advising clients on a range of significant international trade, cross-border investment, national security, and public policy matters. Mr. Wakely has extensive experience securing national security-related regulatory approvals for foreign investments, having advised on transactions with an aggregate value in excess of $250 billion. He regularly represents clients before CFIUS; the Defense Security Service (DSS) in proceedings related to the mitigation of FOCI under national industrial security regulations; and “Team Telecom” national security reviews. His experience includes negotiating and advising companies on compliance with many of the most significant, complex, and sensitive national security agreements with the U.S. government in recent years.

Career

Mr. Wakely joined the firm after serving as a political analyst with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where he provided strategic analysis to the President and other senior policymakers. He has published extensively on matters related to the regulation of foreign investment; his articles have appeared in the Harvard National Security Journal, The International Lawyer, and the Global Trade and Customs Journal.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Global Guide

International Trade: CFIUS Experts - USA

Band 4
Band 4

Individual Editorial
Jonathan Wakely regularly assists clients with CFIUS reviews. He advises automotive and pharmaceutical companies, among others.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Johnathon is very articulate and knows the people involved in the process.

    International Trade: CFIUS ExpertsChambers Global Guide
  • Jonathan is able to effortlessly combine subject matter expertise with a practical approach.

    International Trade: CFIUS ExpertsChambers Global Guide
  • Jonathan has fantastic insight. He toggles between legal theory, federal policy and the corporate near seamlessly.

    International Trade: CFIUS ExpertsChambers Global Guide

Ranked Individuals at Covington & Burling LLP (92)

Africa-wide

Belgium

Brazil

China

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    Corporate Investigations/Anti-Corruption (International Firms)

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    International Trade/WTO (International Firms)

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Europe-wide

Global Market Leaders

Japan

Latin America - International Counsel

Middle East-wide

Saudi Arabia

South Africa

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