Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie announced that former US Department of Justice official Sumon Dantiki has joined the Firm’s Washington, DC office as a partner in its Litigation and Government Enforcement Practice and co-chair of the National Security Practice. Sumon is a distinguished cyber, national security, and investigations lawyer with deep experience with matters at the intersection of technology, security and legal risk.
A leading global cybersecurity practitioner, Sumon’s practice focuses on sensitive, multi-dimensional investigations, disputes and counseling, especially ones with cybersecurity, national security, and cross-border aspects. Sumon helps multinational clients prevent and address critical risks to their business interests, including data breaches, insider threats, transactional and compliance risks, ransomware attacks, whistleblower complaints, and complex fraud.
Sumon previously served as the cyber advisor to the Director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where he counseled FBI leaders on sophisticated nation-state, cyber, insider, and espionage threats facing the US. This included assisting the Director of the FBI in oversight of intelligence and criminal investigations as well as working with the National Security Council and other intelligence, law enforcement, and security agencies in responding to data breaches, insider threats, economic espionage, foreign investment risks, ransomware attacks, and other major criminal and security threats. Sumon helped oversee responses to congressional committees, including preparing the Director for over 20 appearances before House and Senate committees, the Inspector-General’s office, and other oversight bodies.
Sumon also served as trial attorney with the US Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and as a Special Assistant US Attorney for the District of Maryland.
“As national security related matters, particularly global cyber threats, escalate in complexity and scale, clients are looking for trusted advisors who can navigate both the technical and geopolitical dimensions of risk,” said Widge Devaney, Americas Chair of Baker McKenzie’s Dispute Resolution Practice. “Sumon’s deep experience across the DOJ, the FBI, and private practice positions him perfectly to help clients anticipate, respond to, and mitigate these challenges across jurisdictions. We are thrilled to add him to our team.”
Sumon will serve as Co-Chair of Baker McKenzie’s National Security Practice. He joins Baker McKenzie from private practice, following the arrival of former US Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who also serves as Co-Chair of the practice.
Colin Murray, Baker McKenzie’s Americas Chief Executive Officer added-
“Sumon’s impeccable reputation and credentials speak for themselves – he is an outstanding addition to our team. Now more than ever companies need integrated guidance across borders to protect their business against emerging threats. Sumon is the trusted advisor who brings nuanced advice and a global view so our clients can navigate these growing risks.”
“Sumon is one of Washington’s most respected voices in cybersecurity and national security concerns,” said Maurice Bellan, Managing Partner of Baker McKenzie’s Washington, DC office. “He joins our growing team of former senior-level government lawyers advising our clients across a range of risks in an increasingly tense business and geopolitical environment.”
Baker McKenzie’s National Security Practice offers comprehensive legal services to clients in all industries to address the panoply of legal risks related to US government oversight, enforcement, and national security concerns. The team provides strategic advice, counseling, and representation on a broad range of enforcement, investigation, regulatory, and compliance matters, including FCPA, Anti-Money Laundering, sanctions and export control, customs and import compliance, CFIUS and foreign investment, cybersecurity and data privacy, as well as crisis management and reputational risk.
Sumon is the latest former senior government official to join Baker McKenzie in Washington, DC. In addition to Rod Rosenstein, the Firm has added former DOJ trial lawyer Tim Finley, former US Treasury official Scott Levine, and former Internal Revenue Service advisor Donna McComber.
Sumon commented, “Multinational companies are increasingly looking for integrated, global cybersecurity counseling as well as assistance with investigations that cross multiple jurisdictions and a variety of regulatory and investigative authorities. Baker McKenzie offers an unmatched global platform to serve clients fully in addressing sensitive and sophisticated security and enforcement risks. I’m excited about joining the team.”
