Alexis Early has joined Jenner & Block’s National Security and Crisis Practice as a partner in Washington, DC. Alexis adds more than a decade of experience representing clients in sanctions, trade and export controls, anti-money laundering, Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and policy advocacy matters to the practice's elite, global bench.
“Alexis is known as a trusted, skilled advisor to companies facing critical challenges,” said Co-Managing Partners Katya Jestin and Randy Mehrberg. “Her ability to develop strategies to navigate complex international matters at the intersection of national security, business, and political risk will be a benefit to our US-based and global clients. We are thrilled to welcome her to the firm.”
A leading international trade practitioner, Alexis helps clients navigate complex business challenges related to the cross-border flow of goods, software, technology, funds, and investment capital. She has been recognized for adeptly guiding dozens of transactions involving billions of dollars in foreign investment into sensitive US businesses through the complex CFIUS notification, mitigation, and non-notified review processes, including Australasia’s 2022 M&A Deal of the Year. Alexis has deep experience in the telecom, technology, financial services, life sciences, and energy sectors, including advising multiple Fortune 100 companies on innovative export controls and sanctions licensing strategies and representing them in high-level government enforcement proceedings.
“As the international sanctions and regulatory landscape becomes increasingly nuanced, experienced counsel is more important than ever,” said National Security and Crisis Practice Co-Chair Shoba Pillay. “Alexis’ ability to guide companies through business-critical challenges with precision, especially risks concerning China and Russia, sets her apart. She is a strong complement to our team of skilled practitioners.”
Alexis joins a global team helping multinational organizations navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of national security-related laws, regulations, and policies. The practice includes a former US ambassador and high-ranking lawyers and officials with experience in the White House, National Security Council, the US Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency, the US Department of Justice, the UK Serious Fraud Office, and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs Office. The team has extensive experience guiding clients through legal and policy challenges involving complex national security-related litigation, compliance challenges, transactions, and engagement with government entities across multiple jurisdictions. The National Security and Crisis Practice is co-chaired by:
- Shoba Pillay: a former Assistant United States Attorney who advises clients on mitigating and responding to national security threats and cybersecurity risks and provides advice and guidance on developing robust regulatory compliance programs.
- Ambassador Lee Wolosky: a former government official who served under four US presidents in roles including Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure and Director of Transnational Threats on the National Security Council, represents plaintiffs and defendants in multibillion-dollar litigation, including complex multi-jurisdictional disputes involving the Anti-Terrorism Act.
- Shreve Ariail: a former Deputy General Counsel at the CIA and a former Assistant US Attorney who helps companies and individuals navigate white-collar criminal defense, national security, and corporate crises.
“Jenner & Block’s team is uniquely positioned to advise clients facing the most critical matters of our time, including those concerning China, Russia, and other international players under increased scrutiny,” said Alexis. “I am proud to be joining this elite group of lawyers and a firm whose values align with my own.”
Alexis has been recognized as a leading CFIUS practitioner by Chambers Global, Chambers USA, and the Legal 500. She is a co-founder of Women in CFIUS and serves on the Wellesley Business Leadership Council, the Washington College of Law Advisory Council on Business Law, and as a director of SMYAL, DC’s largest organization supporting LGBTQ youth.
She earned her JD from American University Washington College of Law and her BA from Wellesley College.