Department profile
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

USA Guide 2026 : District of Columbia


Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

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Provided by Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

For more information about Davis Polk’s practices, please visit https://www.davispolk.com/capabilities.

Chambers Review

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Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations - District of Columbia

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has a growing white-collar practice with an enviable client list comprising global financial institutions, large corporations and their executives. The group frequently handles investigations by a range of governmental agencies, as well as matters relating to corruption, the FCPA and antitrust. The practice is also noted for its capabilities in handling highly sensitive cases involving sanctions violations. Its impressive team is bolstered by a number of former federal prosecutors and government officials who offer further expertise in conducting sensitive internal investigations.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Davis Polk & Wardwell served as counsel to JPMorgan in a criminal trial concerning a fraudulent scheme by Charlie Javice and Olivier Amar, two executives of the education startup Frank.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The firm provides exceptional representation in complex matters. Davis Polk doesn't just react; the firm proactively develops an effective defense strategy.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
  • The firm provides very good practical advice with how to manage investigations with all federal agencies.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
  • Davis Polk has a deep bench of people who clerked, worked in compliance roles and always has people with the right skillsets.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 2Neil MacBride
    Band 2Neil MacBride

    Neil MacBride

    Neil MacBride is a deeply experienced criminal defense and national security expert with an excellent pedigree in handling internal and regulatory investigations and defending executives and corporates facing enforcement actions.

    • Neil possesses both vast experience and impeccable judgment. He is always creative and he can be as aggressive as he needs to be. He defines the decision with exactitude, allowing for careful harmonization of business and legal strategy.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
  • Band 3Daniel Kahn
    Band 3Daniel Kahn

    Daniel Kahn

    Daniel Kahn offers clients a wealth of expertise in white-collar defence and investigations matters, regularly advising on cases involving FCPA violations, securities fraud and money laundering. He draws upon his extensive experience in government as the former head of the DOJ's Fraud Section and the FCPA Unit to provide expert advice.

    • Dan is an FCPA expert he ran the unit when he was in the fraud section making him as knowledgeable as anybody about FCPA matters.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
    • Dan is practical and knowledgeable as well as strategic and attuned to regulatory nuance. He consistently demonstrates sound judgment in sensitive matters.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
    • He is a rare partner who combines deep subject‑matter expertise with exceptional communication skills, distilling complex factual records, legal standards and supervisory expectations into clear, practical narratives that resonate with internal stakeholders and external regulators alike.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
  • Band 5Paul Nathanson
    Band 5Paul Nathanson

    Paul Nathanson

    Paul Nathanson expertly guides clients through internal investigations, criminal enforcement proceedings and congressional investigations. He is an experienced courtroom advocate.

    • Paul is very thorough and strategic in aiming to get the results we want.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
  • Band 6Robert A Cohen
    Band 6Robert A Cohen

    Robert A Cohen

    Robert Cohen wins praise for his expertise advising clients on SEC and DOJ matters, with a particular ability to advise on crypto related issues.

    • Robert distills complex matters into accessible themes the regulators can understand, he excels at navigating sensitive issues. His approach reliably reduces regulatory concern through candid discussion and effective advocacy.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
    • Rob is super grounded, smart and practical. Anytime I want to figure out what to do to find a practical solution as it relates to the SEC, Rob is the person I talk to.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
    • Rob he is very experienced DC lawyer well respected measured and thoughtful, unafraid to advocate for his clients and to speak with regulators in a transparent, candid and convincing manner.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (4)

District of Columbia

  • Profile image of Neil MacBride

    Neil MacBride

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

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  • Profile image of Daniel Kahn

    Daniel Kahn

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

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  • Profile image of Paul Nathanson

    Paul Nathanson

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

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  • Profile image of Robert A Cohen

    Robert A Cohen

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

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