Department profile
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite

USA Guide 2026 : New York


Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite - New York

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP's distinguished litigation practice offers extensive civil and criminal litigation capabilities. Go-to firm for major disputes in fields as diverse as education, energy and pharmaceuticals, fielding particular strength in the representation of financial services institutions. Expert handling of criminal and civil investigations conducted by agencies such as the DOJ, attorneys general and the SEC, drawing upon extensive cross-border capabilities. Counts a number of former governmental luminaries among its impressive stable of litigators.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Debevoise & Plimpton LLP advised American Express Company in a five-year investigation into several of the bank’s sales practices by the Department of Justice.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are extremely diligent and dedicated to our matters. They are available whenever I need them.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
  • What I feel distinguishes the firm as a whole is their rare combination of talent and humility.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Debevoise is extremely practical, sharp and has seen everything.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
  • They're straight shooters and very effective advocates.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleBruce E Yannett
    Senior StatespeopleBruce E Yannett

    Bruce E Yannett

    Chair of the white collar and regulatory defense group, Bruce Yannett is regularly called upon by a host of market-leading companies facing high-stakes criminal investigations. His sophisticated practice covers the defense of allegations such as fraud, money laundering and FCPA violations.

  • Eminent PractitionersMary Jo White
    Eminent PractitionersMary Jo White

    Mary Jo White

    Mary Jo White offers unparalleled experience dealing with business-critical investigations and regulatory enforcement proceedings, having previously served as chair of the SEC.
    • She is the preeminent practitioner in the space.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Band 1Andrew J Ceresney
    Band 1Andrew J Ceresney

    Andrew J Ceresney

    Andrew Ceresney co-chairs the firm's prestigious litigation department and defends major institutions in regulatory investigations, as well as criminal and civil litigation. He is cochair of the firm's litigation department.

    • Andrew is one the best litigators I've worked with.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
    • Andrew is incredibly responsive and a true expert.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
    • Andrew has the ability to quickly connect with the client and understand their goals, which leads to effective and sound recommendations.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
    • Andrew is one of the most elite and effective defense lawyers in the country.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Band 1Daniel Gitner
    Band 1Daniel Gitner

    Daniel Gitner

    Daniel Gitner is a highly seasoned defense lawyer. Leveraging his prior position as chief of the criminal division in the US attorney’s office for the SDNY, Daniel advises on a broad range of white‑collar investigations, including fraud, bribery, and embezzlement allegations.

    • He is one of the premier white-collar attorneys of his generation. He is savvy and bold.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
    • Everybody trusts Daniels judgment and skills. He is really thoughtful and talented.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
    • Daniel is one of the best trial lawyers I know.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
    • His reputation, integrity and work ethic is unparalleled.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Band 1Helen Cantwell
    Band 1Helen Cantwell

    Helen Cantwell

    Helen Cantwell is widely recognized for her expertise in handling internal investigations relating to allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct, as well as her representation of clients facing external regulatory investigations and complex criminal proceedings. She is also co-chair of the white-collar and regulatory defense group.

    • Helen is laser-sharp and has an adept manner working with clients and organisations. She provides practical and sound advice.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Band 1John Gleeson
    Band 1John Gleeson

    John Gleeson

    Former federal judge and prosecutor John Gleeson operates a wide-ranging litigation practice, with expertise in both civil and white-collar proceedings.
    • John is a consummate professional. His insights are invaluable.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
    • John has the exact balance of legal acumen and compassion.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Band 3Winston Paes
    Band 3Winston Paes

    Winston Paes

    Winston Paes applies his strong prosecutorial background in securities and business fraud to his representation of companies in white-collar proceedings and internal investigations.
    • Winston provides excellent counsel to clients when navigating challenging issues.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
    • He has genuine enthusiasm and passion for the work he does.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
    • Winston has a rare combination of competency with humility.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
    • He is smart, knowledgeable and reasonable.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
    • Winston is someone who the courts respect. He is a tremendous trial lawyer and court advocate.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Band 4Jane Shvets
    Band 4Jane Shvets

    Jane Shvets

    Jane Shvets demonstrates a strong track record of defending large institutions in complex criminal investigations.
    • Jane is excellent. She provides a great client service and has a really good demeanour.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA
  • Up and ComingCourtney Dankworth
    Up and ComingCourtney Dankworth

    Courtney Dankworth

    Courtney Dankworth focuses on representing clients in regulator defense and internal investigations, including those in connection with financial services clients.

    • Courtney is super accessible, totally reliable, calm and gives thoughtful advice.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations: The Elite respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP (9)

New York

  • Profile image of Bruce E Yannett

    Bruce E Yannett

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

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  • Profile image of Mary Jo White

    Mary Jo White

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

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  • Profile image of Andrew J Ceresney

    Andrew J Ceresney

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

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  • Profile image of Daniel Gitner

    Daniel Gitner

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

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  • Profile image of Helen Cantwell

    Helen Cantwell

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

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  • Profile image of John Gleeson

    John Gleeson

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

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  • Profile image of Winston Paes

    Winston Paes

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

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  • Profile image of Jane Shvets

    Jane Shvets

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

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  • Profile image of Courtney Dankworth

    Courtney Dankworth

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

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