Margot Benedict is of counsel in Morrison Foerster’s National Security Group, based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Drawing on senior experience at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), she advises clients on high-stakes national security, white collar, and government enforcement matters, including cross-border investigations, crisis management, and matters involving geopolitical and regulatory risk.

Margot brings substantial experience navigating complex and sensitive matters at the intersection of national security, criminal enforcement, and government policy. She regularly advises clients facing government scrutiny, internal investigations, and other cross-border enforcement and compliance issues.

Prior to rejoining Morrison Foerster, Margot served in several senior roles at DOJ from 2021 to 2025, including as Senior Counselor to the Attorney General, where she managed the national security, privacy, and international affairs portfolios. In that role, she led the Office of Attorney General’s response to significant national security incidents and threats, advised on high-profile legal and policy matters, and supported the development and execution of key departmental initiatives.

Earlier in her DOJ tenure, Margot served as counsel to the Deputy Attorney General, coordinating national security policy across the Department, and as counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for National Security. She also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, representing the United States in criminal matters, and as a trial attorney in the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of DOJ’s National Security Division.

Before entering government service, Margot was an associate in Morrison Foerster’s Investigations + White Collar Defense Group, where she represented corporate and individual clients in government investigations, enforcement actions, and internal investigations.

Margot earned her J.D., cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center and her B.A. in political science from Yale University, where she served as captain of the varsity women’s sailing team.