Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite | USA

Akin offers expert handling of complex criminal and civil investigations, including cross-border proceedings before the DOJ, the SEC, the CFTC and wider regulators. Demonstrates notable expertise in defending individuals and companies against enforcement actions, fielding particular experience in representing financial services clients. Clients benefit from its strong bench of lawyers offering notable government-side experience. Regularly called on by corporate clients to conduct sensitive internal investigations into compliance and workplace conduct.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP lays claim to an accomplished practice that combines extensive experience in white-collar defense and securities disputes with notable commercial litigation capabilities. Highlighted for its impressive global reach, which allows it to regularly act on cross-border investigations involving multiple governmental bodies. Leverages its high-level partner experience at both the DOJ and SEC to offer a wealth of expertise in regulatory proceedings, internal investigations and breach of fiduciary duty claims. Counts a number of leading banks and wider financial institutions among its illustrious client base, alongside roles acting for major corporates and senior officers and directors.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is highly esteemed for its strengths in defending government enforcement and investigations involving multiple jurisdictions and agencies. Able to call on a formidable roster of talented litigators, offering extensive expertise in trial and appellate proceedings, as well as notable former government experience. Impressive client roster includes market-leading financial services firms, manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies.

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP's distinguished litigation practice offers extensive civil and criminal litigation capabilities. Go-to firm for major disputes in fields as diverse as education, energy and pharmaceuticals, fielding particular strength in the representation of financial services institutions. Expert handling of criminal and civil investigations conducted by agencies such as the DOJ, attorneys general and the SEC, drawing upon extensive cross-border capabilities. Counts a number of former governmental luminaries among its impressive stable of litigators.

Dechert LLP is renowned for the depth of its white-collar defense practice and notable bench of experienced civil and criminal litigators. Recognized as a go-to practice for individuals facing external investigations and enforcement proceedings, as well as acting for major banks and global corporations. Frequently retained on cross-border matters, including investigations conducted by foreign regulators. Counts a number of highly regarded former government prosecutors and high-ranking DOJ officials among its ranks.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP fields a preeminent litigation practice that offers top-quality work on an impressive range of bet-the-company civil and criminal disputes. Much admired for its experienced bench of litigators, fielding extensive trial and appellate expertise. Expertly handles cross-border investigations and defends high-profile enforcement actions involving multiple regulators. Acts for an impressive roster of clients, including industry-leading technology companies and financial institutions, as well as prominent political figures. Regularly called on by clients facing high-stakes cases and complex allegations, including FCPA violations, financial fraud and money laundering.

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is universally recognized as a preeminent litigation firm with first-class expertise across civil and criminal disputes. Houses an enviable bench of outstanding courtroom advocates and regulatory experts who act on market-leading litigation, drawing on strength in industries such as financial services, oil and gas and technology. Frequently retained to handle investigations conducted by bodies such as the DOJ, SEC and CFTC. Dominant regulatory enforcement practice that attracts multinational corporates from a breadth of industries.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has a prominent white-collar group whose regulatory expertise includes major FCPA, antitrust and insider trading investigations and enforcement proceedings. Houses a number of former prosecutors and DOJ officials. Enviable client roster includes major financial services firms, technology companies and manufacturers. Impressive capabilities in cross-border mandates.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates fields a bench of expert litigators who are frequently retained to handle major commercial and criminal disputes at trial and appellate level. Maintains a broad client base of market-leading banks and blue-chip corporations. Noted for its strong enforcement and investigations practice that frequently handles cross-border proceedings on behalf of individuals and institutions. Offers enviable bench strength across the civil and criminal spheres, with multiple former prosecutors counted among its ranks.

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP consistently demonstrates its first-class command of complex financial services litigation, acting for leading market players on precedent-setting securities disputes and regulatory concerns. Fields a standout criminal defense team with strong cross-border capabilities, which is frequently retained in internal and external investigations, as well as high-stakes litigation. Acts for both individual and institutional clients from industries such as manufacturing, technology and energy, and frequently advises on emerging areas of criminal law, including spoofing and AML.

Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP is a full-service firm with proven strength handling domestic and international regulatory investigations and related enforcement proceedings. Regularly defends both individuals and corporations from a diverse range of industries, with noted experience acting across the financial services, retail and technology sectors. Matters handled include financial fraud, money laundering and FCPA violations, as well as complex commercial litigation.

Covington & Burling LLP is a go-to practice for life science companies under investigation by domestic and international regulatory bodies, routinely advising clients on areas including financial crime, international trade issues, sexual misconduct and tax fraud matters. Its client base also includes high-profile political figures, technology companies and financial institutions. Highlighted for its extensive courtroom experience, as well as its strong bench of former government attorneys with notable experience handling complex cross-border mandates.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is highly skilled in multijurisdictional commercial and white-collar criminal litigation. Frequently sought after by financial institutions for its expertise in insider trading and accounting fraud investigations, with considerable further expertise representing manufacturers, insurers and corporate executives from a variety of industries. Strong New York bench complemented by an impressive global platform that sees the firm regularly act on large-scale investigations into issues such as market manipulation, as well as holding corporate monitorship positions in prominent international companies.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP boasts notable strength in criminal and civil investigations and enforcement proceedings, drawing on its strong bench of former prosecutors and experienced litigators. Regularly defends financial services clients in multijurisdictional actions, alongside roles for high-profile individuals and public sector entities. Undertakes an impressive range of work, including the defense of allegations of public corruption, insider trading and FCPA violations.

Goodwin draws on the significant expertise in regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings of its notable bench of former federal prosecutors and trial lawyers. Also noted for its expert corporate governance practice and strength in handling internal investigations. Experience representing clients under investigation by bodies such as the DOJ and SEC, as well as foreign regulators. Counts major financial services firms, nonprofit organizations and logistics companies among its clients.

Jenner & Block LLP is commended for its strong white-collar criminal defense capabilities, where it acts on behalf of institutions and senior executives in major investigations and criminal proceedings brought by bodies such as the DOJ. Demonstrates experience handling matters involving alleged public corruption, securities fraud and insider trading for a broad client base that includes manufacturers and financial services firms.

Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP enjoys a leading reputation for white-collar criminal litigation and sophisticated regulatory matters, boasting an impressive success rate in defending criminal cases at trial. Houses a strong bench of expert litigators with an excellent pedigree in acting for individuals in high-stakes external investigations and defending regulatory enforcement actions. Impressive client base includes a number of prominent individuals from a diverse array of fields, including high-ranking financial services employees, corporate executives and political figures.

The esteemed international firm Latham & Watkins LLP demonstrates expertise in handling complex enforcement proceedings for household-name clients. Strong bench of former government attorneys and broad global network allows it to act on high-profile investigations and enforcement proceedings. Draws on an extensive nationwide footprint and broad subject matter expertise to offer adept handling of a range of civil and criminal disputes. Enviable client base includes leading pharmaceutical companies and manufacturing firms, as well as high-profile individuals.

Milbank LLP is a respected litigation practice that offers notable strength in white-collar matters, often advising on investigations and enforcement actions in disputes concerning FCPA violations, criminal antitrust, securities fraud and wider financial fraud claims. Houses a respected bench of talented litigators, and offers notable capability handling complex multi-jurisdictional disputes for financial sector clients, as well as a strong track record in defending individuals facing high-stakes criminal and regulatory matters.

WilmerHale has an esteemed practice that regularly acts on big-ticket civil and criminal disputes, drawing on a strong global platform and notable trial skills. Acts on cross-border regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings for financial institutions and international companies, involving bodies such as the DOJ, CFTC and SEC. Advises clients facing a wide range of criminal allegations, with notable experience acting on mandates involving charges of securities fraud, criminal antitrust violations and FCPA infractions.

A&O Shearman has a respected team that offers an impressive breadth of expertise in civil and criminal litigation and complex internal and cross-border investigations for a range of corporations, financial institutions and senior executives. Strong multi-jurisdictional capabilities complement its extensive regulatory practice, which includes a significant focus on financial services disputes. Broad disputes practice includes the representation of clients in the real estate, financial services and technology sectors, among others.

Clifford Chance LLP acts for multinational corporations, financial institutions and senior company executives in litigation and investigations alleging violations of the FCPA, securities regulations and other statutes. Strong enforcement practice, bolstered by a notable group of former federal prosecutors. Extensive global platform sees the firm frequently retained in cross-border proceedings.

Cohen & Gresser LLP is recognized for its strong regulatory investigations and enforcement practice, calling upon a talented pool of litigators with a wealth of governmental experience. Regularly advises individuals and corporations on fraud, money laundering and insider trading allegations, calling upon an expert financial services practice to offer particular strengths in FINRA and SEC proceedings. International presence further strengthens its handling of cross-border proceedings. Acts for clients from a broad range of industry sectors, with experience representing energy companies, financial services firms and technology corporations.

Crowell & Moring LLP has a well-regarded litigation group with an increasingly prominent regulatory and criminal defense practice. Called on by multinational corporations and their executives to handle high-stakes external investigations and related enforcement proceedings, aided by a strong bench of former government litigators. Further expertise includes the conducting of sensitive internal investigations and advising companies on regulatory compliance.

Morrison Foerster is a popular choice of counsel for US-based and international corporations under investigation by multiple regulators, drawing on strength in areas such as FCPA, insider trading and sanctions violations. Acts for an impressive roster of technology giants, alongside roles for major retail companies, manufacturers and financial institutions, drawing on a well-regarded bench that includes former prosecutors and DOJ officials.

Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP is a longstanding New York-based firm with a solid presence in the white-collar defense sphere. Sports former high-ranking DOJ officials and distinguished former prosecutors in its ranks. Called on by both individuals and corporate clients to guide them through complex regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings by bodies such as the DOJ, SEC and CFTC.

Ropes & Gray LLP has extensive experience in regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings, fielding a strong team of expert litigators and former prosecutors with significant trial experience. Acts on cross-border investigations arising from industries such as healthcare and manufacturing, drawing on resources in Asia and London. Regularly defends clients facing allegations such as money laundering, corruption and fraud.

Sidley Austin LLP is well regarded for its rigorous representation of corporate entities and individual clients. Offers particular expertise in the handling of investigations conducted by the DOJ, as well as criminal trials and appeals. Has a wealth of experience handling the full gamut of white-collar work, including representing clients accused of conspiring to steal trade secrets, manipulating undergraduate university admissions and money laundering.

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz has a strong presence in business-critical civil and criminal litigation, highly regarded for its deep bench and expert representation of financial institutions and global corporations. Offers an expert cross-border regulatory investigations and enforcement practice, with strength in antitrust, FCPA, securities fraud and criminal tax issues. Frequently sought out by boards and executives of market-leading clients to conduct sensitive internal investigations.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP has a respected litigation practice with a track record of handling criminal defense proceedings and investigations involving multiple regulatory bodies, drawing on extensive in-house prosecutorial experience. Called on by clients from a broad range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, financial services and technology. Adept at handling cross-border and multijurisdictional proceedings by the DOJ, SEC and international regulatory bodies, aided by a notable global platform.

Arnold & Porter LLP has a full-service litigation group offering expertise in white-collar criminal investigations and enforcement proceedings, complemented by significant cross-border capabilities arising from a significant global platform. Acts for an impressive roster of financial clients, alongside considerable expertise representing clients in the pharmaceutical and wider life sciences sector. Broad practice encompasses the full range of criminal allegations, as well as internal investigations.

BakerHostetler LLP is a respected national firm with experience acting in investigations and enforcement matters for corporate and individual clients from a broad range of industries. Extensive experience acting in corporate monitorship positions to ensure regulatory compliance. Regularly called on by clients facing a broad range of allegations, including financial and healthcare fraud, criminal antitrust and FCPA matters.

Friedman Kaplan Seiler Adelman & Robbins LLP is a respected East Coast firm that counts educational institutions, media organizations and financial services firms among its broad client base. Sought out by individual clients facing allegations of money laundering, healthcare fraud and insider trading, among other things. Notable experience conducting sensitive internal investigations.

King & Spalding LLP fields a strong team retained by large corporate clients under investigation by the government and other regulatory bodies. Also represents individuals in complex criminal proceedings. Expertise includes areas such as sanctions concerns, data breaches and spoofing.

Perkins Coie LLP has a newly formed practice consisting of litigators hired from the firm previously known as Richards, Kibbe & Orbe LLP. This new team brings impressive experience in representing institutional and individual clients across a range of commercial and criminal defense matters, with particular expertise in cross-border cases involving both criminal and civil agencies. Considered a destination practice for financial services entities facing major regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings. Calls on a strong group of courtroom advocates with extensive trial and appellate experience and expertise in defending allegations of benchmark manipulation, money laundering and other complex financial fraud.

Proskauer Rose LLP draws on a strong bench of seasoned trial attorneys and former prosecutors who represent individuals and companies involved in criminal and administrative proceedings and enforcement actions. Particularly noted for its handling of cross-border investigations involving multiple regulatory regimes, and offers further expertise in arbitration and broader alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP has a well-respected team of attorneys experienced in defending clients against a range of financial crimes, including allegations of insider trading, antitrust violations and wire fraud. Expertise also extends to the handling of large-scale domestic and cross-border investigations involving parallel authorities.

Ballard Spahr LLP has a well-regarded practice with an increasing reputation for strength across a breadth of complex criminal proceedings. Called on by individual clients and corporations from a range of industry sectors to defend DOJ and SEC investigations and allegations including criminal antitrust, financial fraud and criminal tax matters.

Cooley LLP's team is noted for its handling of high-profile white-collar proceedings on behalf of large corporates, as well as its individual representations. Offers further expertise assisting companies under parallel investigation by bodies such as the SEC.

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is an esteemed New York institution with growing white-collar defense capabilities. Clients include an impressive roster of market-leading blue-chip companies and prominent financial sector firms. Frequently engaged by clients seeking representation in DOJ and SEC investigations, as well as proceedings conducted by international bodies. Expertise includes defense of allegations of complex financial fraud, FCPA violations and criminal antitrust.

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP has an esteemed white-collar defense practice with particular experience in financial fraud matters, regularly seen defending clients in investigations and enforcement actions launched by the SEC, FINRA, the CFTC and wider financial market regulators. Demonstrates additional strength in international corruption claims, including FCPA violations, export control issues and breaches of international sanctions.

Kirkland & Ellis is a global power-house recommended for its broad white-collar offering. The team is regularly called upon by large corporations and high-profile individuals facing a range of allegations including, political corruption, market manipulation and FCPA violations. The firm is also home to an elite group of trial attorneys.

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is a major international firm with growing prominence in the New York white-collar defense arena. Able to draw on global platform for significant expertise outside of the field to provide a holistic service to major multinational corporations facing complex investigations and parallel civil proceedings. Impressive regulatory and enforcement strength.