National Security

Navigating the intersection of law, policy, and global risk

Goodwin’s multidisciplinary National Security practice helps global organizations navigate an increasingly complex and ever-evolving landscape of laws implicating US national security, US defense contracting, foreign investment regimes, cross-border commerce, and related policy considerations. Drawing on decades of collective experience and deep relationships inside and outside of government, we advise clients on a full range of transactional, compliance, and government investigations matters, including US congressional investigations, internal investigations, cybersecurity and data privacy, and other government enforcement matters with national security implications.

Many of our lawyers have held senior positions in the US government, including roles at the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Defense, and the Central Intelligence Agency. We have extensive experience advocating for clients before key regulatory bodies, including the DOJ; the Government Accountability Office; the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Inspector General, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), and Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS); the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency; and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security.

Connect with our National Security team and let us know how we can help.

Areas of Focus

We guide leading technology, defense, finance, and private equity companies through complex sanctions and export control issues involving the global trade of sensitive goods and technologies with national security or foreign policy implications. Backed by deep government insight and agency experience, we deliver strategic, industry-savvy solutions that ensure compliance and enable cross-border growth.

Our team helps global digital currency and blockchain innovators as well as fintech investors navigate the complex regulatory landscape in which digital assets and national security converge. With deep enforcement experience and trusted relationships across the DOJ, SEC, and FinCEN, we advise on anti–money laundering compliance, complex transactions, sanctions risk, cyber threats, and national security reviews.

Our team counsels clients on complex cybersecurity investigations, insider threat response, and the development of privacy and security programs to address risks like data theft, sabotage, and unauthorized disclosures. With deep experience in employee monitoring, classified information protocols, and regulatory compliance, we help clients protect their most sensitive assets and respond effectively under intense scrutiny.

We represent clients in government and congressional investigations, helping them protect their reputations and navigate high-stakes scrutiny when national security concerns draw federal attention. With experience leading and defending high-profile matters before the DOJ, SEC, OFAC, and other key agencies, our team offers a powerful blend of legal precision, crisis management, and deep insight into federal investigative processes.

With strong defense and national security credentials and active personnel security clearances, our team helps clients navigate the issues they face in the highly regulated and fast-changing federal and defense sectors. We support companies — from large defense contractors and technology firms to small businesses, nontraditional defense contractors, and startups — that receive or seek funding through federal contracts, grants, and other agreements.