Ranking tables
Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations | USA
District of Columbia
Rankings overview for Departments
Akin 10 Years Ranked
Cozen O'Connor 8 Years Ranked
Crowell & Moring LLP 13 Years Ranked
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP 10 Years Ranked
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP 5 Years Ranked
Hogan Lovells US LLP 13 Years Ranked
Kirkland & Ellis LLP 13 Years Ranked
Morrison Foerster 6 Years Ranked
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & Affiliates 13 Years Ranked
Vinson & Elkins LLP 12 Years Ranked
A&O Shearman 6 Years Ranked
Baker Botts L.L.P. 13 Years Ranked
Dechert LLP 3 Years Ranked
Faegre Drinker 2 Years Ranked
Freshfields US LLP 6 Years Ranked
Greenberg Traurig, LLP 5 Years Ranked
Linklaters 2 Years Ranked
McDermott Will & Schulte 11 Years Ranked
McGuireWoods LLP 2 Years Ranked
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP 7 Years Ranked
Sullivan & Cromwell LLP 2 Years Ranked
All Departments profiles
Band 1

1 Covington & Burling LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 1 | 13 Years RankedCovington & Burling LLP is a stalwart Washington practice adept at handling large-scale investigations and international disputes for a roster of significant corporate and financial clients. The team is lauded for its market-leading healthcare practice, with additional strength in matters pertaining to SEC enforcement and anticorruption. The practice also houses considerable experience conducting FCPA investigations on a global scale. The group claims an impressive roster of practitioners offering extensive experience in government, as well as top trial skills, handling work across a variety of sectors including sport, pharmaceuticals and technology.

1 Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 1 | 13 Years RankedGibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP's formidable litigation practice has considerable experience in matters that involve the DOJ, the SEC and federal regulatory agencies, including complex investigations and appellate work. It fields an enviable bench of talented lawyers who are adept across a range of sectors, including environmental, telecommunications and securities disputes. Recent mandates demonstrate the firm's expertise in multijurisdictional investigations involving alleged violations of the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws.

1 Paul Hastings LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 1 | 13 Years RankedPaul Hastings LLP has an experienced and growing white-collar team noted for its capabilities in FCPA, sanctions, antitrust and trading investigations. The practice consists of experts tackling all manner of fraud allegations relating to financial matters, including securities, accounting and tax. It regularly represents national and global financial institutions, along with individual executives, traders and officers, facing significant criminal allegations. The attorneys frequently act for clients facing allegations of corruption in highly regulated industries, including major petrochemical, technology and pharmaceutical companies.

1 Steptoe LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 1 | 13 Years RankedSteptoe LLP has a formidable white-collar criminal defense practice with a reputation for cutting-edge trial counsel. The practice is highly adept at representing individual clients in high-profile cases concerning allegations of financial crime and public corruption. It is also well equipped to advise during investigations by the SEC and DOJ, with particular strength in FCPA matters. The group is able to draw on additional capabilities in securities enforcement and regulation, advising clients including companies and executives in the pharmaceutical, technology and automotive industries across a broad array of sectors.

1 Williams & Connolly LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 1 | 13 Years RankedWilliams & Connolly is a top-flight DC firm and litigation powerhouse with a legacy of excellence in contentious civil and criminal matters. The deep and dynamic bench of talented litigators is consistently involved in the most sensitive white-collar cases along with major commercial disputes and securities litigation. The practice offers top-drawer advice and masterful trial expertise to an enviable list of clients that includes a whole host of high-profile individuals, as well as multinational companies, global financial institutions and media organisations. The team has recognized strength in litigating complex cross-border disputes.

1 WilmerHaleLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 1 | 13 Years RankedWilmerHale 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.
Band 2

2 Arnold & PorterLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 2 | 13 Years RankedArnold & Porter's versatile litigation practice is heavily involved in both trials and investigations in the areas of healthcare fraud, criminal antitrust and government contracts, with additional substantive expertise on the civil side. The team has considerable expertise in securities matters and is experienced in representing clients before US regulatory authorities, including the DOJ and SEC, and foreign government bodies such as the UK Serious Fraud Office. Its broad client base includes pharmaceutical, industrial and financial services companies, along with individual executives, public officials and healthcare professionals.

2 Jones DayLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 2 | 13 Years RankedJones Day's accomplished criminal and commercial litigation practice has a broad array of resources at its disposal, including impressive appellate capabilities. The practice displays notable strength in white-collar matters, with the ability to oversee major cross-border investigations concerning the FCPA, public corruption and fraud, among other matters. The practice acts for corporations and individuals across a wide range of industries, including financial services, technology and healthcare.

2 Latham & Watkins LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 2 | 13 Years RankedLatham & Watkins LLP has a stellar reputation in the areas of white-collar defense and complex commercial litigation. The practice is highly credible in FCPA matters, as well as securities fraud, antitrust and FCA violations. It has an impressive team that features a number of prominent practitioners with considerable government experience and regulatory expertise. The group frequently represents clients across a diverse range of sectors, including highly regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare and energy. It also offers substantial expertise in matters with cross-border elements, with support from the firm's international offices.

2 Miller & Chevalier CharteredLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 2 | 13 Years RankedMiller & Chevalier is widely regarded as a go-to firm for all aspects of FCPA compliance and government enforcement. It possesses further expertise in investigations concerning criminal tax and antitrust, alongside a broad range of other white-collar matters such as money laundering, bribery and public corruption. The practice is also noted for its significant bench of sanctions and OFAC experts. The team consists of a specialist group of attorneys with a wealth of trial expertise and a strong reputation for complex cross-border work. They expertly represent high-profile individual clients as well as multinational corporations from a variety of sectors, including energy, technology and pharmaceuticals.

2 Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 2 | 12 Years RankedQuinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP boasts an excellent reputation in the DC market for high-stakes, big-ticket white-collar defense matters. The firm is noted for the strength and success of its trial practice, having a number of highly effective litigators among its ranks. It also demonstrates increasing prowess in managing major international anti-corruption investigations. The attorneys advise an enviable client list including major domestic and foreign corporations, financial institutions and high-profile individuals. The practice offers significant experience in cross-border matters, particularly in relation to Latin America and Asia.

2 Sidley Austin LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 2 | 13 Years RankedSidley Austin LLP has a reputable practice with ample litigation capabilities across the gamut of white-collar criminal defense and agency enforcement matters. The practice offers diverse regulatory expertise across a range of sectors such as healthcare, environmental and antitrust law. The team is regularly involved in international investigations concerning the FCPA and other anti-corruption matters. An impressive client list includes financial institutions and leading global corporations, along with their senior management and executives.

2 Zuckerman Spaeder LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 2 | 13 Years RankedZuckerman Spaeder LLP is an outstanding litigation boutique that demonstrates excellence in both individual and company representations. With an extensive criminal defense practice, the firm boasts expertise that spans the full range of white-collar prosecutions and investigations. It is notably proficient in tackling highly sensitive cases that concern institutional corruption, bribery and fraud in both domestic and international contexts. Its deep bench of experienced trial lawyers also handles a range of civil and commercial disputes to great effect. It is also skilled in representing clients in congressional investigations and securities class actions.
Band 3

3 AkinLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 3 | 10 Years RankedAkin offers an established white-collar litigation practice with considerable experience trying cases at both the state and federal levels. Its attorneys regularly defend individuals facing serious criminal charges, particularly in relation to government contracts fraud, money laundering and bribery. The practice also acts for corporations across a wide range of industries, including financial services, technology and pharmaceuticals. It enjoys a robust investigations practice that encompasses cross-border and international matters concerning the FCPA, along with other anti-corruption laws.

3 Cozen O'ConnorLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 3 | 8 Years RankedCozen O'Connor has an established white-collar defense practice with notable expertise in guiding companies and individuals through high-stakes criminal proceedings. The practice boasts accomplished criminal trial attorneys in its ranks, alongside a number of experienced investigations lawyers. The team is also able to draw upon a significant government relations practice to advise clients facing congressional investigations.

3 Crowell & Moring LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 3 | 13 Years RankedCrowell & Moring LLP possesses a well-regarded litigation group that frequently represents large corporations and individuals in criminal investigations and trials. The practice is known for its experience in complex multijurisdictional cases, with particular expertise in antitrust and fraud matters. Its practitioners handle a broad range of investigations relating to alleged violations of the FCA, the FCPA and securities laws, aided by its robust understanding of government regulatory agencies. It is particularly active in matters concerning government contracting, financial services and technology-related disputes.

3 Davis Polk & Wardwell LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 3 | 10 Years RankedDavis Polk & Wardwell LLP has a growing white-collar practice with an enviable client list comprising global financial institutions, large corporations and their executives. The group frequently handles investigations by a range of governmental agencies, as well as matters relating to corruption, the FCPA and antitrust. The practice is also noted for its capabilities in handling highly sensitive cases involving sanctions violations. Its impressive team is bolstered by a number of former federal prosecutors and government officials who offer further expertise in conducting sensitive internal investigations.

3 Debevoise & Plimpton LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 3 | 5 Years RankedDebevoise & Plimpton LLP offers a strong group of defense and internal investigations practitioners. The practice is well placed to represent individual clients as well as companies across a number of sectors in criminal trials. They possess additional expertise advising on FCPA matters.

3 Hogan Lovells US LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 3 | 13 Years RankedHogan Lovells has a prominent white-collar litigation practice with particular strength in handling large DOJ and SEC investigations. The practice is known for its extensive expertise in cases of healthcare fraud and also has valuable experience in litigation concerning cybersecurity and data breaches. Its lawyers are regularly chosen by multinational companies for representation during complex, cross-border anti-corruption investigations and enforcement proceedings. They are able to draw upon the firm's broad global footprint to provide a seamless service to clients faced with scrutiny from regulatory agencies and prosecutors in jurisdictions around the world.

3 Kirkland & Ellis LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 3 | 13 Years RankedKirkland & Ellis's well-regarded litigation practice boasts national and global reach. The group acts for large multinational corporations in white-collar litigation and complex enforcement proceedings. The firm represents clients from a broad range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, financial services and technology. It is known for the strength of its trial practice as well as its ability to handle investigations brought by the SEC, the DOJ and congressional committees. It also regularly appears before arbitration panels and appellate courts.

3 Morrison FoersterLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 3 | 6 Years RankedMorrison Foester has a recognized and well-regarded government investigations team and is noted for its bench of FCPA experts and experience in handling complex international cases. With a deep bench of former prosecutors, the practice also has notable expertise in leading investigations into securities, antitrust and economic sanctions violations.

3 Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP & AffiliatesLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 3 | 13 Years RankedSkadden is best known for its representation of financial institutions and large publicly traded companies in internal and government investigations and related civil enforcement matters. The talented team is regularly involved in trial and investigative proceedings regarding procurement fraud, FCA violations, bribery and economic sanctions. Its significant global footprint lends itself to experienced handling of multijurisdictional cases within the USA, as well as those concerning international law. The practice also regularly defends clients in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, including major pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers. It is also able to offer particular expertise in FCPA violations and anti-corruption matters.

3 Vinson & Elkins LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 3 | 12 Years RankedVinson & Elkins LLP has an increasingly prominent white-collar practice with noted experience in handling corporate investigations, including those relating to allegations of FCPA violations and fraud. The practice also acts for clients in congressional investigations and matters concerning the False Claims Act. It is routinely called upon by a range of clients, including high-profile individuals and large multinational corporations from a broad array of sectors.
Band 4

4 Cooley LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedCooley has a strong white-collar defense and investigations practice. The firm advises large companies and senior executives on complex proceedings and investigations. The team acts for an impressive roster of clients from the technology and life sciences sector.

4 Jenner & Block LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 4 | 2 Years RankedJenner & Block has a well-versed team that expertly advises companies and individuals on various complex matters, including government investigations and compliance programs. The team's client base includes multinational corporations and CEOs in industries ranging from commodity trading to telecommunications.

4 King & Spalding LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 4 | 12 Years RankedKing & Spalding LLP is well known for its rigorous representation of corporate entities, with particular expertise in the life sciences, banking and energy sectors. The practice is regularly involved in both internal and government investigations that concern FCPA and FCA violations, along with other allegations of corruption and fraud. It has considerable strength in handling multijurisdictional investigations, with experience defending clients before both domestic and foreign enforcement authorities. It is also notable for its experience in representing audit committees.

4 Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 4 | 7 Years RankedOrrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is highlighted for its deep bench of white-collar practitioners, who are experts in handling white-collar criminal investigations, Foreign Corrupt Practice Act investigations, trials and appeals, and compliance issues. The group frequently represents clients in the energy and life science sectors and is adept at representing company executives, directors and employees, along with other leading professionals, in sensitive, high-stakes cases.

4 Ropes & Gray LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 4 | 6 Years RankedRopes & Gray LLP offers a respected team with an impressive reputation for its representation of corporate clients in a wide range of white-collar criminal matters. The practice wins particular plaudits for its expertise in FCPA cases while being noted for its strength in the life sciences sector and its handling of complex issues related to Latin America.
4 WileyLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 4 | 13 Years RankedWiley is an impressive DC firm with experience acting for both corporations and individuals involved in DOJ and SEC investigations and enforcement proceedings. The practice offers significant expertise in criminal matters involving government contracts and healthcare fraud, while demonstrating further capabilities in FCPA and securities fraud matters. The team is renowned for its experience and skillful handling of high-profile, politically charged cases.
Band 5

5 A&O ShearmanLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 5 | 6 Years RankedA&O Shearman's burgeoning group has an impressive reputation among clients in the financial services sectors, including multinational banks, fintech companies and cryptocurrency trading platforms. The group handles a wide range of white-collar criminal defence mandates, including investigations into fraud, money laundering and regulatory breaches. The practice is noted for its skilled handling of major FCPA investigations, leveraging its famed global platform to assist with cross-border mandates.

5 Baker Botts L.L.P.Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 5 | 13 Years RankedBaker Botts' robust white-collar team offers broad expertise in criminal investigations and enforcement actions. The practice is well versed in handling sensitive cross-jurisdictional matters for a wide range of clients, with particular experience representing companies in the oil and gas, manufacturing and energy sectors. The team is also adept at representing individuals in investigations by various government agencies. The firm enjoys a strong reputation for its work in securities, healthcare and antitrust matters, with a highly experienced team that includes a number of former federal prosecutors and senior government officials.

5 Dechert LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 5 | 3 Years RankedDechert LLP is a global powerhouse with notable strength in complex white-collar matters. The team regularly counsel clients in complex internal and external investigations, as well as litigation. The firm provides expert advice on FCPA violations, anti-money laundering, bribery and sanctions. The group is also experienced in the crypto area.
5 Faegre DrinkerLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 5 | 2 Years RankedFaegre Drinker acts for corporations and individuals in investigations and criminal proceedings. The team has expertise in advising clients facing allegations of tax fraud, FCPA violations and other financial crimes. Additionally, the firm brings to bear expertise advising its clients on SEC investigations and internal investigations.

5 Freshfields US LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 5 | 6 Years RankedFreshfields has an impressive track record of working with global corporate entities and notable clients in the automotive and energy sectors, as well as financial services. The group is also experienced in representing individual executives and business figures in both civil litigation and high-stakes criminal trials.

5 Greenberg Traurig, LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 5 | 5 Years RankedGreenberg Traurig, LLP possesses a highly respected team with a growing bench of white-collar criminal defense and investigations lawyers. It boasts noteworthy expertise acting for high-profile individuals in DOJ investigations as well as representing companies in contentious mandates.

5 LinklatersLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 5 | 2 Years RankedLinklaters draws on a team of former federal prosecutors to expertly advise on government investigations and criminal proceedings. The group is well-versed in acting for multinationals and individuals in SEC and DOJ investigations, including FCPA and FCA cases.

5 McDermott Will & SchulteLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 5 | 11 Years RankedMcDermott Will & Schulte has a distinguished regulatory practice that is experienced in representing clients facing allegations of money laundering, public corruption and wire fraud, among other white-collar crimes. The group is noted for its defence of individual clients including senior executives, officers and employees, in addition to representing several leading corporations and financial institutions. It is also known for its expert handling of government investigations as well as its wider capabilities in regulatory and enforcement matters.

5 McGuireWoods LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 5 | 2 Years RankedMcGuireWoods LLP's government investigations and white-collar litigation team is well respected for its expertise across complex matters, including high-profile criminal proceedings and congressional investigations. The team represents a wide range of clients, including political individuals and multinational companies.

5 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 5 | 7 Years RankedPaul, Weiss boasts a notable team with significant experience representing clients in high-stakes investigations brought by various governmental bodies. The practice is adept at handling matters relating to FCPA violations and allegations of fraud and money laundering, as well as advising on sanctions. It also offers extensive expertise acting for clients in complex litigation, including appearing before the Supreme Court.

5 Sullivan & Cromwell LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 5 | 2 Years RankedSullivan & Cromwell LLP has a strong team involved in high-stakes government investigations and criminal proceedings. The team routinely represents individuals and corporates in notable cross-border cases, with expertise on representing clients before the DOJ and SEC. Additionally, the firm advises on compliance with OFAC and anti-money laundering laws.
Band 6

6 Alston & Bird LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 6 | 1 Years RankedAlston & Bird LLP brings a wide range of expertise to help its clients tackle issues. The firm frequently helps advise on state investigations, FCA matters and bribery issues. Additionally, the firm brings a wealth of experience on international matters, with particular expertise in Latin America and Canada.

6 BakerHostetler LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 6 | 1 Years RankedBakerHostetler is frequently seen advising clients on matters with significant cross-border components such as offshore embezzlement matters. The firm is often advising clients on SEC investigations, sanctions, internal investigations and various forms of fraud.

6 Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 6 | 1 Years RankedCleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton frequently represents a breadth of FinTech clients and those in other industries, on a breadth of SEC matters, DOJ investigations and those investigations carried out by FINRA and Attorney Generals.

6 Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 6 | 1 Years RankedMorgan, Lewis & Bockius advises a wide range of company clients and individual clients before the DOJ, SEC and CFTC. The firm brings substantive expertise on issues of fraud, antitrust and money laundering matters, and is able to deftly advise on those matters with international components to them.
6 O'Melveny & Myers LLPLitigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations2026 | Band 6 | 8 Years RankedO'Melveny & Myers is a respected international firm with an increasing reputation for complex white-collar defense work. Its client base includes corporations and senior executives, with a particular focus on healthcare and life sciences. The practice is able to offer expertise in DOJ and SEC investigations relating to alleged FCPA violations, FCA matters and anti-money laundering. It is able to draw upon expertise in a number of global offices to advise clients involved in cross-border proceedings.