Ryan Rohlfsen

Practice Areas

Ryan Rohlfsen co-chairs Ropes & Gray’s global anti-corruption and international risk practice. A former senior U.S. federal prosecutor and trial lawyer, Ryan represents multinational corporations and high level executives from around the world. He calls upon decades of experience in leading internal and government-facing investigations, corporate crisis management, and related litigation.

Ryan helps clients navigate critical issues, including corporate corruption (foreign and domestic), fraud (securities, commodities, accounting, revenue recognition, health care, misappropriation and embezzlement), money laundering, sanctions and export controls, and data privacy. Ryan also has deep experience with internal and external whistleblowers, including those represented by counsel seeking a bounty under Dodd-Frank with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or similar programs by other agencies. He has extensive experience with the DOJ, the SEC, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the World Bank, various U.S. state attorneys general, and numerous foreign enforcement agencies (often conducting parallel investigations with their U.S. counterparts).

Beyond advising companies and individuals in crisis, Ryan counsels organizations on the development of cutting-edge corporate compliance programs. He also helps companies assess, value, and navigate enforcement risks throughout the lifecycle of M&A transactions and corporate investments.

Prior to joining Ropes & Gray, Ryan was a prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Fraud Section – Criminal Division. While at DOJ, Ryan served as part of the DOJ’s specialized unit responsible for corporate criminal enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and prosecuted a full spectrum of complex, cutting edge U.S. domestic and cross-border white collar crime and related litigation.

Clients value Ryan’s practical approach, as well as his firsthand knowledge of the prosecutorial mindset. Clients quoted by one leading legal industry publication cite his “really deep mastery of substantive law as well as best practices for companies,” and note that “[h]e can adapt to a changing environment and does this without compromising on quality.” Ryan is also lauded as “incredibly business-savvy,” “pragmatic” and “creative,” with an “unwavering commitment to client service.” Said another, “Ryan is able to design audacious and well-crafted strategies. He is a raw talent providing actionable solutions to clients seeking clarity in a sea of uncertainty.”

Ryan also serves as as vice chair of the International Bar Association (IBA) Anti-Corruption Committee, Compliance Subcommittee and as a Steering Committee member of R&G Insights Lab, a differentiated solution for corporate governance and risk in complex business environments.