Investigations & Enforcement

Clients entrust Willkie with their most sensitive investigations and enforcement matters because of our proven track record of success in high-profile, existential corporate crises. Our depth of experience and global reach enable us to strategically counsel clients on addressing—and containing—the full spectrum of enforcement and regulatory risks.

Our preeminent team routinely counsels clients on complicated compliance and governance issues, conducts internal and government-facing investigations, and, if needed, defends clients against regulatory enforcement actions or criminal prosecutions. Our credibility with government agencies has meant that many of our most significant engagements have resulted in no charges being filed or other action taken against our clients, preserving confidentiality and avoiding headlines. Members of our team nevertheless enjoy a well-earned reputation for formidable courtroom advocacy, with a record of success defending clients in criminal prosecutions, regulatory enforcement actions, and securities-related litigation. 

We regularly handle criminal, regulatory, and investigatory matters involving the U.S. Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, FinCEN, the New York State Department of Financial Services, Congressional committees, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority, the U.K. Serious Fraud Office, and various state attorneys general and district attorneys. And our clients benefit from an exceptional team of practitioners—many of whom either served in senior leadership at these and other agencies or have spent decades as leaders of the defense bar. 

Our unmatched understanding of the enforcement landscape is complemented by our commitment to understanding and catering to each client’s unique business needs. We customize comprehensive strategic solutions for each situation, prizing creativity, flexibility, and practicality in mitigating regulatory, financial, and reputational risk. 

This approach has repeatedly been profiled by leading legal, business, and industry publications, and continues to garner top-market recognition. In 2024, our group was recognized yet again as one of the world’s top 20 leading investigations practices by Global Investigations Review in its “GIR30” - the ranking of the best law firms for complex multijurisdictional corporate investigations. Chambers USA 2024 continued ranking Willkie and individual members of our practice in the categories of Corporate Crime & Investigations, FCPA, Securities Regulation Enforcement, and White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations in California, New York, and Washington, D.C. Legal 500 US 2024 also continued ranking Willkie a top-tier firm for Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense for both corporates and individuals.