Efficient. Effective. Fair. Thorough.
These are hallmarks of Thompson Coburn’s Rapid Response Team, which stands ready for action when investigators or enforcement actions arrive at your door.
Receiving a government notice, subpoena, or inquiry can be a daunting signal for any business or individual. Early intervention is crucial to protect your interests. Our experienced attorneys provide swift, strategic counsel to guide you through each step of responding to government scrutiny, including proactive compliance, managing internal investigations, and defending against allegations.
Don’t get caught by surprise by the time and resources it takes to respond to an investigation or enforcement action. By engaging with us early, you position yourself or your organization to respond decisively, reduce disruption, and resolve issues with minimal impact on your operations.
Former U.S. Attorneys, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, federal criminal and section chiefs, state prosecutors, and other attorneys who focus on white-collar defense and investigations comprise our highly qualified team. This experience matters. Drawing on deep knowledge and meaningful connections with prosecutorial, investigative, and regulatory entities across the nation, our team knows more than just how an investigation can and should work – we know how investigators think. And our crisis management and mitigation services are bolstered by our relationships with public relations and investigative firms that can work in tandem with us on the array of legal and business concerns that accompany an investigation.
In the investigation of white-collar crime, our ultimate goal is to resolve the matter for you without charges or further impact upon your business or reputation. In the event of an indictment, though, we will advocate for a dismissal, bringing our extensive knowledge of what areas of an investigation or prosecution are most susceptible to attack. We also know what facts will be persuasive to prosecutors, regulators, and jurors, helping us secure the most favorable outcomes for you, during settlement negotiations or, if necessary, at the conclusion of a trial.
rapid response
Our Rapid Response Team (RRT) has achieved great successes for our clients in many industries, including health care, financial services, law enforcement, and higher education, to name just a few. We handle matters initiated by agencies ranging from the Department of Justice, IRS, and FBI to state attorneys general and regulators, as well as industry-specific groups such as the SEC or Health and Human Services.
“Internal investigation” is a common phrase traditionally used to describe a board-sanctioned, large-scale investigation. While true, it means something different to us. Whether a subpoena is served, a civil investigative demand is received, or there are simply concerns over internal wrongdoing or malfeasance, an internal investigation is the first step. The RRT’s aim is to quickly, efficiently, and thoroughly determine what happened, why it happened, and what must be done to achieve the best result for you.
compliance
The RRT’s commitment does not only extend to reactive response. A proactive approach and effective corporate compliance programs are essential to protecting your organization.
In our efforts to boost proactive compliance strategies before problems come to a head, we provide onsite education and prevention advice. This is our way of helping you be prepared to respond appropriately when an investigation is finally disclosed. We also advise on how to handle the information that comes from an investigation and what disclosures are necessary and appropriate.
Our Rapid Response Team is committed not only to quick action when trouble arises, but also to proactive measures.
We know government investigations inside and out, literally, with former federal prosecutors at the helm.
For highly regulated industries like health care or financial services, we are there to provide counsel both proactively and defensively in complex situations.
For us, the term “internal investigation” signifies just the first step in determining what happened and why when an allegation arises.
experience
False Claims Act
We have significant experience resolving False Claims Act qui tam cases on behalf of health care providers and other organizations, helping to win a favorable resolution or dismissal. In addition to FCA cases, new whistleblower incentives from the DOJ mean increased risks for health care organizations. We help with compliance programs that can help minimize disruption and expense when these claims occur.
Cybersecurity
We provide proactive risk management, compliance guidance, and rapid response to cybersecurity incidents. Through incident response plans, staff trainings, and counsel on regulatory compliance, we help minimize risk. When a breach occurs, we assist with forensic investigations, communications with regulators, and mandatory notifications, as well as representing clients in regulatory investigations and litigation.
Use-of-Force Investigations
For state and local jurisdictions, we have provided thorough reviews of police department policies, trainings and use of force incidents. The resulting recommendations substantively address those issues in ways that may negate the need for expansive DOJ investigations and work monitorship.
On-Campus Protests
We are equipped to advise higher education institutions, along with their affiliated on-campus police departments, with issues related to student protests. With the Department of Education’s increased focus on Title VI anti-discrimination enforcement, we can assist with evaluating best practices when facing campus conflicts.
Telecommunications
We collaborate with executives, management, and other staff during DOJ and SEC investigations connected to business and accounting practices. Our efforts seek to avoid indictment, fine, or censure, and, when appropriate, arrange cooperative efforts regularly considered to be substantial assistance by the government.
Chemical
In addition to defending against investigations and obtaining dismissals of Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower complaints, our work has resulted in precedent-setting legal decisions, including the finding that the Sarbanes-Oxley Act does not provide protections to whistleblowers who report conduct to agencies for personal financial gain.
Transportation and Energy
Government contracts invite increased government scrutiny. We are prepared to advise clients on how to minimize such scrutiny, navigate it when it comes, and defend against it if an indictment occurs, including against allegations of bid rigging, mail fraud or extortion.
