Crowell & Moring LLP’s national security and international trade practice is recognized for its depth of expertise across sanctions, export controls, government contracts, and high-stakes investigations. The team combines former senior government officials with accomplished private practice lawyers, offering a strong blend of regulatory insight, enforcement experience, and transactional acumen. Led by Michael Atkinson, former Inspector General of the US Intelligence Community; Caroline Brown, an expert in CFIUS reviews and sanctions compliance; Adelicia Cliffe, a specialist in government contracts and national security matters; and David (Dj) Wolff, Co-Chair of the International Trade Group, the Washington DC office maintains real strength Further key partners in DC include Carlton Greene and Erik Woodhouse who provide deep experience in sanctions and AML. Evan Wolff departed the team in July 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘This is an experienced and diverse team of top notch professionals who take a very collaborative and solution-oriented approach.’
‘Adelicia Cliffe is a superb leader who is highly knowledgeable on all matters relating to US public sector procurement and compliance.’
'Caroline Brown and Michael Atkinson are very experienced, and reliable advisors. Their practice covers a broad swathe of national security regulatory issues.'
Key clients
- Virgil Griffith
- Madison Dearborn Partners
- Last Mile Labs d/b/a eth.limo
Work highlights
Successfully represented Virgil Griffith, developer of the Ethereum cryptocurrency, and obtained a significant sentence reduction under a retroactive amendment to the US Sentencing Guidelines (USSC) from 63 months to 56 months, a reduction of over 10%.
Represented Madison Dearborn Partners on national security and government contracts aspects of its sale of LinQuest to KBR.
Represents Last Mile Labs d/b/a eth.limo and two of its executives, in connection with the US Attorney’s Office (SDNY) prosecution of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm for sanctions and money laundering violations involving cryptocurrency.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Michael Atkinson; Caroline Brown; Adelicia Cliffe
Other key lawyers
David (Dj) Wolff; Carlton Greene; Erik Woodhouse