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Sullivan & Cromwell LLP has announced the formation of a Sullivan & Cromwell National Security Practice Group, aimed at guiding clients through the complex landscape of economic sanctions, anti-money laundering regulations, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, foreign investment controls, and import/export restrictions. This initiative, unveiled on Thursday, is designed to address the escalating legal challenges in national security.

A Diverse Team with Deep Government Experience

The new practice boasts a team of attorneys with high-level government backgrounds, including the former director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control, a past U.S. ambassador, and officials from both the U.S. Department of Justice and leading regulatory bodies like the SEC and CFTC. This seasoned group is co-headed by five distinguished partners: Sharon Cohen Levin, Anthony Lewis, Craig Jones, Nicole Friedlander, and Eric Kadel, bringing a wealth of expertise from various sectors of the firm.

Sullivan & Cromwell National Security Practice Group : Strategic Leadership Across the U.S.

The Sullivan & Cromwell Security Group operates from key U.S. cities, enhancing its strategic reach. Cohen Levin and Friedlander are based in New York, while Lewis contributes from Los Angeles, and Kadel from Washington, D.C. This geographic diversity ensures that the group is well-positioned to navigate the national security landscape effectively.

Addressing Industry-Specific National Security Concerns

Co-chairs Robert J. Giuffra Jr. and Scott Miller emphasize the government's intensified focus on national security, particularly in sectors like banking, technology, and manufacturing. "Our lawyers have been pivotal in nearly every major sanction and anti-money laundering enforcement action within the banking sector," they noted, underlining the firm's integral role in shaping responses to national security concerns.

Global Approach to Economic Transactions

The Sullivan & Cromwell National Security Group employs a global, multidisciplinary strategy to support clients involved in international economic dealings. This approach is crucial for navigating the intricate web of compliance requirements and potential enforcement actions that cross-border transactions can entail.

Specialized Expertise within the Team

The group includes several attorneys with active security clearances, ready to address sensitive national security issues swiftly. Key figures such as Adam Szubin, Andrew DeFilippis, Michael George DeSombre, Amanda Houle, Aisling O'Shea, and Karen Seymour bring specialized skills from their respective fields, further bolstering the practice's capabilities.

Sullivan & Cromwell National Security Practice Group : Comprehensive Service Offerings

Drawing on Sullivan & Cromwell's comprehensive service lines, including financial services, cybersecurity, economic sanctions, and more, the Sullivan & Cromwell National Security Practice Group is uniquely equipped to offer holistic solutions to complex national security challenges.

In conclusion, the establishment of the Sullivan & Cromwell National Security Group marks a significant step in addressing the nuanced and evolving challenges of national security law, ensuring that clients receive expert guidance in this critical area.