Christopher Kimball
Cooley LLPCooley LLP’s CFIUS practice is praised for its ‘deep experience practicing before CFIUS, including in difficult circumstances that call for mitigation’. Indeed, the group’s enforcement activity continues to grow and it was involved in a string of mitigation negotiations over the past year. Primarily recognized for its dominant offering in technology-related transactions, the team is also handling a growing share of reviews in connected industries, including aerospace, financial services and biotech. Christopher Kimball co-chairs the Washington-based practice and is sought after for his specialist expertise in security reviews concerning the technology and financial services spheres. Kevin King co-heads the export controls and sanctions practice as well as the CFIUS group, and brings to bear broad national security experience. Other key contacts include special counsel Dillon Martinson, who is a former senior policy advisor at the USDT; and associate Sarah Oliai, who is a ’phenomenal support’.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Cooley's CFIUS practice is top notch. Headed by Christopher Kimball, the team can bring to bear the requisite export controls expertise (Kevin King et al.) needed to help clients navigate the CFIUS regulations.’
‘It has deep experience practicing before CFIUS, including in difficult circumstances that call for mitigation negotiations with the USG. Especially strong in technology company matters.’
‘Sarah Oliai and Karen Tsai are outstanding lawyers and experts in their field. They have always achieved excellent results for us, and our shareholders. They are extremely strategic, sophisticated and business-oriented and have always taken the time to fully understand our business goals, objectives and strategy.’
‘The team is practically oriented, helping clients understand CFIUS (a very difficult area of law) and how to avoid problems relating to CFIUS.’
‘Christopher Kimball does a great job leading the CFIUS team at Cooley. The team understands the CFIUS rules well as well as the underlying policy dynamics. The team also has a practical approach to addressing CFIUS issues, which is often crucial for venture financings.’
‘Cooley has a good balance of legal/doctrinal strength, political insights, and efficient and actionable advice. It is often the best fit for tech firms seeking to navigate relatively unfamiliar DC regulatory matters - and few areas are more DC regulatory than CFIUS.’
‘Christopher Kimball is tremendously knowledgeable, and is able to combine experience and relationships to provide useful intel and give practical advice. He doesn't try to fit a small tech start-up into the same recommendations he'd make to a large defense contractor - he meets clients where they are.’
‘Dillon Martinson served on the committee previously which gives him incredible insight. He's always available, takes the time to explain things, listens really well, has just been great throughout the process. Sarah Oliai was a phenomenal support and always took the time to make things move.’
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Christopher Kimball, Kevin King