Government Enforcement Defense & Investigations Lawyer
Christopher Swift is a partner and litigator with Foley & Lardner LLP and a member of Foley’s Government Enforcement Defense & Investigations Practice. Focusing on national security and international law, he represents clients in internal investigations and government enforcement actions involving anti-money laundering (AML), arms controls (ITAR), economic sanctions (OFAC), dual-use exports (EAR), and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Dr. Swift also represents clients before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and advises them on other national security issues involving Foreign Ownership, Control, and Influence (FOCI).
Dr. Swift’s experience includes counseling clients on the U.S. Patriot Act, government surveillance, and government investigations implicating terrorism or espionage. His practice also encompasses issues arising under the Geneva Conventions, Anti-Slavery legislation, and international human rights treaties. This includes an active pro bono practice serving refugees from contemporary conflict zones.
In addition to his national security practice, Dr. Swift counsels clients on a variety of trade-related issues, including U.S. Customs laws, Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and World Trade Organization (WTO) disputes. His representations cover several sectors, including aerospace and defense, energy, financial services, higher education, manufacturing, maritime shipping, research and development, and technology.
Foley & Lardner LLP
Washington, District of Columbia
Georgetown University
Washington, District of Columbia
Sidley Austin LLP
Washington, District of Columbia
University of Virginia School of Law
Charlottesville, Virginia
Baker Botts LLP
Washington, District of Columbia
U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control
(appointed)District of Columbia
Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)
(appointed)District of Columbia
Dartmouth College
Hanover, New Hampshire
Freedom House
Washington, District of Columbia
Ransmeier & Spellman, PC
Concord, New Hampshire
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Washington, District of Columbia
Office of Zbigniew Brzezinski
The White House, Office of Vice President Gore
(appointed)District of Columbia
March 2025
Dr. Swift is an adjunct professor of national security studies at Georgetown University and a fellow at the University of Virginia’s Center for National Security Law. He has testified before the U.S. Congress and regularly advises policy makers on counter-terrorism, defense policy, and foreign affairs. His policy experience spans roles with Freedom House, the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), and a White House internship in the Office of Vice President Gore.
Chambers USA
January 2016
n 2016, Dr. Swift was named a “Recognized Practitioner” in international trade by Chambers USA.
The Anti-Corruption Report
March 2025
Dr. Swift was previously a term member of the Council on Foreign Relations and served on the council’s Russia Study Group and National Security Law Working Group. To add to his publications, Dr. Swift co-authored a piece in The Anti-Corruption Report titled, “Naming Bribe-Paying Third Parties Would Improve FCPA Compliance.”
FOLEY IGNITE
March 2025
LinkHe regularly appears as a guest analyst for leading international media outlets, including ABC, Al-Jazeera, the BBC, Bloomberg News, CBS, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and National Public Radio.
Foley & Lardner LLP, NACD Northern California Chapter — Webinar
March 2025
With a new presidential administration and evolving state-driven regulations, boardrooms face both uncertainty and opportunity. How will these changes impact corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and business strategy? Foley & Lardner LLP is proud to partner with the NACD Northern California Chapter for a virtual panel discussion on March 4, 2025 (1:30–2:30 p.m. PST) to explore these pressing issues.