Michael Leiter is head of Skadden's National Security Group, investment security (CFIUS) practice and aerospace, defense and security practice. He represents clients in a broad range of transactions, investigations and incidents involving U.S. national security. In addition, he focuses on aerospace and defense mergers and acquisitions, and government relations and investigations.
Lawdragon Honors
| Honor | Year | Practice |
|---|---|---|
| The 2026 Lawdragon 100 Leading AI & Legal Tech Advisors | 2026 | Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, AI |
| The 2026 Lawdragon 500 Global Leaders in Crisis Management | 2026 | National Security, Investigations, CFIUS |
| The 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America | 2026 | National Security |
| The Lawdragon 500 Global Leaders in Crisis Management | 2025 | National Security, Investigations, CFIUS |
| The 2025 Lawdragon 100 Leading AI & Legal Tech Advisors | 2025 | Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, AI |
Leiter has significant experience navigating national security reviews before CFIUS and negotiating complex mitigation agreements across the full range of business sectors, having represented corporations, private equity, venture capital and sovereign wealth funds. In recognition of his work, Leiter has been recognized by Lawdragon as one of its 100 Leading AI & Legal Tech Advisors, 500 Global Leaders in Crisis Management and 500 Leading Lawyers in America.
Leiter has assisted clients in matters involving the Defense Counterintelligence Security Agency, export controls, aerospace and defense, government services-related mergers and acquisitions, advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, and government contracting. In addition to his transaction practice, Leiter has extensive experience with all aspects of cybersecurity based on his previous private sector experience and through serving in senior national security positions in the federal government in which he oversaw numerous legal and operational aspects of cybersecurity. He routinely works with clients on issues that include cybersecurity preparedness, breach response, and board and corporate leadership counseling.