CFIUS National Security Partner Dave Hanke Joins Arent Fox

Following his service as a Professional Staff Member on the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and a lead policy advisor to Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Mr. Hanke will practice in the firm’s Washington, DC office and counsel domestic and foreign clients on the implementation of the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA) — the most sweeping overhaul of CFIUS in 40 years.

“As an intellectual architect and driving force behind FIRRMA, Dave is one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in the country about CFIUS, whether M&A, joint venture, and finance transactions must now be filed, and how to handle the new CFIUS review process,” said International Trade leader Kay C. Georgi. “While serving at the Senate Intelligence Committee, Dave collaborated with key officials at the Treasury Department and other CFIUS member agencies as FIRMMA was developed. He also has unique insight into what emerging and foundational technologies may be controlled in the future by the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security. Dave’s experience and his excellent legal skills will be a great resource to our national security and international trade clients.”

Mr. Hanke’s work at the Senate Intelligence Committee and for then-Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn exposed him to some of the country’s most complicated and multifaceted national security issues and technology-related challenges. His work included serving as the principal advisor to Sen. Cornyn on all intelligence, CFIUS, and related issues; devising, developing, and drafting FIRMMA and also two bills regarding foreign theft of US intellectual property; reviewing all classified CFIUS National Security Threat Assessments written by the Intelligence Community; and formulating policy to maximize security for 5G mobile communications.

At Arent Fox, Mr. Hanke will draw on that experience to advise clients at the intersection of national security and business on matters involving CFIUS, export controls, Defense Security Service issues, and national security-related investigations. 

Prior to joining the Senate Intelligence Committee, Mr. Hanke served as Counsel for National Security Affairs to Sen. Cornyn and held various staff positions on several committees in the House of Representatives, including International Relations, Ways and Means, and House Administration. From 2004-2007, he served on active duty as a Judge Advocate in the US Army, during which time he was a lead prosecutor and principal attorney for commanders at various levels and deployed to Iraq for 11 months with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

Chambers Global recognizes Arent Fox’s International Trade practice and its attorneys as industry leaders. The group represents and advises domestic and foreign companies and government entities in a broad range of cross-border matters, including customs/import compliance, global trade policy, international trade litigation, international anti-corruption, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and export controls and sanctions.