Former CIA Deputy General Counsel for Litigation and Investigations Deborah Curtis Joins Arnold & Porter
WASHINGTON, D.C., June 20, 2023 — Arnold & Porter announced today that Deborah Curtis, former Deputy General Counsel for Litigation and Investigations for the CIA, has joined the firm as a partner in the White Collar Defense & Investigations practice. Curtis will be resident in the Washington, D.C. office. She will focus on national security investigations and defense, and other litigation and enforcement matters.
Amy Jeffress co-chair of Arnold & Porter’s White Collar Defense & Investigations practice, said: “Deb’s long history in the federal government, particularly her work advising senior CIA leadership, will bring further depth to the firm’s national security offerings at a time when there is a substantial increase in government enforcement related to national security. Her experience at both the CIA and DOJ will further strengthen our top-notch white collar and litigation capabilities.”
In her role as CIA Deputy General Counsel for Litigation and Investigations, Curtis oversaw all litigation matters, including the invocation of state secrets and diplomatic privileges and immunities. She also advised on major international policy initiatives that affect national security, including the U.S.-EU transatlantic data privacy agreement and the interface with the International Criminal Court. Prior to the CIA, Curtis served as Chief Counsel for Industry and Security at the U.S. Department of Commerce (2019-2020) where she implemented the Export Control Reform Act of 2018. At the U.S. Department of Justice (2007-2015), Curtis served as Trial Attorney and Deputy Chief for Export Control and Sanctions where she oversaw criminal sanctions and export control investigations and prosecutions nationwide. Also at DOJ, she served as Assistant U.S. Attorney and Deputy Chief for the National Security Division for the District of Columbia U.S. Attorney’s Office. During her ten years with the U.S. Department of the Air Force (1997-2007), Curtis served as a Judge Advocate Officer, and as Associate Deputy General Counsel for National Security and Military Affairs. Over the course of her career, Curtis has prosecuted and defended 17 jury trials and over 50 bench trials.
In joining the firm, Curtis said: “Arnold & Porter’s leading White Collar & Investigations practice has an impressive roster of talented former government officials and seasoned litigators. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to address our clients’ most challenging investigations and defense matters.”
Curtis earned her J.D. from Georgetown University, cum laude, and received her B.S. from the University of Southern California, cum laude, where she was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma National Honor Society, Dean’s List.
Curtis joins a number of Arnold & Porter colleagues who are CIA alumni, including John B. Bellinger III, Ronald Lee, and Jeffrey Smith in Washington, D.C. She also joins Arnold & Porter colleagues who are former Assistant United States Attorneys, including James W. Cooper, William Hoffman, Amy Jeffress, Craig Margolis, John Nassikas, Howard Sklamberg, and Baruch Weiss in Washington, D.C.; Valarie Hays in Chicago; Suneeta Hazra in Denver; Marcus Asner, Jonathan Green, Michael Kim Krouse, Manvin Mayell, Nancy Milburn, Michael Rogoff, Sara Shudofsky, and Craig Stewart in New York; and John Fietkiewicz in New Jersey, as well as the former United States Attorney for New Jersey, Paul Fishman.
About Arnold & Porter’s White Collar Defense & Investigations Group
Clients turn to Arnold & Porter’s White Collar Defense & Investigations group for their most high-stakes, complex, and sensitive matters. A team of former high-level government lawyers and seasoned litigators offers unparalleled insights and extensive experience in conducting measured and efficient investigations, providing guidance through government enforcement actions, mounting strategic defenses, and working with clients to help minimize any reputational harm from a government investigation or enforcement action. From defense and compliance matters involving the False Claims Act and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, to allegations of fraud or money-laundering, trade sanctions violations, and complex tax matters, to environmental crime and Congressional investigations, the group represents global leaders across a wide range of industries. This seasoned team comprises former Assistant U.S. Attorneys, a former U.S. Attorney, prosecutors and lawyers from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the UK Serious Fraud Office, as well as enforcement chiefs and lawyers at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other regulatory agencies. Whether a congressional request, or an enforcement matter initiated by the DOJ, the SEC, other enforcement agencies, or state attorneys general, the group’s strength lies in navigating the process with clients at each turn to help ensure the most favorable outcomes possible are obtained.
About Arnold & Porter
Arnold & Porter combines sophisticated regulatory, litigation, and transactional capabilities to resolve clients’ most complex issues. With over 1,000 lawyers practicing in 14 offices worldwide, we offer deep industry experience and an integrated approach that spans more than 40 practice areas. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and focused industry experience, we provide innovative and effective solutions to mitigate risks, address challenges, and achieve successful outcomes.
