DC Trade and Sanctions (CFIUS) Associate

As a global law firm our work spans jurisdictions, cultures, and languages – and so do our people. Our culture is collaborative and inclusive, where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued. Where performing to your highest ability unlocks equal access to opportunities to learn, thrive and grow. We combine deep legal expertise and commercial intelligence to grow, transform, protect, and defend our clients' businesses across every critical moment. We operate in the sectors and regions that matter to our clients, offering forward-thinking insights and innovative, tech-enabled solutions that combine deep knowledge of their sectors and markets. You’ll build connections and work with colleagues as one global team, unlocking opportunities for clients across borders, cultures, legal and commercial disciplines.

About the role

The Washington, DC office of Clifford Chance is seeking an associate to join its Trade/Sanctions group with a focus on the growing Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) practice, co-led by Karalyn Mildorf and Renée Latour. While the successful candidate may occasionally support other areas of the Trade/Sanctions practice, the primary responsibility will be CFIUS.

The ideal candidate will have at least three years of recent law firm associate experience advising clients on CFIUS and related national security matters, including:

• Assessing whether transactions may be subject to CFIUS jurisdiction
• Identifying mandatory filing requirements
• Evaluating national security risk
• Assessing voluntary filing and non-notified risk considerations
• Advising on deal terms
• Preparing CFIUS notices and declarations
• Supporting clients through the CFIUS review and investigation process
• Addressing mitigation considerations

The candidate should be comfortable working closely with corporate, private equity, funds, technology, energy, infrastructure, financial institutions, and cross-border M&A teams on transaction-related regulatory issues. The successful candidate will be a proactive and collaborative lawyer with a strong foundation in CFIUS and national security regulatory analysis, able to identify issues early, provide practical guidance, and contribute to a sophisticated global practice. Strong drafting skills, intellectual curiosity, responsiveness, and the ability to communicate complex regulatory issues clearly and concisely are essential.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school
• Active membership in good standing with the DC Bar, or eligibility to waive into the DC Bar
• Substantial experience with CFIUS matters, including:
  • Transaction-related issue spotting
  • Jurisdictional assessments
  • Mandatory and voluntary filing analysis
  • Preparation of CFIUS filings
  • Management of CFIUS reviews
• Thorough understanding of FIRRMA regulations and current CFIUS practice, including:
  • Mandatory filing requirements
  • Substantive risk considerations and non-notified risk
  • Mitigation requirements
  • Emerging national security priorities
• Excellent legal research, analytical, drafting, and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple matters and deadlines in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary and cross-border teams
• Sound judgment, commercial awareness, and a practical, client-focused approach

Applications must include a resume and law school transcript.

Benefits

Clifford Chance US LLP offers a comprehensive benefits and compensation package.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $260,000–$365,000. Actual salary will be based on the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience.