Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP‘s national security group, which forms part of the financial institutions group, maintains a deep focus on economic sanctions work. It is a strong choice for financial institutions, investors and global multinationals on compliance, transactional and enforcement mandates, such as developing compliance programs and undertaking due diligence. Digital assets are an area of expertise for the team. Paul Marquardt leads the team in Washington DC and has experience assisting clients on a range of mandates related to challenging jurisdictions, including with OFAC investigations. Neil H. McBride rejoined the team in 2025. Will Schisa is another key team member for sanctions advice and global sanctions coordination.
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Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Key clients
- Union de Banques Arabes et Françaises
- Doctors Without Borders
- Sony Group
- Orascom Investment Holding
Work highlights
Advised several major financial institutions on managing claims relating to assets frozen or seized under U.S. or European sanctions and Russian countersanctions and compensation to clients, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars worth of assets.
Advised a leading private equity firm in purchasing European assets formerly held by a Russian oligarch, including diligence on intermediaries and assurances regarding appropriate control of the proceeds of sale.
Advised Doctors Without Borders in connection with supporting its humanitarian activities in a range of challenging jurisdictions targeted by sanctions, including Haiti, North Korea, and Syria.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
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Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Paul Marquardt
Other key lawyers
Neil H. McBride; Will Schisa