The Baker Botts Investigations team is adept at helping companies of all sizes and their Boards of Directors to investigate, evaluate and remediate compliance problems and, where necessary, to defend companies in government enforcement actions in the U.S. and abroad. We conduct investigations on any matter—large or small—that has the potential to raise significant regulatory, litigation, reputational or share price risks. We even have a crisis hotline and can rapidly deploy to assist with major industrial incidents or unannounced government investigations.

Our strengths include:

Experienced Team. With a seasoned team that includes former federal and state government officials and prosecutors, our lawyers offer a skilled perspective on how U.S. agencies and international regulators evaluate investigations. We know that some matters present real risk to an enterprise while others can be addressed through thoughtful and comprehensive response efforts. We recognize the complexity of whistleblower issues and how minor problems can spin out of control if handled incorrectly. Our team continually works with clients to evaluate these types of complaints, to assess the possible merits (or lack thereof) and potential implications, and to manage their resolution to limit negative impact on the company.

Broad Industry and Regulatory Experience. Our team conducts internal investigations and represents clients in both criminal and civil enforcement matters involving agencies such as the DOJ, SEC, FTC, OFAC, EPA, OSHA, FERC, European Commission and more. The team’s experience spans complex areas like fraud (accounting, securities, bank, healthcare, procurement, immigration), corruption (bribery, gratuities, kickbacks, U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), UK Bribery Act), civil and criminal antitrust, money laundering, U.S. sanctions and export controls, environmental and workplace safety violations, labor and employment, and many others.

Strategic and Targeted Approach. Our team focuses on conducting targeted, appropriately scoped investigations to identify and mitigate direct and collateral risks. We prioritize practical, minimally disruptive solutions for clients while offering real-time communication and strategic guidance to alleviate impacts on our clients’ operations and stakeholders.

Global Reach. Our investigations team routinely manages extensive, cross-border investigations involving multiple legal systems and regulatory regimes. We collaborate across offices and with local counsel and other experts, as needed, to conduct investigations and interface with local regulators.