Former CIA Deputy General Counsel Deborah Curtis Joins Arnold & Porter’s White Collar Defense & Investigations Practice

Leveraging her deep government experience at the CIA and DOJ, Deborah will advise clients on national security investigations and defense and other litigation and enforcement matters, bringing further depth to the firm’s national security offerings. Over the course of her career, she has prosecuted and defended 17 jury trials and over 50 bench trials.

2020-2023

As Deputy General Counsel for Litigation and Investigations for the CIA, Deborah oversaw all litigation matters, including the invocation of state secrets and diplomatic privileges and immunities. She also advised on major international policy initiatives that affect national security, including the U.S.-EU transatlantic data privacy agreement and the interface with the International Criminal Court.

2019-2020

Prior to the CIA, Deborah served as Chief Counsel for Industry and Security at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she implemented the Export Control Reform Act of 2018.

2015-2019

At the U.S. Department of Justice, she served as Trial Attorney and Deputy Chief for Export Control and Sanctions where she oversaw criminal sanctions and export control investigations and prosecutions nationwide.

2007-2015

Also at DOJ, Deborah served as Assistant U.S. Attorney and Deputy Chief for the National Security Division for the District of Columbia U.S. Attorney’s Office.

1997-2007

During her ten years with the U.S. Department of the Air Force, Deborah served as a Judge Advocate Officer and as Associate Deputy General Counsel for National Security and Military Affairs.

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