Dechert Welcomes Shannon Reaves as Co-Chair of National Security Practice

Dechert LLP, a prominent global law firm, has made a significant addition to its legal team by appointing Shannon Reaves as a partner and co-chair of its national security practice group. Reaves, who brings nearly two decades of extensive experience in the realm of cross-border transaction reviews, will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) regulations and related industrial security matters.

Reaves will be joining Hrishikesh Hari, who also co-chairs the national security group, while operating from the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. With the growing intricacies of the national security regulatory environment, the need for sophisticated legal counsel in areas such as CFIUS and industrial security has never been more pressing. Mark Thierfelder, co-chair at Dechert, emphasized that Reaves' expertise aligns perfectly with the firm's commitment to providing exceptional service and counsel in this specialized field.

A Perfect Fit for a Demanding Role

Shannon Reaves arrives at Dechert during a pivotal time when firms must grapple with an increasingly challenging regulatory landscape. His vast experience includes advising clients on high-stakes CFIUS transactions, many of which have involved deals valued in the tens of billions of dollars. According to Thierfelder, Reaves’ long-standing track record in this arena demonstrates the caliber of expertise he brings to Dechert.

Hrishikesh Hari echoed these sentiments, noting that Reaves enriches the firm’s practice group through his focus on transactional, compliance, and investigations matters within national security. His impressive history representing a variety of clients—including sovereign wealth funds across multiple sectors such as aerospace, defense, energy, and financial services—positions him as a pivotal addition to the team.

Extensive CFIUS Knowledge

Reaves has a robust understanding of all phases of the CFIUS process. His capabilities include conducting advanced transaction analysis, identifying potential national security concerns during due diligence, and guiding clients through the CFIUS review and investigation processes. His counsel often encompasses nuanced discussions about whether specific transaction structures fall under CFIUS jurisdiction, negotiating terms with respective government entities, and preparing essential filings.

Moreover, Reaves excels in providing comprehensive advice on Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) mitigation and compliance issues, particularly when dealing with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Energy. His proficiency in negotiating a range of agreements—such as special security agreements, security control agreements, and FOCI board resolutions—demonstrates his depth in this essential area of law.

Since 2020, Reaves has received recognition from Chambers USA for his expertise in International Trade CFIUS matters, further solidifying his reputation in the field.

The Growth Strategy of Dechert

Dechert has welcomed more than 30 lateral partners into the firm this year alone, each contributing to its expanding capabilities across various high-demand legal specialties. This influx of talent includes professionals in litigation, investment management, finance, and capital markets. Furthermore, Dechert has recently promoted 17 lawyers to partnership, reflecting its commitment to fostering internal talent alongside its strategy of attracting experienced attorneys from other firms.

In tandem with these initiatives, the firm has also broadened its geographic footprint, opening new offices in Chicago, Dallas, and Houston, enhancing its national presence.

Major corporations, government entities, private equity firms, investment funds, and financial institutions increasingly turn to Dechert for comprehensive transactional, compliance, and investigative advice concerning rapidly evolving national security regulations. The firm's practice stands out with its impressive track record in hundreds of CFIUS reviews and FOCI mitigation negotiations across various industries, which include aerospace, defense, and telecommunications.

As Dechert continues to seek highly skilled partners and expand its service offerings, the arrival of professionals like Shannon Reaves signals its ambition to remain at the forefront of national security law. With a multilingual team of lawyers who have rich backgrounds as former public officials and compliance officers, Dechert is well-positioned to provide exceptional counsel across the globe.

By welcoming seasoned experts into its ranks, Dechert is not just enhancing its legal capabilities but also reinforcing its commitment to delivering unparalleled service to a diverse range of clients as they navigate complex regulatory challenges.

About Dechert LLP

Founded over 150 years ago, Dechert LLP stands as a significant presence in the legal landscape, advising clients on pivotal issues. With expertise spanning high-stakes litigation to intricate transaction structures and complex regulatory matters, Dechert remains dedicated to achieving remarkable results for business leaders across key sectors such as financial services, private capital, and technology.