DLA Piper welcomes Kathryn Mitchell as Policy Advisor on the intersection of technology and government

DLA Piper today welcomed Kathryn Mitchell as a Policy Advisor in the firm’s Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) practice, where she will support companies and investors as they engage with policymakers on advanced technologies and regulatory frameworks.

Mitchell has more than 12 years of experience across the legislative and executive branches and was recently the Chief of Staff at the CHIPS Research & Development Office at the US Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology. She engaged daily with the White House, Office of the Secretary, Cabinet-level front offices, and Congressional leadership, helping shape and implement programs central to federal semiconductor and emerging technology investment.

“Kathryn’s deep experience in implementing the CHIPS and Science Act and issues surrounding AI, quantum, and emerging technologies will further strengthen DLA Piper’s competitive edge in the industry,” said Karina Lynch, Chair of the GAPP practice. “She will play a key role in advising clients on the dynamic and fast-changing areas of emerging technologies.”

“The accelerating convergence of national security and emerging technologies is reshaping the landscape for technology companies, investors, and other key stakeholders,” said Tony Samp, Principal Policy Advisor and Head of the firm’s AI Policy practice. “Kathryn’s rare, hands-on experience inside various key agencies of government will be invaluable to helping clients navigate this moment of tremendous opportunity and increased complexity.”

Mitchell also served as Team Chief at the Pentagon in support of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. In this role, she directed engagements on key areas of technology, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum, biotechnology, robotics, and space. Mitchell was Chief of Staff to two members of Congress, guiding hundreds of key provisions into law through the annual National Defense Authorization Act, Intelligence Authorization Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act, among others.

“Throughout her time in my Congressional office, Kathryn was at the forefront of some of the most consequential national security issues facing the nation,” said former Congressman James R. Langevin. “As the former Chair of the Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation Subcommittee, her work on my staff propelled forward many of the innovative technologies our warfighters depend on today. She is a trusted advisor and her work in this space is second to none.”