Douglas A Axel

Practice Areas

DOUG AXEL is global co-leader of Sidley’s White Collar Defense and Investigations practice, which was ranked among the leading investigations practices worldwide by Global Investigations Review in 2025 for cross-border investigations and related representations of corporations and individuals. A former federal prosecutor, Doug represents leading companies, investment firms, and executives in high-stakes criminal, regulatory, and internal investigations, as well as complex litigation involving the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), state attorneys general, and other enforcement authorities. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, Doug advises clients facing sensitive matters involving allegations of fraud, corruption, sanctions violations, securities enforcement, and other forms of alleged corporate misconduct. Doug represents clients across a broad range of industries, including technology, telecommunications, financial services, investment funds, life sciences, manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Prior to joining Sidley, Doug served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California, including as Chief of the Major Frauds Section.