Corporate Investigations Lawyers Providing Comprehensive Compliance Solutions

Corporate investigations lawyers are the unsung heroes of the business world, providing a vital service to companies facing internal or external threats. They help companies navigate complex regulatory landscapes and stay compliant with laws and regulations.

These lawyers are experts in conducting thorough investigations, gathering evidence, and identifying areas for improvement. They work closely with company leaders to develop effective compliance solutions, ensuring that their clients are always on the right side of the law.

Effective corporate investigations lawyers know that prevention is key, which is why they focus on proactive measures to prevent misconduct and non-compliance. They help companies develop robust compliance programs, train employees on ethics and compliance, and monitor for potential risks.

By working with corporate investigations lawyers, companies can avoid costly fines, reputational damage, and even business closure. It's a wise investment in the long-term health and success of any organization.

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Gibson Dunn is a premier law firm in corporate investigations, with a team that includes former DOJ prosecutors and SEC enforcement attorneys. They have extensive experience in conducting global FCPA internal investigations and representing clients before enforcement agencies like the DOJ, SEC, and Serious Fraud Office.

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The firm has represented clients in over 100 antitrust investigations, securing full immunity for more than 50 companies and their officers, directors, and employees. They have also handled a wide array of investigations, including government and internal investigations, across various practice areas.

Gibson Dunn is recognized as one of the best cartel defense shops in the world, with a premiere antitrust investigations practice in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Government enforcement actions can be a daunting prospect for any company. The Serious Fraud Office Issues New Guidance on Cooperation During Investigations, highlighting the importance of cooperation in investigations.

Serious fraud offenses can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment, as outlined in the Sentencing Guidelines. Failure to prevent or detect violations of law can lead to harsh sanctions.

Effective compliance programs can significantly reduce the severity of penalties, as seen in the case of a corporate client who was sentenced to the lowest possible fine permitted under the Sentencing Guidelines due to its robust compliance program.

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A company's exercise of due diligence in preventing and detecting criminal conduct is key to an effective compliance program. This includes establishing a Code of Conduct, monitoring and auditing systems, and a system for employees to report prohibited conduct without fear of retribution.

Repeatedly recognized as the world's best investigations practice, clients turn to Gibson Dunn for comprehensive expertise in navigating internal, external, domestic, and international investigations.

Gibson Dunn's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) practice excels in advising financial institutions and businesses on compliance with AML and economic sanctions laws.

Our team creates global, risk-based AML compliance programs tailored to evolving regulations. This expertise helps clients navigate complex AML and sanctions matters.

We work closely with other practice groups to provide comprehensive, integrated legal solutions. This collaboration ensures that clients receive expert advice on all aspects of AML and sanctions.

Gibson Dunn's AML practice defends clients in enforcement investigations, providing a strong defense against allegations of non-compliance.

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Corporate compliance is crucial for businesses to avoid liability. Companies can be held criminally liable for any criminal act carried out by one of its agents if that act occurs within the scope of the agent's employment for the benefit of the corporation.

Only active and effective compliance programs, including internal investigations or audits, can shield your company from liability. An internal investigation thus acts as any good insurance policy does: It mitigates the negative impact of unfavorable events.

Companies can be held personally liable for crimes committed in the course of their duties. Liability can arise in one of three ways: an employee participates directly in the commission of the crime, an agent aids or abets the commission of the crime, or an agent fails to prevent the crime by not properly controlling or supervising his or her subordinates.

Here are some potential penalties associated with criminal prosecution:

Establishing Compliance Programs involves closely tracking the opinions and actions of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to stay aware of potential compliance problems.

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Our lawyers can assist healthcare providers in restructuring or modifying existing relationships to lessen or eliminate the risk of non-compliance with federal or state law.

To ensure conformity with federal regulations, evaluations of contracts are necessary to determine if they meet the "safe harbor" standards.

Having a team of lawyers who are prepared to address compliance concerns is crucial in maintaining a strong compliance program.

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Environmental compliance is a top priority for businesses to avoid costly fines and damage to their reputation. Our team has experience working with corporations to defend against charges of environmental law violations.

We handle investigations related to environmental compliance and workplace safety, ensuring that our clients are in compliance with regulations. This includes conducting internal investigations to identify potential issues.

Our team has worked with businesses to oversee investigations by technical environmental firms to determine compliance with environmental laws. These investigations help identify areas where our clients can improve their compliance.

We also provide guidance on how to maintain compliance with environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, Toxic Substances and Control Act, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

Representing large corporations in complex cases is a delicate matter, and having the right expertise can make all the difference.

Representative Experience

One notable example is the case of former Westinghouse Vice President Jeff Benjamin, who was defended by the firm in obtaining a dismissal of a criminal indictment alleging serious charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and securities violations. This was achieved on the grounds that his constitutional rights were violated when the government presented its case to a per se-biased grand jury.

The firm has also served as Special Counsel to the Special Committee of the Suffolk County Legislatures in the investigation of a large-scale ransomware attack, conducting an extensive investigation into the 2021 cyberattack, the county's preparedness, and its current cyber defense posture.

A significant victory was achieved on behalf of clients, the University of Kansas and head men's basketball coach Bill Self, following a years-long investigation by the NCAA's Independent Resolution Panel. The panel concluded that allegations of severe NCAA rules violations against the university and its men's basketball program were without merit, and in regard to Coach Self, only a single, Level 3 violation was supported by the record.

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The firm has a proven track record in handling complex corporate compliance cases, including:

Some notable cases include representing BP in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling accident, leading the company's response to an unprecedented number of inquiries, including 15 hearings and investigative demands by more than 90 committees and members.

Gibson Dunn is a recognized leader in the defense of companies against investigative and enforcement actions by regulatory agencies. They have a strong reputation in securities and accounting fraud cases.

Their lawyers have been ranked among the leading securities regulation lawyers by Chambers USA, and the firm itself is ranked Band 1 National for Securities Regulation. This expertise can be invaluable in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

The firm's Consumer Protection practice helps clients mitigate risks through compliance programs and proactive engagement strategies, working with agencies such as the FTC and FDA.

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The U.S. Supreme Court has clarified that criminal federal wire fraud does not require the defendant intended to cause the victim economic harm.

The SEC has a new enforcement chief, and fraud, market manipulation, and misconduct are likely to be a focus of their efforts.

The SEC enforces laws related to securities and accounting fraud, and companies, officers, and directors have been defended in connection with these actions.

Chambers USA has ranked a law firm Band 1 National for Securities Regulation, and their lawyers are among the leading securities regulation lawyers.

The law firm has expertise in handling FCA and other health care fraud and abuse laws, including conducting internal investigations and meeting with the government during an investigation.

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Kousisis et al. v. United States has clarified the requirements for criminal federal wire fraud.

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Crypto Enforcement Trends are on the rise, with a significant increase in the number of investigations and penalties being handed out to those involved in illicit activities.

The US Department of Justice has been actively pursuing cases against individuals and organizations engaging in cryptocurrency-related crimes, such as money laundering and terrorism financing.

In 2020, the department charged over 100 individuals and entities with cryptocurrency-related crimes, resulting in billions of dollars in forfeited assets.

Cryptocurrency exchanges are also under scrutiny, with regulators cracking down on those that fail to implement adequate anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) policies.

The SEC has been particularly active in this area, issuing fines and penalties to exchanges that have not complied with regulatory requirements.

In 2022, the SEC fined Binance, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, $3.4 billion for violating AML and KYC regulations.

Regulators are also focusing on the use of cryptocurrency for illicit activities, such as ransomware attacks and dark web marketplaces.

The FBI has reported a significant increase in the number of ransomware attacks involving cryptocurrency, with over 300 reported cases in 2022.

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The BIS's new export control rule increases the compliance burden for companies.

Companies will need to navigate the added complexity of this new rule.

The Global Investigations Review reported on this new rule on June 6, 2025.

This increased compliance burden will likely lead to higher costs for companies.

The media coverage of this story includes reports from Commercial Dispute Resolution, Global Investigations Review, and The National Law Journal.

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Consumer Protection is a critical area of focus for businesses, as it involves navigating complex regulations and laws to avoid fines, penalties, and reputational damage. Gibson Dunn's leading Consumer Protection practice represents clients in government investigations, rulemakings, and enforcement actions.

Led by former government officials and accomplished litigators, Gibson Dunn's Consumer Protection practice helps clients mitigate risks through compliance programs and proactive engagement strategies. This expertise is invaluable in today's regulatory landscape.

The practice assists clients in navigating compliance issues involving various agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). These agencies have significant authority to enforce regulations and impose penalties.

Gibson Dunn's Consumer Protection practice has earned recognition for its excellence, including 130 top-tier rankings and 425 total rankings in Chambers USA 2025.

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Our team of corporate investigations lawyers has a proven track record of success, with recognition from top industry publications.

Pillsbury's Criminal Defense – White Collar practice is ranked as a National Tier 1 firm by Best Lawyers Best Law Firms.

We're consistently ranked among the leading firms for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: Highly Regarded in California and New York by Chambers USA.

Our national White Collar Defense practice is among the nation's top practices, according to The Legal 500 U.S.

Here are some notable recognitions for our team:

Our team of experts in investigations practices is led by Winston Y. Chan, who has received recognition from Chambers USA and The Legal 500.

Gibson Dunn has been ranked No. 1 among the world's best investigations practices by Global Investigations Review in 2024.

Pillsbury's expertise in white-collar defense is unparalleled, with a national practice ranked among the nation's top practices by The Legal 500 U.S.

Their team has received recognition from top publications, including Law.com, which highlighted a litigation team led by William Sullivan, Jr. for achieving a rare dismissal on the grounds of grand jury bias.

In the area of litigation, Pillsbury is consistently ranked among the leading firms for White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations by Chambers USA in California and New York.

Their reputation as a feared law firm for litigation is well-deserved, with BTI Consulting Group recognizing Pillsbury as among the most feared law firms for litigation.

Here are some of the notable recognitions Pillsbury has received in the areas of white-collar defense and litigation:

Gibson Dunn is a leading law firm with a premiere antitrust investigations practice in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, representing clients in over 100 antitrust investigations and securing full immunity for more than 50 companies and their officers, directors, and employees.

Their expertise spans a wide range of industries and regulatory environments, including government and internal investigations, labor and employment, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, securities, competition/cartel matters, and fraud. They have handled a wide array of investigations, including government and internal investigations, across various practice areas.

Their team has experience in all phases of False Claims Act (FCA) litigation, from conducting internal investigations to trying cases in court. They have successfully defended companies and individuals in high-stakes investigations and litigations, achieving significant victories on behalf of their clients. Here are some of their notable cases:

Gibson Dunn is a renowned law firm with extensive experience in investigations and litigation. Their team has successfully defended clients in high-profile cases, including a former Westinghouse Vice President who was acquitted of serious charges.

The firm's expertise spans various practice areas, such as labor and employment, anti-corruption, and securities. They have handled a wide range of investigations, including government and internal investigations, across different industries and regulatory environments.

Gibson Dunn has represented the University of Kansas and its head men's basketball coach, Bill Self, in a years-long investigation by the NCAA. The firm achieved a significant victory, with the NCAA's Independent Resolution Panel concluding that allegations of severe rules violations were without merit.

Their team has also conducted an extensive investigation into a large-scale ransomware attack on Suffolk County, involving forensic examinations, witness interviews, and coordination with law enforcement agencies.

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Gibson Dunn's trial team is renowned for its experience in trying cases against the government, boasting a distinguished team of trial attorneys, many of whom are former federal prosecutors.

This unique insight into government strategies has enabled the firm to successfully handle numerous high-stakes and complex cases.

Gibson Dunn's strategic approach to litigation, combined with deep regulatory and compliance knowledge, allows them to effectively challenge government actions at trial.

Corporations can be victimized by theft of trade secrets, misuse of corporate funds, and individuals threatening employees with physical harm.

In these cases, a team of lawyers with backgrounds in employment, intellectual property, and criminal law may be assembled to handle the situation.

Theft of trade secrets can have serious consequences for a company, including financial losses and damage to its reputation.

Misuse of corporate funds can also have severe consequences, including financial losses and potential legal action.

Individuals who threaten employees with physical harm can create a hostile work environment and may be subject to criminal charges.

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Corporate investigations lawyers often encounter unique challenges in the financial services industry, where they must navigate complex regulatory frameworks and high-stakes investigations.

In the healthcare industry, corporate investigations lawyers may need to investigate allegations of medical malpractice or improper billing practices, requiring a deep understanding of HIPAA and other healthcare regulations.

In the technology industry, corporate investigations lawyers may need to investigate allegations of data breaches or intellectual property theft, requiring expertise in cybersecurity and technology law.

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In the realm of Labor and Employment, companies must navigate complex laws and regulations to avoid costly disputes and litigation. Employment Practices Audit is a crucial tool for identifying vulnerabilities and reducing risk.

Lawyers in our Employment Law and Management Labor Relations Practice have conducted audits to assess compliance with applicable laws. This process helps employers protect themselves from potential liabilities.

Employment Practices Audit assesses an employer's compliance with laws, identifies areas of vulnerability, and suggests ways to reduce the risk of employee disputes.

As a seasoned observer of the financial world, I've noticed that banking institutions often require specialized legal expertise to navigate complex issues. Our lawyers have served as special counsel to a committee of independent directors of a savings and loan association.

In this capacity, they've participated in investigating a "problem loan", reporting the findings to the board of directors. This level of scrutiny is crucial in maintaining the integrity of banking operations.

Our lawyers have also served as independent outside counsel to various banking institutions, providing them with expert advice on navigating regulatory requirements. This includes performing investigations of board activities leading to cease and desist orders.

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Broker dealers often face regulatory requirements to hire independent counsel to investigate their compliance procedures. Our lawyers have advised various broker-dealers on this matter.

We've determined whether existing systems and controls are sufficient and properly implemented. This involves a thorough review of compliance and supervisory systems for over-the-counter trading and market-making practices.

Our lawyers have conducted limited reviews of compliance and supervisory systems for broker-dealers. We've also assessed the adequacy of all systems of a particular firm.

Following these reviews, we've provided recommendations and revisions to compliance and supervision procedures, practices, and manuals. This helps broker-dealers strengthen their internal controls and improve overall compliance.

Environmental issues can be complex and overwhelming, but understanding the basics can help you navigate them more effectively.

Lawyers in environmental law practices often work with businesses to oversee investigations by technical environmental firms to determine compliance with environmental laws.

Investigations into environmental compliance can involve assessing a company's adherence to laws like the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.

If a company is accused of violating environmental laws, they may face charges and need to defend themselves against these allegations.

Defending against environmental charges can be a daunting task, but it's a service offered by some law firms who work with their Environmental Litigation and Mass Tort Practice Group.

These law firms can also conduct investigations related to environmental compliance and workplace safety, helping companies identify areas for improvement.

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Health care fraud and abuse is a serious issue that can have severe consequences for individuals and organizations alike. Lawyers in our Health Law Practice have reviewed contracts between healthcare providers to identify potential violations of federal and state law.

The Anti-Kickback Statute, Controlled Substances Act, and False Claims Act (FCA) are just a few of the laws that our team has extensive expertise in handling. We've defended pharmaceutical, medical device, and diagnostic companies, as well as other health care providers, in numerous investigations and litigation matters.

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Internal investigations are a crucial step in addressing potential qui tam suits, and our team has experience conducting them. We've also had success winning cases early at the pleading stage, and engaging in discovery and trying cases.

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Kousisis et al. v. United States clarified that criminal federal wire fraud does not require the defendant to intend to cause the victim economic harm. This ruling has significant implications for health care providers and organizations.

WilmerHale has been consistently recognized for its expertise in corporate investigations. The firm has been ranked among the nation's best crisis management law firms by Chambers and Partners in the 2022-2025 editions of Chambers Crisis and Risk Management Guide.

Global Investigations Review has named WilmerHale the winner of the 2022 "Most Impressive Investigations Practice of the Year" Award and a finalist in several other categories. This award is a testament to the firm's exceptional skills in investigations.

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WilmerHale has held the top position in Global Investigations Review's list of the world's most accomplished investigations practices since 2015. This is a remarkable achievement that speaks to the firm's dedication and expertise in this area.

Here are some of the notable recognitions WilmerHale has received:

These recognitions demonstrate WilmerHale's commitment to excellence in corporate investigations.