WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 21, 2026) — Sullivan & Cromwell LLP today announced that Charles Capito has joined the Firm as a partner in its National Security and Foreign Investments & Trade Regulations Practices, based in Washington, D.C.
Charles advises clients on the full spectrum of U.S. national security matters, with particular experience in foreign direct investment (FDI) reviews including sensitive matters before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), export controls over dual-use and defense-critical technologies, and evolving issues involving foreign ownership, control or influence (FOCI) over U.S. businesses across the defense and technology sectors and supply chains. He counsels companies and investors navigating the increasingly complex intersection of national security, geopolitics and cross-border M&A, including the central role of risk mitigation in transactions subject to CFIUS jurisdiction and the need to manage global FDI reviews across borders and jurisdictions.
“Charles is a highly respected adviser whose practice sits at the intersection of national security, international trade and regulatory reviews—areas of growing strategic importance to our clients,” said Bob Giuffra and Scott Miller, Co-Chairs of Sullivan & Cromwell. “His deep understanding of foreign investment reviews, export controls, and defense- and technology-related compliance issues further enhances our ability to advise clients facing increasingly complex geopolitical and regulatory challenges.”
“Clients today need practical, forward-looking advice as national security considerations become increasingly intertwined with business strategy, cross-border M&A and technology,” said Melissa Sawyer and Andrew Gerlach, Co-Heads of S&C’s Global M&A Group. “Charles’ experience securing clearances for some of the largest and most sensitive cases reviewed by CFIUS is a great complement to our work in these areas.”
“Washington, D.C. is a strategic hub where national security, government policy and global business converge,” said Amanda Davidoff, Managing Partner of S&C’s Washington, D.C. office. “Adding Charles to our team in D.C. strengthens our ability to support clients navigating these priority areas.”
“I’m excited to join Sullivan & Cromwell and collaborate alongside colleagues across practices and offices to help clients identify and navigate these increasingly complex issues,” said Mr. Capito. “National security considerations are now a fundamental element in cross-border matters, and I look forward to working with clients to anticipate challenges, mitigate risk and provide strategic solutions.”
Mr. Capito has been recognized by Chambers USA, Chambers Global and Legal 500 for his work in international trade, export controls, national security and government contracts.
Mr. Capito earned his J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law, where he served as Senior Articles Editor of the Washington and Lee Law Review, and his A.B. from Duke University.
About Sullivan & Cromwell’s Foreign Investments & Trade Regulations Practice
Building on decades of experience, Sullivan & Cromwell’s Foreign Investments & Trade Regulations Practice helps clients develop compliance programs, structure investments and transactions, and obtain regulatory approvals for their most significant global matters. We counsel companies and financial institutions on cross-border transactions, economic sanctions, export controls, anti-money laundering, anti-corruption and foreign investment reviews, including matters before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). We also advise multinational companies on supply chain compliance, including tariffs, customs, forced labor requirements and evolving sustainability regulations.
About Sullivan & Cromwell’s National Security Practice
Sullivan & Cromwell’s National Security Practice draws on the expertise of a wide range of former high-level government officials with deep national security experience to offer clients holistic advice on navigating the challenges at the growing nexus between business and national security interests, including supply chain issues. We routinely advise multinational companies on their expanding obligations to protect and conduct due diligence on their global supply chains to ensure compliance with various laws and regulations, including tariffs, import controls and customs laws; the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD); and forced labor laws and restrictions.
About Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is a leading global law firm that advises on major domestic and cross-border M&A, significant litigation and corporate investigations, finance and corporate transactions, and complex antitrust, regulatory, tax and estate planning matters. Our firm’s hallmarks are the highest-quality independent advice and intense dedication to solving client problems. Founded in 1879, S&C has more than 1,000 lawyers located in offices in New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Palo Alto, London, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels, Hong Kong, Beijing, Tokyo, Melbourne and Sydney.