Government Investigations & White Collar Defense
Achieving favorable results to minimize reputational damage
Discretion. Strategic counsel. Proven results. Brownstein’s Government Investigations & White Collar Defense team brings decades of experience in government service at the federal, state and local levels. Our bipartisan team includes former U.S. attorneys, state attorneys general, senior officials from DOJ, DHS, SEC and FBI, a former U.S. senator, executive branch legislative affairs leaders and oversight counsel to key Congressional committees.
We represent corporations and individuals nationwide in high-stakes investigations and enforcement actions—criminal, civil and regulatory—often resolving matters without litigation. From DOJ and state attorneys general inquiries to congressional investigations, inspector general reviews and internal compliance assessments, we deliver sophisticated legal advice with the highest level of discretion. Our goal: protect your reputation and achieve the most favorable outcome.
Congressional Investigations
When Congress launches an investigation, the stakes are high and the scrutiny intense. We help clients navigate these politically charged inquiries with precision. Our services include:
- Responding to committee inquiries and subpoenas
- Preparing witnesses for testimony and depositions
- Managing document collection, review and production
- Coordinating hearing strategy and logistics
- Advising on public messaging and media response
- Navigating parallel investigations and enforcement actions
- Engaging with committee staff and members on a bipartisan basis
DOJ Investigations
We represent companies, executives and public officials in both civil and criminal DOJ investigations and enforcement actions under statutes such as the False Claims Act (FCA), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). Our team represents clients in all phases of DOJ and agency investigations, including:
- Responding to subpoenas, civil investigative demands and target letters
- Preparing clients for interviews, depositions and proffers
- Conducting internal investigations and compliance assessments
- Navigating parallel civil, criminal and regulatory proceedings
- Litigating against the government when investigations escalate to enforcement or trial
- Engaging with DOJ attorneys and agency officials
- Advising on voluntary disclosures and cooperation strategies
- Managing reputational risk and media exposure
Inspector General Investigations
We advise clients in politically sensitive and high-profile Office of Inspector General matters at both the state and federal levels. Our team handles inquiries involving financial regulation, agency oversight and overlapping jurisdictional issues, as well as:
- Responding to subpoenas and interview requests
- Managing document collection and production
- Preparing clients for OIG interviews and testimony
- Coordinating with parallel DOJ or Congressional investigations
- Advising on internal communications and public messaging
- Assessing risk exposure and resolution strategies
Internal Investigations
Our team has deep experience conducting independent investigations and compliance reviews for entities facing potential legal, regulatory or reputational exposure, including assisting with:
- Investigating alleged misconduct or compliance failures
- Reviewing policies, procedures and controls for legal and regulatory risk
- Advising boards and senior leadership on investigation strategy and oversight
- Coordinating with external auditors, regulators and law enforcement
- Preparing reports and recommendations for internal or public disclosure
- Managing reputational risk and media strategy, including integrated crisis management
- Supporting post-investigation remediation and compliance enhancements
Regulatory Investigations
Clients rely on our ability to navigate complex regulatory inquiries and enforcement actions across federal and state agencies. We combine legal strategy with policy insight to help organizations respond effectively and maintain compliance. Our team frequently:
- Responds to agency inquiries, investigations and enforcement actions
- Advises on notices of proposed rulemaking and regulatory comment strategy
- Implements and reviews compliance programs and internal controls
- Monitors emerging regulatory risks and initiatives
- Facilitates direct engagement with regulators and policymakers
- Coordinates with government relations teams on parallel policy issues
- Supports litigation and reputational risk management tied to regulatory matters
State AG Investigations
Our top-tier team provides end-to-end support in state attorney general investigations, including multistate actions and high-profile enforcement matters. We engage directly with AG offices and guide clients through each phase of an investigation. Our services include:
- Responding to civil investigative demands and subpoenas
- Coordinating multistate AG inquiries and enforcement actions
- Engaging with AG front office staff, deputies and line attorneys nationwide
- Developing messaging aligned with AG priorities and political dynamics
- Advising on reputational risk and media strategy
- Supporting litigation defense when investigations escalate
- Monitoring enforcement trends and emerging AG initiatives
Our Team
Practice Co-Chair
Practice Chair
Executive Committee
Department Chair
Related Practices
