Department profile
Morrison Foerster

FCPA

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

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Morrison Foerster

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About

Provided by Morrison Foerster

UNMATCHED INSIGHTS. PRACTICAL APPROACH. TRUSTED ADVISERS. GLOBAL REACH.

With a team comprised of former federal prosecutors and regulators, veteran defense lawyers, and seasoned foreign counsel, Morrison & Foerster has significant experience handling investigations and compliance matters on six continents and in more than 65 countries worldwide. Our investigations team understands how regulators think and can anticipate their next move. We approach each engagement from the client’s perspective, drawing on our collective experience to offer practical advice that balances risk with the reality of running a business. Our clients routinely seek our guidance in:

•    Developing and Testing Compliance Programs
•    Mitigating Risk in Business Partner Relationships
•    Performing Transactional Due Diligence
•    Undertaking Internal Investigations
•    Defending Against Enforcement Agencies in the U.S. and Abroad
•    Conducting Risk Assessments

Our team has extensive experience across a broad range of issues involving the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws around the world, including the U.K. Bribery Act, Sarbanes-Oxley, the whistleblower provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, international trade, export control and sanctions laws, anti-money laundering laws, and the Bank Secrecy Act, among others.

We leverage our global network of resources and experience to ensure seamless geographic coverage for our clients.

Discover more at www.mofo.com/FCPA

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

FCPA - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Morrison Foerster's thriving FCPA practice has a strong bench of attorneys that includes a number of former federal prosecutors and regulatory experts. The firm frequently conducts internal investigations on behalf of large corporations and their executives, as well as advising on complex anticorruption investigations brought by the US and international governments. It is particularly noted for its strong reputation in the technology space, and in Asian markets, and also has an impressive client roster in the pharmaceutical, construction and retail sectors – and a growing reputation in Latin America. It handles a broad range of compliance matters including corporate monitorships.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Morrison Foerster continued to represent McKinsey & Co. in its Deferred Prosecution Agreement arising out of the FCPA investigation in South Africa.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Morrison Foerster has an incredible global presence. They are deep experts it these material spaces.

    FCPA respondentUSA

  • We go to Morrison Foerster specifically for handling complex and sophisticated matters.

    FCPA respondentUSA

  • Morrison Foerster's lawyers are excellent subject-matter experts. Their written work product is very good and professional. I can always trust them to present to higher-level executives and balance risk to make sure we get a fair picture.

    FCPA respondentUSA

  • Morrison Foerster's team has experience with the DOJ, SEC and US Attorneys' Offices around the country. They have good knowledge of business practices and strong international connections.

    FCPA respondentUSA

  • Morrison Foerster's team is highly responsive, anticipates issues before they escalate and communicates clearly and efficiently with internal stakeholders. Their ability to support matters across regions with minimal delay is a significant strength and supports a top-tier rating.

    FCPA respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Charles Duross
    Charles Duross

    Charles Duross

    Charles Duross is coleader of Morrison Foerster's FCPA and global anticorruption practice. He draws widespread acclaim for his sophisticated handling of a broad range of FCPA-related issues, including DOJ and SEC investigations, export sanctions and compliance monitoring.

    • Chuck has a tremendous ability to distill facts into plain English. He gets to the heart of a complicated issue and is able to explain it in a way that makes sense.

      FCPA respondentUSA

    • Chuck is a luminary in the field, especially as it relates to white-collar and bribery matters.

      FCPA respondentUSA

    • Chuck has a strong reputation for knowing what's going on in the anti-corruption enforcement space. He knows the key players and always has good insights.

      FCPA respondentUSA

    • Chuck's practical judgment in how to navigate the FCPA is unparalleled. He doesn't rush to be overly conservative, he brings practical knowledge and experience in the mix – which gives guidance that is reflective of the clients' interests.

      FCPA respondentUSA
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  • James Koukios
    James Koukios

    James Koukios

    James Koukios co-leads the FCPA and global anticorruption practice at Morrison Foerster. He is called on by corporations and their high-ranking employees to guide them through complex regulatory investigations and to conduct internal investigations.

    • James has helped us to navigate critical issues and has spent time, at his cost, to learn our business to enhance that representation.

      FCPA respondentUSA

    • James is incredibly thoughtful and detail-oriented. He is expansive in his advice and attention to risk. A very pragmatic lawyer – one of the smartest people I have met.

      FCPA respondentUSA

    • James is a pragmatic thinker who excels in his bedside manner. He is able to take challenging news to clients and give it to them in a way they can understand.

      FCPA respondentUSA
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  • Ruti Smithline
    Ruti Smithline

    Ruti Smithline

    Ruti Smithline is co-chair of Morrison Foerster's Latin America desk, where she is noted for her significant experience leading both internal and external investigations for clients with operations in Latin America.

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Ranked Individuals at Morrison Foerster (3)

USA - Nationwide

Members

Provided by Morrison Foerster

Morrison Foerster has rankings in the following guides

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