Washington DC and San Francisco (January 20, 2026) – Global law firm Freshfields announced today that Nema Milaninia has joined the firm as a partner in its global strategic risk management practice focusing on high-stakes investigations, regulatory defense and strategic risk and crisis management, including matters involving emerging technologies. His work frequently involves matters with significant legal, reputational and political implications, often spanning multiple jurisdictions. His arrival reinforces Freshfields’ commitment to advising clients on cross-border matters where legal, regulatory and technological challenges converge.

U.S. Managing Partner Sarah Solum stated, "With deep experience in the tech and policy worlds, Nema is uniquely positioned to advise technology companies that are navigating a rapidly evolving global regulatory landscape. His strong track record in this area bolsters our offering for clients on AI and enterprise risk."

Nema’s career spans both government and private practice. Before entering private practice, he served as Senior Advisor at the U.S. State Department, where he shaped U.S. policy on AI and cyber, international humanitarian and criminal law and conflict prevention. In that role, he also acted in a diplomatic capacity, negotiating with senior government representatives from more than 100 countries on issues at the intersection of security, technology and international law. Earlier in his career, he served as a prosecutor at the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, handling complex international investigations and prosecutions. His practice focuses on three critical areas:

• Cross-Border investigations and enforcement defense
• Crisis management and government oversight
• Regulatory strategy for emerging technologies

Co-Head of U.S. Litigation and Co-Lead of Global Strategic Risk Management Beth George added, "Nema brings a multidisciplinary background and a thoughtful, collaborative approach to tackling clients’ most pressing issues.  His practice spans emerging regulations, complex state and federal regulatory inquiries, and cross-border criminal matters —often requiring the careful navigation of legal, reputational and political risk. We are excited for him to join our team and add additional strength to our global bench."

Nema commented, "Freshfields offers the global reach and integrated platform that today’s clients demand. The cross-border nature of investigations, technology regulation and enterprise risk requires seamless coordination across jurisdictions, and the firm is uniquely positioned to deliver just that. Joining a firm with a premier strategic risk and crisis management practice and a commitment to technology and AI allows me to serve my clients at the highest level and help shape solutions to some of the most sophisticated challenges businesses face today."

Nema’s arrival follows a series of strategic partner additions that underscore Freshfields’ focus on technology, AI and global investigations. In the past year, the firm welcomed Anna Gressel to co-lead its global AI practice in New York and former Securities and Exchange Commission Associate Director Melissa Hodgman in Washington DC, strengthening capabilities in emerging technologies and government investigations.