Underpinned by the firm’s global presence and broader government relations practice, Akin‘s CFIUS offering is well-positioned to assist clients to navigate CFIUS risks in sensitive transactions and with sensitive jurisdictions. The team has knowledge across industries including aerospace and defense, data and cybersecurity, and energy. Christian Davis steers the CFIUS practice, with a focus on CFIUS risk management during mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Promoted to partner in 2025, Katherine Padgett is another key attorney who has experience representing clients in formal CFIUS proceedings. Laura Black departed in 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The lead partner, Christian Davis, has plenty of experience on CFIUS. He is also pragmatic and is able to speak from experience, and help the clients with practicality, rather than the law.'
- 'I like that there is diversity in the team. They can feedback on board and are keen to work in partnership.'
- 'This practice is distinguished by deep subject-matter expertise, strong commercial judgment, and consistently high responsiveness. The team delivers advice that is practical, well-calibrated to client needs, and clearly communicated. Compared to other firms, coordination across partners and associates is notably strong. I appreciate Akin's collaborative staffing model and effective delegation, which maintains quality while improving turnaround times. Potential clients would value the team's ability to anticipate issues and provide clear, actionable guidance.'
- 'Christian Davis is valued for his strategic perspective, responsiveness, and ability to translate complex issues into clear guidance. Katherine Padgett stands out for her organization, attention to detail, and reliable execution under tight timelines. Audrey Kim consistently delivers high-quality, well-reasoned work and demonstrates strong judgment and responsiveness. Across the team, the individuals distinguish themselves through professionalism, clarity of communication, and a strong understanding of client priorities.'
- 'The depth of Akin's team and their knowledge makes them second to none in this space.'
- 'Christian Davis is second to none. Always thoughtful and ahead of issues before they ever arise.'
Key clients
- Nippon Steel
Work highlights
Represented a group of ad hoc lenders in connection with a Chapter 11 restructuring of the target company, a provider of oncology services, which was subject to the terms of an National Security Agency (NSA) with CFIUS based an earlier transaction involving a Chinese investor, which required substantive outreach and reporting to CFIUS prior to the completion of the restructuring.
Advised a newly launched Abu Dhabi-based alternative investment firm with over $105 billion in assets under management, on the CFIUS considerations associated with its September 2023 launch as well as the CFIUS implications arising from its multiple subsequent general partner stakes transactions and limited partner investments.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Christian Davis
Other key lawyers
Katherine Padgett; Opher Shweiki; John Hannon