K&L Gates Adds Senior US Department of Justice and Former White House Lawyer to Public Policy and Law Practice

Washington, DC – Global law firm K&L Gates LLP welcomes Sanjeev Bhasker as a partner in its Public Policy and Law practice in Washington, DC. Bhasker joins most recently from the US Department of Justice, where he served as US Digital Currency Counsel and Subject Matter Expert focused on digital currency, emerging technologies, and national security matters.

Bhasker brings a combination of national security, regulatory enforcement, and advanced technology experience, including executive service in multiple White House administrations. His background includes advising on artificial intelligence, digital assets, and cybersecurity, as well as leading complex investigations and policy initiatives involving emerging technologies.

At the Department of Justice, Bhasker worked on digital currency and emerging technologies, leading investigations and providing nationwide guidance on digital asset matters, including anti-money laundering compliance and ransomware. He also worked closely with policymakers and industry stakeholders on issues involving artificial intelligence, digital identity, and cybersecurity.

“Sanjeev brings an exciting blend of frontline enforcement experience and policy leadership at the highest levels of government,” said Michael Scanlon, a leader of K&L Gates’ global Policy & Regulatory practice area. “His work on matters spanning artificial intelligence, digital assets, and national security gives him a multidimensional perspective that will further enhance our ability to help clients anticipate and respond to complex regulatory developments.”

Previously, Bhasker held leadership roles at the White House, including serving as Acting General Counsel in the Office of the National Cyber Director for the Trump and Biden administrations. In that capacity, he served as chief legal advisor on cybersecurity and emerging technology policy, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and post-quantum cryptography, and contributed to key national policy initiatives and executive actions related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital financial technologies. This included serving on the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets and the Chief AI Officer Council, advising on policy, security, and industry engagement.

“Sanjeev’s background reflects a deep understanding of how emerging technologies are shaping enforcement priorities and national policy,” said David Wochner, managing partner of the Washington, DC office. “His experience across the Department of Justice and the White House strengthens our presence in Washington and positions us well to counsel clients on evolving risks and opportunities across cybersecurity, digital assets, and cross-border matters.”

Bhasker also served as an Assistant United States Attorney, where he led cyber and national security investigations, prosecuted complex criminal matters, and handled digital asset-related cases.

Bhasker’s arrival builds on the momentum following the recent hire of government affairs advisor Emily Lavery and the announcement of Hayden Haynes, Chief of Staff for US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, joining the firm’s Washington, DC office. Other recent hires in the firm’s Public Policy and Law practice include partner Kate Goodrich in Austin and partners Marne Marotta and David Skillman, government affairs advisor Dr. Alexis Gutierrez, and of counsel Varun Jain in Washington, DC.

With a significant team of bipartisan lawyers and policy professionals who have more than 500 years of combined government experience, members of K&L Gates’ Public Policy and Law practice work with clients through the entire policy life cycle—from legislation to regulation and Congressional investigations and agency enforcement actions. The group is one of the largest public policy practices of any global integrated law firm.