Sohan Dasgupta
Sohan Dasgupta, JD, PhD - Washington DC Attorney and Statesman
Dr. Sohan Dasgupta, JD, PhD, is a distinguished statesman and legal expert renowned for his deep expertise in complex regulatory, compliance, national security, and international trade and arbitration matters. In 2025, Dr. Dasgupta was appointed Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security. In that capacity, he provided strategic leadership on critical issues including: The interagency Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS); Team Telecom; Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS); Arctic security and the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE) Pact; the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force (FLETF); and trade-related issues.
Dr. Dasgupta also served as the political head of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), guiding this innovative federal agency—with its substantial budget and dedicated team of professionals—in aligning U.S. investment strategy with national security and economic statecraft objectives. He helped transform MCC into an indispensable engine of economic statecraft as well as a vital national security and foreign policy asset.
Dr. Dasgupta is dedicated to equipping organizations with the tools, expertise, and forward-thinking strategies they need to succeed today and tomorrow—especially in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), critical minerals, energy security, telecommunications infrastructure, and international trade.
A strategic litigator with a proven track record in high-stakes advocacy, Dr. Dasgupta has briefed cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, argued before multiple U.S. Courts of Appeals, and represented clients in regulatory proceedings, investigations, and international arbitration.
Dr. Dasgupta’s exemplary academic credentials include JD from the University of California at Berkeley (with the Order of the Coif—top decile of his class); PhD from the University of Cambridge in the law of international trade and arbitration; MSc from the University of Oxford; and BA in Economics-Operations Research and History from Columbia University. He began his legal career with prestigious federal judicial clerkships for Judge Consuelo M. Callahan on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and Judge David A. Faber on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Widely respected for his strategic insight, principled leadership, and commitment to advancing America’s interests, Dr. Dasgupta frequently addresses international audiences, including Parliaments and Congresses, and continues to contribute to public service and civic initiatives. He believes in fostering collaboration among free nations to promote our mutual interests and collective progress. Dr. Dasgupta’s activities are dedicated to guiding and uplifting others, with a special focus on supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals in their pursuit of success and the complete realization of their destiny.
Sohan Dasgupta is guided by a core set of principles: intellectual rigor, a well-rounded life, pluralism, justice, individual rights, decency, honor, duty, service, accountability, transparency, dignity, tolerance, the rule of law, and profound respect for all persons. He believes that, like the giant Antaeus, we all draw our truest and deepest strength from staying grounded—from maintaining close contact with the earth through the essential act of helping one another. That, he maintains, is our fundamental duty. That duty is a path to meaning, strength, and fulfillment.
Throughout his life, Dr. Dasgupta has remained deeply committed to using his skills to assist those in need, believing that true success is measured by the positive difference we make in the lives of others. A strong believer in the value of service, he regularly donates his time and expertise to pro bono causes that help individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. Dr. Dasgupta often reflects that the greatest reward of his education and career has been the chance to stand beside everyday people as they navigate life’s toughest challenges.
Guided by gratitude for the opportunities he has been given, he actively mentors aspiring young professionals from numerous walks of life. Sohan Dasgupta views service to others as a personal responsibility to contribute to the common good. It was in recognition of this commitment that the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Access to Justice Commission presented Dr. Dasgupta with the Champion of Justice honor.
Dr. Dasgupta finds great fulfillment in listening to people’s stories and using his skills and experience to offer practical help whenever he can. He believes that small acts of kindness and everyday decency are the building blocks of strong families, neighborhoods, and communities. Throughout his life, he has made it a priority to treat everyone he meets with respect and genuine interest.
Other Media
Contact
Ellicott City, MD US