Former Department of Homeland Security Senior Official Joins Ropes & Gray as Co-Head of National Security Practice

Ropes & Gray announced today that Robert Silvers, former Under Secretary for Policy at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has joined the firm as co-chair of its national security practice and a partner in its data, privacy & cybersecurity practice, focusing on critical matters at the intersection of national security, technology, and law. He will be based in the firm’s Washington, DC, and Silicon Valley offices.

“Rob is a globally recognized cybersecurity and data protection expert, with extensive experience leading, investigating, and litigating high-profile national security issues,” said Julie Jones, Ropes & Gray chair. “In today’s digital world, the stakes have never been higher or the threats more severe. Rob’s hands-on knowledge, extensive network of policymakers and C-suite executives, and global perspective will greatly benefit our clients who are managing risk in this dynamic, AI-enabled environment.”

Rob will serve as co-head of the firm’s national security practice, alongside Ama Adams, who is also managing partner of the firm’s Washington, DC, office. “I am delighted to be working with Rob and continuing Ropes & Gray’s strong tradition of cross-practice collaboration,” said Ama. “With the growing focus on national security regulations, Rob’s expertise complements and enhances our elite team. His capabilities will enable us to provide even more robust service to our clients on complex transactions, compliance matters, and government and internal investigations involving U.S. national security, foreign policy, and cybersecurity. I’m excited to welcome him to the firm.”

At DHS, Rob was responsible for driving the agency’s direction across all its missions, including cybersecurity, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), AI security, international affairs, and the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force. He led a 300-person office that served as the “nerve center” for DHS and tackled some of the country’s most pressing security issues. Rob also led efforts to bring the federal government and private sector together to respond to significant cybersecurity incidents, and to streamline the reporting of cyber incidents to better protect critical infrastructure across the country. During his tenure as Under Secretary, Rob served as founding Chair of the U.S. Cyber Safety Review Board, driving investigations into the most severe cyber attacks.

“Digital technology is fast-moving and complex, and the urgent needs of doing business in the 21st century demand cybersecurity and privacy programs that match the pace of innovation,” said Edward McNicholas, head of Ropes & Gray’s data, privacy & cybersecurity practice.“ As our clients across finance, technology, infrastructure, insurance, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and e-commerce navigate the evolving landscape of our digital age, Rob’s addition to the team will allow us to continue to help them not only manage these challenges, but also explore new opportunities with confidence.”

Earlier in his career, Rob served as Assistant Secretary for Cyber Policy at DHS and other senior U.S. government positions. Outside of government, he also brings valuable experience in private practice to his role at Ropes & Gray. For several years, he was a partner at another AmLaw 20 firm, where he served as vice chair of its privacy & cybersecurity practice, and founder and chair of its AI practice. Rob developed and grew both practices, working with some of the most recognizable names across the technology, financial services and healthcare sectors.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Ropes & Gray and to be working with its world-class national security and data, privacy and cybersecurity teams,” said Rob. “I’m looking forward to helping our growing client base manage their complex security incidents and challenges, as well as bringing my experience to bear to counsel them on issues related to cybersecurity, privacy, trade controls, AI security, and crisis management and incident response.”

Rob holds a JD from New York University School of Law and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a distinguished fellow at the NYU Center for Cybersecurity and has taught as an adjunct professor in the MS in Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy Program co-offered by NYU Law School and NYU Tandon School of Engineering.

About Ropes & Gray

Ropes & Gray, a preeminent global law firm, has been ranked in the top three on The American Lawyer's prestigious "A-List" for eight years. The firm has more than 1,500 lawyers and legal professionals serving clients in major centers of business, finance, technology, and government in New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Washington, DC, London, Dublin, Paris, Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo. The firm has consistently been recognized for its leading practices in many areas, including asset management, private equity, M&A, finance, real estate, tax, antitrust, life sciences, health care, intellectual property, litigation & enforcement, privacy & cybersecurity, and business restructuring.