McGovern’s addition comes as SPB continues investment in trade and national security at time of heightened geopolitical risk and regulatory change for global clients.

 (WASHINGTON DC – February 13, 2024) – Global law firm Squire Patton Boggs announced today that Bridget McGovern has joined its Public Policy practice as a partner from the US Department of Homeland Security where she served as Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security.

Ms. McGovern will focus on national security and trade matters including foreign investment security reviews (Committee for Foreign Investment in the United States, “CFIUS” and Team Telecom), emerging technology and sensitive data, outbound investment, supply chains, and trade matters.  Having served on CFIUS and on Team Telecom, Ms. McGovern adds unique expertise and experience to the firm’s strong foreign investment review practice.  Drawing on her previous experience in-house at MoneyGram International and Uber Technologies, she will also be a valuable asset to the firm’s Financial Services and Fintech practice.

“Bridget brings twenty years of public and private sector experience handling high-stakes policy, international economic and national security regulatory matters,” said Global Managing Partner Michele Connell. “She is an exciting addition as we marshal our existing resources and add new team members to build a destination practice for clients grappling with the business ramifications of a fluid geopolitical environment and increased global regulatory requirements.”

“International conflicts and the increased use of economic regulatory measures, including export control and sanctions, as foreign policy tools create an investment environment for businesses that is very much in flux,” said Ed Newberry, Global Managing Partner, Public Policy and Regulatory Solutions. “Bridget’s unique understanding of how trade, national security, and economic policy ripples through regions and industries will be valuable asset to our clients who need advice navigating these areas.”

Ms. McGovern said, “When considering my move to private practice, I was drawn to the Squire’s global legal practice and its philosophy of addressing complicated matters holistically, drawing on the firm’s tremendous legal and policy talent around the world. The firm has a clear vision and a unique value proposition for clients dealing with increasingly complex economic policy, regulatory, and national security issues. I am looking forward to working with my new colleagues here in DC and in the firm’s offices around the world.”

Ms. McGovern’s arrival underscores SPB’s increased focus on growing its national security, international investigations, and trade capabilities. Recent hires into the firm’s Washington DC office include a team of eight professionals from Strook & Strook, former US Ambassador Paul Jones, US trade negotiator Everett Eissenstat, and US Department of Treasury official Adam Hensel-Briscoe.