WASHINGTON, DC, February 1, 2022: Morgan Lewis continues to deepen its strong regulatory team with the arrival of 25-year government veteran David Plotinsky as a partner in Washington, DC. Serving in leadership roles in both the US Department of Justice’s (DOJ) National Security Division and the US Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Cybersecurity and Communications Reliability Division, David will guide clients on matters involving national security, telecommunications, and foreign investment in the United States, including transactions subject to review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
“David’s extensive experience in both the legislative and executive branches has earned him a well-deserved reputation in the telecom field both domestically and internationally,” said Firm Chair Jami McKeon. “Last year, our technology, media, and telecommunications group did more deals before the US national security agencies and CFIUS than any other law firm. David’s command of the CFIUS process and mitigation strategies will further cement our position to support clients with their global business objectives.”
Most recently serving as acting chief and principal deputy chief of the DOJ’s Foreign Investment Review Section (FIRS), David led DOJ’s work on matters before CFIUS, as well as those before the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the US Telecommunications Services Sector, more commonly known as Team Telecom. He also oversaw interagency policy work on national security and law enforcement issues relating to foreign investment, trade, information and communications technology and services (ICTS), and critical and emerging technology. Among other things, he led the work of FIRS in developing Executive Order 13873, which provided new government authorities to regulate ICTS supply chain security; and led the work of FIRS in developing Executive Order 13913, which formally established Team Telecom in law and reformed the processes of that interagency committee.
David’s long tenure working within the government also includes serving as chief of the FCC’s Cybersecurity and Communications Reliability Division, and as lead attorney for DOJ’s Team Telecom practice within the National Security Division. He also served in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Office of General Counsel, for five years, including as the head of litigation for the agency; and in the US House of Representatives, Office of General Counsel for 10 years.
“With today’s highly regulated global market, David is uniquely positioned to advise our technology, media, and telecommunications clients who go through National Security review when acquiring and investing in US infrastructure,” said Andrew Lipman, leader of the firm’s telecommunications, media, and technology practice. “Our group handles a broad array of national security work and retains an active practice before the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, where David will be instrumental in helping our US and foreign-based clients in advocacy before the FCC.”
David’s arrival follows the recent addition of partner Erin Martin, who joined the firm after serving as legal branch chief in the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance.