White Collar and Investigations High stakes

Barnes & Thornburg’s White Collar and Investigations team consists of seasoned trial lawyers who protect corporate clients’ interests and identify potential threats inside and outside of the enterprise.

We defend clients in government investigations and criminal prosecutions through virtually all stages of a case in federal and state courts. Along the way, we assist companies by interfacing with the government and negotiating potential resolutions.

Companies have sought our assistance during investigations led by the FBI, SEC, IRS, HHS, EPA, FDA and other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. We have defended clients against claims for healthcare fraud, securities fraud, false statements, public corruption, environmental crimes, price fixing, mail fraud and other white collar crimes.

Because of our experience, we are well-equipped to help companies prepare for and defend against government investigations. These often can extend beyond allegations of bribery under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) to issues like liability for joint ventures and partnerships; pre-merger due diligence; foreign subsidiary liability; and hiring practices.

We have helped companies in diverse industries, such as automotive, aviation, education, and real estate, craft, maintain and defend tailored compliance programs that meet the standards articulated by the government. Our strategy is to design compliance programs not solely as FCPA programs, but as general anti-corruption programs so they meet the needs of companies that do business worldwide.

Our compliance work also extends to consumer product safety laws and how their programs can help address any issues. These laws include the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), Child Safety Protection Act, Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act, Federal Hazardous Substances Act, Flammable Fabrics Act, Poison Prevention Packaging Act, Refrigerator Safety Act, Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, and Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).