As Defensetech Industry Grows, Pillsbury Adds National Security Lobbying Trio

“Pillsbury is nationally recognized for its wide-ranging support of government contractors, and the firm has long been at the forefront of representing defense, technology, cyber and other national security-related companies,” said the firm’s Global head of Regulatory, Nancy Fischer. “Justin, Rachel and John add new dimensions to our outstanding existing group of Government Law & Strategies practitioners in this area while also positioning us to better support the growing roster of defensetech and other security-focused clients we represent.”

Defensetech interest and investment has been growing at a rapid pace. According to Pitchbook data recently published by J.P. Morgan, defensetech saw $70 billion in venture investment in 2022 and 2023 and is projected to again pass pre-pandemic levels this year despite some challenging market conditions. Recent world events have led to broader growth of the defense industry, both in the US and globally.

Rubin, Bombach and Thomas provide strategic counsel and lobbying support to U.S. and U.S. allied-owned defense and homeland security companies in matters involving the intersection of law, business and public policy. The team leverages strong bipartisan relationships in Congress and the Executive Branch, including at the Department of Defense, to take a lawyers’ approach to advocating for client interests. This includes supporting clients’ business development goals and serving as external counsel to companies that do not have internal government affairs teams. In addition to representing clients in front of the Defense, Homeland Security, and Appropriations Committees, the trio also support clients by coordinating with senior Department of Defense and Homeland Security officials and working with the Departments of Energy and Transportation.

Rubin leverages an in-depth understanding of clients’ business interests and first-hand familiarity experience navigating Federal Government dynamics to advise on legal issues they face. He acts as external counsel to clients on a host of contracting issues, including issues related to Foreign Ownership Control and Interest (FOCI) mitigation and other topics relevant to foreign-owned companies operating in the U.S. 

Rubin previously served as Director of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army’s Strategy and Integration Office. In that role, he advised the Secretary of the Army on strategy and budgeting, reformed the Department of the Army’s strategic planning process, and helped write the Army’s Vision. Rubin also served in Army Manpower and Reserve Affairs where he worked on Army personnel issues and led the team that created the Department of Defense’s surveys on the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which received the American Association for Public Opinion Research Policy Impact Award. In recognition of his service, Rubin was awarded the Department of the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Bombach brings nearly 25 years of public policy and national security experience with service in Congress, the National Security Council, and the broader intelligence community. She has experience with legislative and executive branch policymaking, congressional appropriations and oversight, and as a leader of analysts and analytic programs on high-profile intelligence issues. Bombach previously led Central Intelligence Agency analysts responsible for producing intelligence products in support of U.S. foreign policy, national security objectives and operational priorities. She was also first Senior Defense and Foreign Policy Advisor, and then Legislative Director for Senator Dianne Feinstein, where she provided oversight of Department of Defense programs with particular focus on the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Space Force. She also drafted and coordinated legislation that was included in the annual National Defense Authorization Act, appropriations bills, and other legislative vehicles. Earlier in her career, Bombach served as director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council, and in various roles with the National Counterterrorism Center, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and National Security Agency.

Thomas has more than a decade of experience supervising and executing various legislative and federal policies in connection with defense, foreign affairs, homeland security, veterans affairs, energy and the environment. He previously served as Chief of Staff for Representative Scott W. Taylor, and Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for Representative Scott Rigell, where he led and successfully managed long-term legislative plans for policy changes in the National Defense Authorization Act and the inclusion of funding in several annual appropriations bills. In addition, he oversaw all policy issues and the office’s internal operations. Thomas was also a Military Legislative Assistant to Representative Walter B. Jones, Jr., where he drafted legislation and amendments, and oversaw various policy matters. He also served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.

A significant aspect of the team’s practice focuses on representing U.S. subsidiaries of Israel’s most advanced defense and homeland security contractors in their efforts to grow jobs and sales in the US, including to the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. This includes both some of Israel’s largest defense contractors as well as smaller companies bringing innovative technologies and approaches into the fields in which they operate.

“Pillsbury is an established leader when it comes to advising both traditional defense contractors and defensetech companies, and we are excited to be a part of this terrific team,” said Rubin. “This is a case of “one plus one equals four:” our practice focused on government affairs and business development complements and enhances what already makes Pillsbury the law firm of choice when it comes to Defense Contracting and National Security-related matters.”

As a recognized leader in the defensetech space, Pillsbury helps companies ranging from innovative dual use technology startups to some of the largest defense contractors in the world on the full gamut of relevant legal issues. Our sizeable national team advises on corporate matters, mergers & acquisitions, government advocacy, regulatory compliance, bid protests, litigation and more, offering a one-stop shop for industry players.