Skadden is pleased to welcome back Don Vieira as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office. Mr. Vieira most recently served as the chief legal and policy officer at preeminent global venture capital firm Sequoia Capital. Mr. Vieira will serve as the head of Skadden’s tech policy practice, where he will guide clients in tackling challenges in the ever-changing technology landscape, with a particular emphasis on regulatory matters, enforcement, AI governance and the evolving legal and policy frameworks that impact the tech sector.
Mr. Vieira has extensive experience advising companies on matters related to government investigations, foreign investment, national security, privacy, cybersecurity and data security, artificial intelligence, and export enforcement. He has advised on high-stakes litigation and regulatory matters involving emerging technologies, cross-border transactions and intellectual property protection, among many other areas.
“Don is returning to the firm at an exciting time of strategic growth, as we continue to make investments that enhance our leadership at the forefront of investigations, national security and regulatory issues that impact key industries and sectors,” Skadden Executive Partner Jeremy London said. “Don’s deep experience in the technology sector aligns with our commitment to providing innovative solutions to the evolving and global challenges our clients face.”
Previously a national security partner at the firm from 2017-19, Mr. Vieira has a strong background navigating the complexities of foreign investment dealmaking and regulatory compliance. His distinguished career includes significant roles in both the public and private sectors. During his government service, he served as chief of staff for the Department of Justice’s National Security Division (NSD) and as counselor to the assistant attorney general for national security (2009-11), where he supervised the department’s work on hundreds of CFIUS reviews. Mr. Vieira also served as deputy chief counsel to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) and staff director of HPSCI’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, where he led several classified committee investigations.
“Don’s unique combination of government and private-sector experience positions him to provide strategic insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by today’s rapidly evolving regulatory landscape,” said James Carroll, a global head of Skadden’s litigation/controversy practices. “We are thrilled to welcome him back to the firm.”
“I’m excited to return to Skadden, where the firm’s global platform and multidisciplinary approach provide an extraordinary opportunity to support clients across industries and regions,” Mr. Vieira said. “I look forward to working alongside my exceptionally talented colleagues across practices and geographies to guide our clients through increasingly complex regulatory, investigative and geopolitical challenges.”
A graduate of Boston University, Mr. Vieira earned his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s Award for Community Excellence and the 2011 Attorney General Award for Exceptional Service. Additionally, he recently was recognized as one of D.C.’s Tech Titans and Most Influential People by Washingtonian.