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Government Investigations/White Collar Defense
Dow Lohnes has an active government investigations and white collar defense practice with several former government litigators and prosecutors, including two former Assistant United States Attorneys. The practice is quite broad, ranging from grand jury investigations of alleged internet fraud to independent prosecutor investigations involving high-level government officials to internal investigations of possible employee misconduct. Whatever the problem, it is critical to address it quickly and with the involvement of experienced legal counsel.
Especially after Sarbanes-Oxley, businesses are often subjected to formal or informal government probes of alleged violations of securities, tax, antitrust, criminal or other laws; irregularities involving government procurement; or, in the case of regulated industries, non-compliance with applicable laws or regulations. Dow Lohnes attorneys are experienced with such investigations and will quickly and discreetly ascertain the relevant facts, assess the allegations, help develop a strategic plan with management and respond as appropriate to government inquiries.
Dow Lohnes attorneys also conduct internal investigations for clients that require prompt factfinding and legal advice to address thorny internal allegations of misconduct. These problems require careful planning and are often highly sensitive. They might involve possible fraud, embezzlement and other unlawful conduct by corporate officers or employees; misconduct in the fulfillment of government contracts or commercial agreements; violation of civil or criminal laws or government regulations; or conduct involving employee grievances and disputes. Dow Lohnes lawyers ensure objective analysis and provide sound legal advice to management.
Another important aspect of our government investigations and white collar practice is in helping clients avoid problems and probes in the first place. Our litigators help develop and implement measures designed to ensure legal compliance an avoid potential improper or criminal conduct. Our lawyers often assist in the development of risk management plans, document retention programs, employee grievance systems and the like.
Representative engagements for our government investigations and white collar lawyers include the following:
- Counseled client in connection with federal grand jury subpoena on internet-related advertising issues.
- Represented client in responding to “civil investigative demand” issued by federal agency, requiring production of documents and information; there are many similar engagements.
- Represented several individuals subpoenaed as witnesses by federal grand jury, congressional committees and special prosecutor in connection with allegations of improper conduct in a federal investigation.
- Represented institution of higher education in Department of Education investigation of alleged fraud and misconduct in connection with government grants.
- Represented individual accused of fraud by Federal Bureau of Investigation in federal criminal investigation in connection with banking transactions.
- Represented company accused of obstruction of justice in connection with federal law enforcement action.
- Conducted internal investigation of non-profit association in connection with allegations of embezzlement, fraud and other misconduct.
- Conducted internal investigation of communication company in connection with allegation of employee misconduct and embezzlement.
- Represented company under investigation by Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with alleged improper financial reporting.
- Represented individual in investigation by National Association of Securities Dealers of alleged improper transactions.
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