Debevoise & Plimpton LLP announced on January 29, 2024 that Rick Sofield, a lawyer with 30 years of U.S. government and private sector national security experience, has joined the firm as a partner in its Washington, DC office. In a move to expand the firm’s National Security practice, Mr. Sofield will serve as Co-Head to focus on advising clients on cross-border transactions and investments with national security implications.
Peter Forks, the Presiding Partner of Debevoise & Plimpton, expressed excitement regarding the addition of Rick Sofield to the firm, highlighting the growing focus on national security regulation within the U.S. legal landscape. With the addition of Mr. Sofield and his recognized expertise in CFIUS and broader national security matters, the firm aims to bolster its multidisciplinary national security offering to better serve their clients.
Matthew Kaplan, Chair of the Corporate Department, also praised the addition of Rick Sofield, describing him as a precise fit to meet the growing national security needs of the firm’s clients. Mr. Kaplan emphasized Mr. Sofield’s unique experience as a senior national security lawyer for the government and seasoned law firm partner as crucial in advising clients on CFIUS and other national security matters.
Ezra Borut, a partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group, underscored the increasing need for specialized CFIUS counsel for M&A clients in various sectors. He expressed confidence that clients would benefit from the seasoned counsel of Mr. Sofield when it comes to the national security aspects of their transactions.
Before joining Debevoise, Mr. Sofield was a partner at another international law firm and served for nearly 25 years as a federal government lawyer. He brings with him a wealth of experience, having served for 10 years as Director of the Foreign Investment Review Staff for the National Security Division at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), where he oversaw DOJ’s participation in CFIUS and chaired Team Telecom.
In response to joining Debevoise & Plimpton, Mr. Sofield expressed admiration for the firm and its reputation for outstanding lawyers, collaborative culture, and thoughtful investments in areas like technology, private equity, and healthcare. He conveyed his eagerness to join the firm’s global network of lawyers to help clients navigate the complex and evolving world of CFIUS and other national security matters.
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is excited to welcome Rick Sofield to its team and remains committed to providing comprehensive legal guidance to clients in navigating national security regulations in cross-border transactions.
Source link
