Former U.S. National Security Advisor Thomas E. Donilon Returns To O'Melveny

WASHINGTON, May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- O'Melveny & Myers LLP is honored to announce that Thomas E. Donilon, former National Security Advisor to President Obama, has returned to the Firm as partner, Vice Chair, and a member of the Firm's Policy Committee.  Drawing on his distinguished career in government and the private sector, Donilon will counsel senior business executives, entrepreneurs, and company boards as they develop strategies to address their highest level business, legal, and policy issues in the United States and abroad.  A leading national security expert and advisor to CEOs and Boards, Donilon brings to O'Melveny deep experience in global strategy, cybersecurity, financial services, and corporate governance.  He will reside in O'Melveny's Washington, DC office.

Upon Donilon's departure from the White House in June 2013, President Obama praised Donilon for being "one of the most effective national security advisers our country has ever had" and credited him with having "shaped every single national security policy of my presidency."  During his tenure as National Security Advisor, Donilon was responsible for coordinating and integrating the administration's foreign policy, intelligence, and military efforts.  He played a key role in the White House's most significant national security initiatives, including the renewed U.S. focus on the Asia-Pacific region; U.S. military engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan; the administration's global counterterrorism efforts; U.S. energy, trade, and cybersecurity policy; and the administration's non-proliferation efforts including policy on Iran.  He also served as the President's personal emissary to a number of world leaders.

"Tom resumes his status as one of the leading lawyers on complex issues of policy, global strategy, and governance, and his most recent experience will enable him to provide our clients a rare level of judgment and insight on global issues," said Firm Chair Bradley J. Butwin.  "Tom will bring that same experience and insight to bear as part of the Firm's senior leadership.  We are thrilled to welcome him back."

Donilon's return marks the fourth installment of his practice at O'Melveny.  He began his legal career as an associate at the Firm in 1985 and, before joining the Obama Administration in 2009, practiced as a partner representing clients on a range of sensitive governance, legal, regulatory, and policy matters.  During the Clinton Administration, Donilon served as both Assistant Secretary of State and Chief of Staff to then Secretary of State Warren Christopher.  He later joined Fannie Mae as Executive Vice President for Law and Policy.

Since leaving the government last year, Donilon has been a Distinguished Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a senior fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.  He has received the Secretary of State's Distinguished Service Award, the National Intelligence Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award, and the CIA's Director's Award.

Donilon's return to O'Melveny comes on the heels of the Firm's recent announcement that Danielle Gray also is returning to the Firm.  Gray, who rejoins O'Melveny this month after serving as President Obama's Cabinet Secretary and Senior Advisor, will work closely with Donilon to provide counseling on complex regulatory and legal issues. 

SOURCE O'Melveny & Myers LLP