Global law firm Squire Patton Boggs is pleased to announce that Mark T. Esper, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and a respected leader in government and business, has joined the firm as a Senior Advisor. In this role, Dr. Esper will provide strategic counsel to clients on a range of issues including national security, domestic and foreign policy.
“In order to serve clients with complex national security needs, it is critical to have a premier team,” said Chair and Global CEO Mark Ruehlmann. “Secretary Esper is a decorated public servant and distinguished thought leader with vast experience and global connections that complement our existing team. His addition bolsters our position as a compelling destination for clients who confront a sharp increase in national security challenges resulting from an increasingly turbulent geopolitical environment.”
“The implications of national security policy are far reaching and among the most complex issues confronting both multinationals and sovereigns,” said Ed Newberry, Global Managing Partner—Public Policy, Compliance, Investigatory and Regulatory Solutions. “Indeed, economic security is now national security. Secretary Esper’s unrivalled understanding of how national security and economic policy—including international trade, technology, and investment policy—impact regions and industries will be an invaluable asset to our global clients. We are delighted he has joined our firm.”
“Squire Patton Boggs is a firm with a rich history that I have long admired as a leader in policy and legal circles,” Secretary Esper commented. “We are living through an era of great change that has stoked national security ramifications that are rippling through board rooms around the world. Squire Patton Boggs has a clear vision to lead in this space and I am excited to add to the unique offering that the firm is building.”
Secretary Esper’s addition follows other recent hires the firm has made to strengthen its capabilities in international trade, national security and international investigations including DHS Assistant Secretary Bridget McGovern, former US Ambassador Paul Jones, Deputy Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs Everett Eissenstat, US Department of Treasury official Adam Hensel-Briscoe and a team of eight national security legal professionals with experience handling economic sanctions enforcement and matters requiring US Government approvals.
Newberry added, “We continue to experience a substantial increase in regulatory measures by governmental agencies that enforce U.S. security laws, including sanctions, export control, anti-money laundering laws and foreign investment reviews. We remain committed to building a best-in-class team to help clients contend with these issues.”
About Dr. Mark T. Esper:
Dr. Esper served as the 27th U.S. Secretary of Defense from July 2019 to November 2020. During his time as Secretary of Defense, Esper led the Department of Defense during conflict with Iran, an ongoing campaign in Afghanistan, counter-terrorist operations in the Middle East and open competition with China and Russia amidst a fundamental shift in geo-strategic environment. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Esper co-led Operation Warp Speed, the national effort to accelerate the development and distribution of vaccines.
Prior to becoming Defense Secretary, Esper served as the 23rd Secretary of the Army from November 2017 until June 2019. In this capacity, he was responsible for over 1.5 million active, guard, and reserve soldiers and Army civilians. Also, Esper was an infantry officer with the 101st Airborne Division during the 1990-91 Gulf War, and later commanded an airborne rifle company in Europe as part of the NATO readiness task force. Among his many military awards, he earned a Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Esper retired from the Army in 2007 after 10 years on active duty and 11 years in the National Guard and Army Reserve.
After leaving active duty, Esper worked in senior national security positions across Capitol Hill, as a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon, in a presidential campaign, and with prominent think tanks and business associations. He was also a Senate-appointed commissioner on the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
Esper’s private sector experience also includes leading the government relations function at Raytheon Corporation. He currently serves on several private capital and public policy boards including The McCain Institute, The Atlantic Council, and the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. He is also the Distinguished Chair of the Modern War Institute at his alma mater, West Point.