Thomas "T.J." Cluff is a Senior National Security Advisor in Clifford Chance’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and international trade team.

T.J. has more than 25 years of experience advising on a wide range of US national security matters, including supporting the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) Global Investment and Economic Security Office, which leads the DoD’s participation on CFIUS. T.J. was actively involved in the CFIUS reviews of transactions across a wide array of industries, including assisting DoD in negotiating numerous CFIUS mitigation agreements. He also advised on CFIUS non-notified transactions and compliance matters. Most recently, T.J. managed a team of over 90 personnel supporting several agencies within the DoD as well as the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), with a focus on foreign direct investment risk and protecting critical technology. 

Leveraging his experience from leading roles supporting DoD and other key US Government agencies, T.J. offers clients valuable insights on critical national security issues impacting their transactions. This includes assessing CFIUS risk considerations for transactions, assisting clients in CFIUS reviews and through CFIUS mitigation negotiations, and advising on CFIUS mitigation compliance and enforcement matters. In addition to CFIUS, T.J. also offers valuable perspectives in navigating clients through the increasingly complex US national security regulatory environment, including with respect to evolving requirements relating to export controls, the US Outbound Investment Security Program, and foreign ownership, control or influence (FOCI) mitigation.

A retired US Air Force colonel, T.J.’s military service included senior counsel roles in the Pentagon, including serving as the White House Military Office General Counsel. He also served in assignments in Asia and Europe.

• Relevant experience
• Publications and insights