LAWYER PROFILE
Rick Sofield

Rick Sofield

USA 2026

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Ranked in 1 practice area

About

Provided by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Practice Areas

Richard “Rick” Sofield has nearly 30 years of experience in U.S. national security legal and public policy matters in both the public and private sectors, working closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Intelligence Council, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Security Council, the Executive Office of the President, and the U.S. Departments of Treasury, Defense, Homeland Security, State, Commerce, and Energy, as well as other agencies evaluating foreign investment-related issues. He represents clients in matters involving U.S. national security issues, cross-border transactions, and government investigations.

Prior to entering private practice, Rick was the Director of the Foreign Investment Review Staff for the National Security Division at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). In that role, he oversaw DOJ’s participation in the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which included the review of over 1,000 acquisitions and efforts to prohibit multiple transactions on national security grounds. He also served as Chair of Team Telecom, which evaluates certain applications before the FCC to determine whether they raise law enforcement or national security concerns.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the USA

International Trade: CFIUS Experts - USA - Nationwide

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial

Rick Sofield represents both domestic and international companies in all aspects of CFIUS work. He cochairs Debevoise & Plimpton’s national security practice.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Rick is an incredible, principled lawyer and an absolute straight shooter. He is able to draw upon his experience at the DOJ to assist clients and is very bright and super sharp.

    International Trade: CFIUS ExpertsChambers Guide to the USA
  • Rick spots issues very carefully and has a good understanding of the committee and what it wants to see. He does good due diligence work and has a strong understanding of cross-border elements. He understands the commercial side of matters regarding our clients and is readily available.

    International Trade: CFIUS ExpertsChambers Guide to the USA
  • Rick is an indisputable expert in CFIUS matters.

    International Trade: CFIUS ExpertsChambers Guide to the USA

Ranked Individuals at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP (145)

California

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District of Columbia

New York

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