Former U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper has embarked on a new role as a senior adviser at Squire Patton Boggs. Announced on September 19, 2024, this transition marks Esper’s return to the private sector where he aims to lend his expertise in national security and foreign policy to the firm’s clients. Although Esper, who previously lobbied for defense manufacturer Raytheon Co., has extensive experience in governmental affairs, he clarified that he will not advocate for clients of the law firm in Congress or executive branch agencies.
Esper emphasized the complementary nature of public policy expertise and legal expertise within Squire Patton Boggs. “There are two sides of the coin: one is public policy expertise and the other is legal expertise,” he stated. “I come in with the public policy piece given my 30 years in high levels of government and industry” (Bloomberg Law).
This development underscores Squire Patton Boggs’ intent to strengthen its standing among top policy advisers, leveraging Esper’s background to offer clients strategic insights into national security and foreign policy issues. His role is expected to be part-time, balancing his responsibilities at the firm with other engagements.