Cleary Gottlieb Strengthens Litigation Team with Former U.S. Attorney Chris Kavanaugh Appointment

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP has appointed former U.S. Attorney Chris Kavanaugh as a partner in its Americas litigation group based in Washington, D.C. The move was announced on Monday. Kavanaugh will bring his expertise to the firm’s government and internal investigations and litigation practices, with a strong focus on national security-related corporate matters, including export control and sanctions.

Prior to joining Cleary Gottlieb, Kavanaugh served as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. His extensive experience in handling sensitive matters is expected to bolster the firm’s capabilities in managing high-stakes investigations and litigation. This strategic addition emphasizes Cleary Gottlieb’s commitment to enhancing its bench of former federal prosecutors, a move that resonates with the firm’s ongoing emphasis on adept handling of complex legal issues at the intersection of public policy and business practices.

This appointment is particularly significant as corporate clients increasingly face a labyrinth of regulatory and compliance challenges, including those concerning national security. Kavanaugh’s background is well-suited to navigate these intricate dynamics, ensuring that client needs are met with informed and robust legal strategies. For more details on this strategic appointment, Cleary Gottlieb has shared its perspective on the development here.