Corporate Investigations & White Collar Defense

Our white collar and enforcement attorneys have extensive experience defending individuals and businesses in connection with criminal and civil investigations and enforcement proceedings before agencies of the U.S. government, including the SEC, DOJ, FCC, FTC, DOD, FINRA, DHS, and the FDA.  Our team includes a former federal prosecutor, a former SEC enforcement attorney, several former U.S. District Court law clerks and a dedicated team of trial lawyers, some with 25 years of experience specializing in securities and enforcement defense.  As a result, we are intimately familiar with the law and tactics at stake in these disputes.

We frequently represent individuals and corporations in connection with government investigations on a wide range of topics, including:

  • False Claims Act violations
  • FCPA violations
  • Cybercrimes
  • Securities violations
  • Anti-Kickback Statute & Stark Law violations
  • Mail and wire fraud
  • Embezzlement
  • Sunshine Act Violations
  • Import/export violations
  • Online gaming and piracy
  • Tax violations

Internal Investigations

We are often called on by in-house counsel, boards of directors, audit committees and special committees to conduct internal investigations related to governmental or criminal investigations, private litigation, or for internal use only. We conduct thorough and discreet internal investigations to help companies understand events and potential liabilities. Our attorneys work with management or the board to make choices such as how to:

  • Remedy and mitigate potential risks
  • Discipline responsible employees
  • Enhance compliance programs and governance processes
  • If necessary, voluntarily disclose problematic activities to the government  

Our team stresses preventing misconduct or criminal business activities, helping clients develop programs and policies that meet the requirements of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines for Organizational Defendants, and are tailored to the criteria considered by the DOJ in deciding whether to bring criminal charges against a corporation

If misconduct is found, and it is appropriate for the circumstances, we help companies make the best use of voluntary disclosure and government amnesty programs to minimize or avoid penalties. We approach such matters with great care to maintain confidentiality and privilege, and are thoughtful about the duties at issue and the appropriate scope of the investigations.

Compliance

Given our depth of experience with and understanding of the risks associated with securities claims and enforcement matters, our team members are frequently called upon to provide counseling and training to prevent violations and liabilities before they become a problem. We regularly provide advice and training to our clients on issues such as:

  • Insider trading
  • Legal compliance programs
  • Directors and officers insurance
  • Securities law disclosure obligations

Related Practices