Overview
When either a company or an individual is the subject of a white-collar criminal action, the need for savvy legal representation cannot be overstated. Katten's White Collar and Internal Investigations group has a strong track record defending clients facing allegations in federal, state and regulatory settings. Most of our attorneys come from government backgrounds — as prosecutors and regulators — which gives them both the connections and the credibility to effectively guide clients through every phase of a criminal case, from grand jury up to and including trial, sentencing and appeal.
White collar defense
The defense of corporations in criminal matters is significantly different from the defense of individuals, and our group is equally adept at both. When representing corporate entities, we work closely with in-house counsel to develop defense strategies that minimize the impact of litigation — legal, financial and reputational — on the company's business realities. When defending individuals, we combine deep knowledge of the law and all relevant government entities with a keen sensitivity to the unique stresses of people facing criminal charges.
Internal investigations
We are frequently engaged to conduct independent investigations at the behest of corporate boards or special committees. These investigations may be prompted by shareholders alleging board improprieties, by media reports of wrongdoing, by whistleblower allegations, or by grand jury or administrative subpoena. In all cases, our findings are thorough, highly credible and readily accepted as evidence of compliance or cooperation.
Compliance programs
In the aftermath of a criminal action — or in the interest of preventing such an action in the future — we are often called on to develop compliance programs for corporate clients. We help them design and implement the policies and protocols that minimize the risk of criminal liability and resulting civil exposure.
Our roster of former prosecutors, government leaders and counsel includes:
- 14 former federal or state prosecutors
- 12 former assistant US attorneys
- A former associate deputy attorney general
- Five former counsel at the Securities and Exchange Commission
- Five former counsel at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
- Former counsel at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
"Katten really stands out for its value for money and efficiency." "The team is very collaborative and is always mindful of costs."
Chambers USA 2022
(New York, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations) survey response
Experience
Insights
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Publication | May 2023
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News | May 2, 2023
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Publication | April 27, 2023
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News | April 27, 2023
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News | April 21, 2023