About Christopher J. Stetler

Christopher Stetler is a highly skilled trial attorney and investigator. During his 11 years as an Assistant United States Attorney, including as a Deputy Chief of the General Crimes Section, Chris led high-profile enforcement strategies and actions. That experience and his reputation for being a hard-working attorney with exceptional judgment offer a significant benefit to clients as he guides them through sensitive government investigations.

Outcome-focused counsel

Chris focuses on results. Known for his investigative skills, he conducts internal investigations into allegations of wrongdoing, commonly in conjunction with responding to a Department of Justice (DOJ) or Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) inquiry. Having led and supervised hundreds of government investigations, he understands how law enforcement pursues white collar matters and uses those insights to advocate for his clients at all stages of a case, especially before the government decides whether to bring charges. And where the government nonetheless proceeds, Chris relies on his deep experience in trying complex white collar cases to identify and develop the facts that are truly critical to winning at trial.

During his time in the US Attorney’s Office, Chris led teams of prosecutors and federal agents in high-profile and complex investigations and prosecutions that resulted in convictions of the Chairman of the Illinois Senate Transportation Committee, an Assistant Majority Leader of the Illinois Senate, an Assistant Majority Leader of the Illinois House of Representatives, a Cook County Commissioner, a former Chief Executive Officer of McPier, a Chicago Department of Aviation Deputy Commissioner, Mayors, Township officials, and participants in a multimillion-dollar international fraud scheme perpetrated by several offenders who were extradited to the United States.

Chris has tried cases involving bank fraud, bribery, tax fraud, theft of trade secrets and wire fraud. Among his cases, Chris served as the lead trial attorney in the successful prosecutions of a chief executive officer of a start-up technology company who defrauded investors by using solicited investment funds for personal use and a vice president who defrauded her employer by funneling money to herself and others through shell companies.

As part of a select group of Assistant United States Attorneys chosen to supervise prosecutors in the General Crimes Section, Chris advised and guided new prosecutors in the course of their responsibilities. He helped develop investigative and trial strategies, preliminarily approved indictments and plea agreements, and approved criminal complaints and search warrants.

Chris has handled cases involving allegations of bank fraud, bankruptcy fraud, bribery, Clean Air Act violations, commercial bribery, counterfeiting, extortion, false statements, health care fraud, insider trading, international drug trafficking, kickbacks, mail and wire fraud, money laundering, obstruction of justice, organized crime, securities fraud, tax fraud, theft of government funds and theft of trade secrets. He is particularly adept at conducting internal investigations, piecing together complex facts based on a variety of sources, applying those facts to the applicable laws, rules and regulations, and deciding the appropriate next steps.

Chris understands the harm done to businesses in the absence of adequate compliance programs. He uses that knowledge to advise clients not only on how to respond to government and regulatory investigations but also how to mitigate risks through implementing effective compliance programs. Clients trust his ability to navigate investigations while positioning their businesses for the best possible outcome.

Previously, Chris served as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Amy J. St. Eve while she was a judge for the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

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"Chris is so steady and unflappable. He handles whatever comes his way, understands the law, has a great way with witnesses and is very thorough." "He is delightful."

Chambers USA 2024
(Illinois, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations) survey response 

Practice Focus

  • White collar defense
  • Internal investigations and compliance
  • Complex commercial litigation

Representative Experience

  • On behalf of technology company, conducted internal investigation into allegations that company officials made misrepresentations while seeking millions of dollars in federal grant funding.
  • Obtained sentence of probation for individual charged with insider trading.
  • Represented owner of COVID-testing lab in grand jury investigation into alleged fraudulent billing.
  • Represented hospital Chief Financial Officer in grand jury investigation into allegations of fraudulent billing and other healthcare-related wrongdoing.
  • Conducted due diligence on behalf of company by counseling on the significance of potential criminal issues related to an individual associated with an acquired entity.
  • On behalf of national company, conducted internal investigation into allegations of fraud and harassment.
  • On behalf of publicly traded company, conducted internal investigation into allegations of product tampering.
  • Following internal investigation on behalf of international shipping company, referred to federal law enforcement conduct of employee who defrauded company.
  • On behalf of international company, conducted internal investigation into root causes of, and remedial measures to address, plant shutdown costing the company hundreds of millions of dollars.
  • Following internal investigation on behalf of international food manufacturer, referred to federal law enforcement conduct of employee who embezzled from the company.
  • Following internal investigation on behalf of crypto-trading firm, obtained the return of funds seized by the federal government pursuant to a seizure warrant.
  • Conducted internal investigation into allegations of Internet harassment.
  • Obtained declinations from the Department of Justice and Securities and Enforcement Commission in representation of asset-management firm, portfolio managers, and trader involved in insider-trading investigation.
  • Represented company in Department of Justice investigation into allegations of commercial bribery.
  • Advised licensing and regulatory body regarding disciplinary procedures.
  • Represent companies and individuals in connection with federal grand jury investigations.
  • Represented individual accused of criminal and workplace misconduct in connection with international company’s internal investigation.
  • Obtained bond for individual facing extradition from the United States.

News

Publications

Presentations and Events

Practices
Industries
Education
  • University of Illinois College of Law, JD, magna cum laude
  • Washington University in St. Louis, BA, with honors
Bar Admissions
  • Illinois
Court Admissions
  • US District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Community Involvements
  • American Bar Association
  • Church Elder
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association, Lift Up Leaders Mentorship Program, Mentor
  • Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Mentor
  • PEAK, Mentor
  • The Chicago American Inn of Court
  • University of Illinois College of Law, Alumni-Student Mentor
  • Washington University in St. Louis Alumni and Parents Admission Program
Recognitions
Recognized or listed in the following:
  • Chambers USA
    Litigation: White–Collar Crime & Government Investigations, 2024
  • The Legal 500 United States
    Recommended Attorney, 2024
Award Methodologies