Department profile
WilmerHale

Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

USA Guide 2026 : District of Columbia


WilmerHale

Rankings

About

Provided by WilmerHale

Clients facing enforcement actions and inquiries into their business practices draw on the extensive government, boardroom and courtroom experience of our versatile team. WilmerHale is an internationally recognized and respected leader in white collar defense and investigations, and is regularly ranked at the top of Global Investigations Review’s list of the world’s 30 leading investigations and compliance practices. Our lawyers have solidified their reputation by helping prominent corporations, executives, public officials and individuals respond to government enforcement actions, address questions of compliance, mitigate future risk and reputational damage, and aggressively litigate against allegations of wrongdoing. From government enforcement activity to civil claims, the liability that follows these actions can be incredibly costly for corporate and individual clients, and navigating these multifaceted matters requires dynamic, authoritative and sophisticated counsel. Our preeminent team, which spans the United States,  and Europe and which has worked extensively in  and Asia, offers significant experience in all aspects of white collar defense, government and administrative enforcement actions, and civil and criminal litigation.

To learn more about WilmerHale's White Collar Defense and Investigations practice, visit: https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/solutions/white-collar-defense-and-investigations 

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

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

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

WilmerHale delivers exceptional representation to clients under investigation by government and agency regulators, with commensurate strength in civil and commercial matters. Its outstanding team has a number of practitioners with significant governmental experience. The practice advises clients from a broad array of industries on anti-corruption measures including the FCPA, as well as on securities law and FCA violations. It also advises leading names in the banking, aviation, telecom and defense sectors, among others.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • WilmerHale advised Cummins on a consolidated consumer class action, with allegations of a RICO conspiracy.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • WilmerHale has the firepower to manage bet-the-company litigation and the resources to develop understanding of complex factual scenarios.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
  • Wilmer's legal acumen, strategic prowess and strong reservoir of talent distinguish it from most other law firms.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
  • WilmerHale brings crisis management, experience, calm that helped steer the representation thoughtfully, and around the clock responsiveness. Every member of the team is exceptional.

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Star IndividualsHoward Shapiro
    Star IndividualsHoward Shapiro

    Howard Shapiro

    Howard Shapiro enjoys a stellar reputation as a go-to attorney for major corporate investigations, as well as for representation in high-stakes criminal trials.

  • Band 1Ronald C Machen
    Band 1Ronald C Machen

    Ronald C Machen

    Ronald Machen brings impressive government experience to his well-regarded white-collar defense practice, having previously served as the US Attorney for the District of Columbia.

    • Ron is one of the few outside lawyers we contact when we need quick, seasoned judgment at the intersection of enforcement risk, reputation and operational management counseling.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
    • Ron is sharp, practical and calm under pressure. He gives clear, concise advice and keeps us well informed of upcoming challenges. He knows how to manage sensitive issues effectively.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
    • I can say without hesitation that he’s one of the best legal strategists I’ve worked alongside.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
  • Band 4Michael Leotta
    Band 4Michael Leotta

    Michael Leotta

    Michael Leotta wins praise for his representation of clients facing allegations of insider trading, money laundering and bribery. He has particular experience acting for clients in the financial services sector.
    • Michael is a fantastic attorney who is incredibly smart.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
    • Michael is really an excellent, careful, thoughtful lawyer.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
  • Band 5Erin Sloane
    Band 5Erin Sloane

    Erin Sloane

    Erin Sloane frequently advises a variety of clients on international matters with particular expertise on the FCPA, whistleblower matters and ITAR issues.

    • Erin is business centric and effective at presenting findings to the government.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA
    • Erin is extremely detail focused.

      Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at WilmerHale (4)

District of Columbia

  • Profile image of Howard Shapiro

    Howard Shapiro

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

    View profile
  • Profile image of Ronald C Machen

    Ronald C Machen

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

    View profile
  • Profile image of Michael Leotta

    Michael Leotta

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

    View profile
  • Profile image of Erin Sloane

    Erin Sloane

    Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

    View profile

Members

Provided by WilmerHale

WilmerHale has rankings in the following guides

What success is built on

Chambers is the leading data and intelligence partner for the legal sector.

Explore thought leadership