Leading National Security Attorney Amy Jeffress Joins Hecker Fink to Lead D.C. Office
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 18, 2025 – Hecker Fink LLP announced today that Amy Jeffress, one of the country’s most prominent national security and white collar defense attorneys, has joined the firm as partner to lead its Washington, D.C. office. Ms. Jeffress brings extensive experience in a range of criminal defense, investigations, and compliance matters, with a particular focus on cross-border and national security issues. She joins the firm from Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP, where she co-chaired the White Collar Defense & Investigations Practice and served as partner for over a decade.
Ms. Jeffress has represented clients in criminal defense, national security, and compliance matters and specializes in conducting internal investigations and advising companies and individuals on export enforcement, classified information, and mutual legal assistance and other international law enforcement issues, including extradition and INTERPOL notices.
Notably, she represented former FBI attorney Lisa Page in multiple congressional investigations and a successful civil action regarding FBI investigations of the Clinton email server and Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election. Ms. Jeffress also successfully defended former high-ranking U.S. diplomat Robin Raphel during a prolonged FBI counterintelligence investigation, refusing to make a deal with federal prosecutors over what she called a “fundamental misunderstanding” so that Ms. Raphel was fully exonerated.
Ms. Jeffress is a trusted advisor to companies and individuals navigating government and internal investigations relating to export enforcement, including alleged violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions, and United Nations sanctions, including sanctions relating to China, Iran, Russia, and Cuba. She has represented numerous high-profile financial institutions in matters ranging from appeals to the Office of the Deputy Attorney General (ODAG) to investigations by the House Financial Services Committee.
Ms. Jeffress previously served as the Justice Department Attaché to the U.S. Embassy in London, where she coordinated criminal matters between the U.S. and U.K. authorities. She additionally served as Counselor to the Attorney General for National Security and International. A distinguished prosecutor, Ms. Jeffress tried more than 40 cases during her tenure with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. As Chief of the National Security Section, she prosecuted cases related to international and domestic terrorism, espionage, export control violations, and other crimes related to national security.
“Amy brings an unparalleled depth of experience in national security and white collar defense, making her an invaluable asset to our clients navigating complex legal issues in the dynamic D.C. market and beyond,” said Hecker Fink founding partner Sean Hecker. “Beyond her extraordinary legal acumen, Amy’s career exemplifies a steadfast commitment to public service and the principles of justice. Her arrival enhances our firm’s ability to deliver exceptional legal representation and secure favorable outcomes for clients facing their most critical legal matters.”
“Hecker Fink’s strategic growth is rooted in our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and advancing the public good,” Hecker Fink managing partner Julie Fink added. “Welcoming Amy to our team perfectly exemplifies this approach. Her expertise will be instrumental as we continue to expand our capabilities and deliver the highest standards of counsel to our clients.”
“I am thrilled to join Hecker Fink and contribute to the firm’s continued growth and success in D.C.,” said Ms. Jeffress. “This fantastic opportunity will allow me to collaborate with a team that shares my passion for ensuring justice and fostering public trust. Hecker Fink’s values resonate deeply with my own, and I look forward to leveraging my expertise in national security and white collar defense to expand the firm’s capabilities and build a strong presence in the D.C. regulatory and legal landscape.”
“Amy’s arrival marks an exciting milestone in the growth of our D.C. office,” said Hecker Fink partner Joshua Matz. “Her extraordinary reputation as a leading national security and white collar defense attorney speaks to her skill, but it is her unwavering commitment to fairness, transparency, and public service that truly sets her apart. We are thrilled to welcome such a prominent litigator whose expertise will undoubtedly elevate our practice and broaden our capabilities in this critical market.”
Ms. Jeffress began her career as Counsel in the Office of the Deputy Attorney General at the Department of Justice. She graduated from Yale Law School and earned her B.A. in political science from Williams College. Ms. Jeffress clerked for the Hon. Gerhard Gesell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She is a member of the Advisory Committee to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on the Local Rules and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.