Michael Leiter

Michael Leiter is an expert in national security, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Columbia University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Prior to his legal career, Leiter served as a Naval Flight Officer in the U.S. Navy, participating in combat and peacekeeping operations in the former Yugoslavia and Iraq.

After completing his education, Leiter began his legal career as a law clerk for Associate Justice Stephen G. Breyer of the Supreme Court of the United States and Chief Judge Michael Boudin of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. He later served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2002 to 2005.

From 2005 to 2007, Leiter served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, helping to establish the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He then became the Director of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) from 2007 to 2011, leading the primary organization in the U.S. government for analysis and integration of all terrorism intelligence.

Following his service at NCTC, Leiter joined international law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP as a partner in its national security practice. He also serves on several advisory boards and committees, including those for the National Security Agency, the American Law Institute, and the National Defense Industrial Association.