Blank Rome LLP

Our team of white collar attorneys assists companies and individuals who face criminal and regulatory investigations, Congressional inquiries, whistleblower accusations, or self-discovered misconduct. We defend against the allegations, while mitigating the damage to the corporation’s or individual’s reputation. We know that the best defense requires a combination of skilled investigative tactics, top-notch litigation skills, savvy media relations, effective negotiating strategies, plus a seasoned trial and appellate team. Blank Rome has this unique experience, drawing upon nationally known trial lawyers and former federal prosecutors.

Blank Rome’s full-service White Collar Defense and Investigations practice group has skilled lawyers in each of the Firm's principal offices. Most of the members of the group are former federal and state prosecutors or judges. Our lawyers also have federal regulatory, Congressional, and military courts experience. Our group includes former judges, U.S. District Court judges and a former judge from the U.S. Court of Appeals, as well as former attorneys from the U.S. Department of Justice and other prosecutors’ offices.

We have particular experience working with clients on cases involving antitrust, environmental crimes, securities fraud, bribery and public corruption, tax and money laundering issues, RICO, FCPA, healthcare fraud, government contracts fraud, and bank fraud. We represent corporations and individuals in all stages of criminal and administrative enforcement proceedings, conduct sensitive internal corporate investigations, and handle public relations issues that can impact ongoing business operations. Attorneys in Blank Rome’s white collar practice also advise clients on the design and implementation of effective corporate compliance programs.

Antitrust

Blank Rome has handled numerous criminal antitrust cases involving, for example, the shipping, electronics, automobile, insurance, and food services industries.  We have represented individuals and corporations in federal and state criminal antitrust investigations and trials.  For example, a team of Blank Rome lawyers obtained an acquittal on antitrust charges of a high-level Marsh & McLennan executive, following a thirteen-month trial.  We also handle sensitive internal investigations and grand jury investigations; and have counseled individuals and corporations in avoiding criminal charges.

Environmental Crimes

The Blank Rome team has extensive experience in environmental compliance counseling and in defending refineries, chemical facilities, and manufacturers in administrative, civil, and criminal enforcement actions at the federal and state levels. We have handled pro-active representation of clients’ matters, directing them to civil and administrative dispositions before they became the subject of criminal investigations. Blank Rome has a proven track record of success in defending clients in grand jury and other compliance investigations.

Financial and Public Corruption Crimes

Members of the white collar practice focus on defending financial institutions with respect to Bank Secrecy Act/AML compliance, including money laundering, asset-forfeiture, and economic-sanctions compliance issues. Blank Rome also has experience representing individuals throughout the United States in high-profile, multi-defendant federal public corruption cases alleging honest-services fraud, conspiracy, and tax charges. In addition to white collar criminal defense, Blank Rome has particular experience in handling civil tax litigation in tax courts, district courts, and claims courts; defending criminal tax investigations; and defending accountants and attorneys in malpractice litigation involving tax issues.

Securities Fraud

Blank Rome has substantial experience in defending companies, directors, and officers regarding claims of fraud in the purchase or sale of securities under various federal and state laws, as well as claims under RICO. We handle the defense of criminal and regulatory proceedings involving alleged insider trading, front running, and other securities fraud. In addition, we are involved in companion lawsuits for state statutory or common law business tort claims against officers and directors for breaches of fiduciary duties, fraud, mismanagement, negligence, and waste of corporate assets. We also defend our clients in parallel proceedings, such as SEC and FINRA enforcement actions that often arise when such claims exist. We help address, limit, or avoid the huge financial exposure, time commitment, and operational distractions that such proceedings generate.

FCPA

Blank Rome has handled highly sensitive FCPA investigations in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.  We have represented both corporations and individuals in navigating the dangers of running afoul of the FCPA.  We have also counseled clients on FCPA compliance matters.

Tax and Money Laundering

Members of the white collar practice focus on defending financial institutions with respect to Bank Secrecy Act/AML compliance, including money laundering, asset forfeiture, and economic sanctions compliance issues.  Blank Rome also has extensive experience in handling civil tax litigation in tax courts, district courts, and claims courts, defending criminal tax investigations and defending accountants and attorneys in malpractice litigation involving tax issues.

Health Care

Blank Rome represents individuals and medical providers in health care regulatory and criminal enforcement matters.