Davis Polk adds ace lawyer from Cleary Gottlieb

Davis Polk adds ace lawyer from Cleary Gottlieb

Foreign investments and national security lawyer Paul Marquardt joins firm's financial institutions group in Washington

Davis Polk & Wardwell has announced the appointment of ace international trade and national security lawyer Paul Marquardt as a partner in its Washington DC office.

Marquardt was associated with rival law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton for over 25 years. His last position with Cleary Gottlieb was as Head of the firm's foreign investments and national security practice.

Marquardt joins as a partner with Davis Polk. The move is expected to bolster the Wall Street firm's financial institutions group. He brings with him a rich experience of advising clients on the application of US sanctions laws and export control matters.

Marquardt's practise also focuses on anti-money laundering and anti-corruption matters, including compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, advising state-owned entities, sovereign wealth funds, tech and defence companies and private equity firms.

"Paul is an exceptionally talented practitioner and a fantastic addition to our distinguished regulatory team in Washington. His extensive experience in sanctions and national security reviews is a strong complement to our practice, and is increasingly important to our clients as they continue to navigate these issues in pursuing complex, cross-border transactions," Davis Polk's managing partner Neil Barr said.

According to John Reynolds, head of Davis Polk's economic sanctions and national security practice, Paul not only brings to the table a rare and valuable combination of experience in both sanctions and CFIUS work, but he is also deeply conversant in transactional matters, which include private equity and financial sector deals such as M&A and joint ventures.

Marquardt termed Davis Polk's reputation in the regulatory space as unparalleled. "I have had the pleasure of working alongside many of the firm's lawyers throughout my career. I am grateful for my time at Cleary, but the opportunity to join this team and collaborate in advising our clients on their most complex international trade issues is truly exciting," Marquardt said.