white collar defense and government investigations

Conducting business in the modern world means having to navigate a changing regulatory landscape and interacting with regulators who, for their part, are increasingly quick to refer matters to enforcement agencies, including local prosecutors, state Attorney General offices, and the U.S. Department of Justice. While commercial disputes and civil litigation can significantly impact a business and its operations, government investigations and criminal prosecutions can pose an existential threat to companies. For individuals, even the mere specter of a criminal indictment could prove devastating to one’s reputation and livelihood. Accordingly, a focused and experienced legal team is required to mount a vigorous defense.

When the stakes are high, Willenken has the requisite advocacy experience, the breadth of knowledge, and the strength at trial to provide an aggressive and unwavering defense.

Willenken attorneys have substantial experience representing individuals and corporations in:

  • Complex government and grand jury investigations
  • Internal investigations
  • Regulatory and enforcement proceedings
  • Parallel civil and criminal litigations

We have successfully handled matters involving allegations of bribery and public corruption, criminal violations of environmental regulations, securities fraud, bid-rigging, bank fraud, and RICO. We also have extensive substantive experience in criminal antitrust prosecutions involving international cartels. Our representations span across industries which include:

  • Healthcare
  • Technology
  • Government contracts
  • Public sanitation
  • Securities
  • Banking and financial services
  • Legal services

We are equally adept at coordinating strategies to develop a coherent, effective plan of action to deal with regulatory and civil proceedings that often run parallel with criminal enforcement actions.

Companies also turn to Willenken to keep them appraised of crucial changes in the white collar landscape. Our attorneys have provided CLE presentations on topical Supreme Court decisions and U.S. Department of Justice policy updates to in-house departments at leading corporations such as Walmart and T-Mobile, as well to in-house counsel at the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms Annual Meeting.

Having tried over 100 criminal trials to verdict, we are fully prepared to aggressively defend our clients in court and, if necessary, at trial. However, we understand that our clients benefit most from having government enforcement matters resolved quietly and discretely—without charges ever being brought—so that their reputations remain protected. We work to develop strategies to de-escalate situations, with the aim of resolving matters through early-stage negotiation and pretrial motions. Ultimately, we stand ready to go the distance for our clients.

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upcoming events (View all)

THIS WEEK 20 March

Amelia Sargent and Ashley Kirk Present CLE for the Washington State Patent Law Association

VIRTUAL,

7 November

2024 National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) Convention

Hyatt Regency Seattle, Seattle