Michael Leiter

Heads the firm’s CFIUS and national security practice, which includes cybersecurity, export controls, sanctions and international trade. Represents clients in a broad range of transactions, investigations and incidents involving U.S. national security. In addition, focuses on aerospace and defense M&A, and government relations and investigations. Significant experience navigating national security reviews before CFIUS and negotiating complex mitigation agreements across the full range of business sectors, having represented corporations, private equity, venture capital and sovereign wealth funds. Assisted clients in matters involving the DCSA, export controls, aerospace and defense, government services-related M&A, and government contracting. Extensive experience with all aspects of cybersecurity based on his previous private sector experience and through serving in senior national security positions in the federal government, where he oversaw numerous legal and operational aspects of cybersecurity. Routinely works with clients on issues including cybersecurity preparedness, breach response, and board and corporate leadership counseling.

Director, National Counterterrorism Center; Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Director, President’s Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction; Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Naval Flight Officer, U.S. Navy; J.D., Harvard Law School; A.B., Columbia University