Mr Zachary Terwilliger > Vinson & Elkins LLP > Washington DC, United States > Lawyer Profile

Vinson & Elkins LLP
2200 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NW
SUITE 500 WEST
WASHINGTON, DC 20037-1701
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
United States

Work Department

Government Investigations & White Collar Criminal Defense

Position

Zachary (“Zach”) Terwilliger, the former Senate confirmed United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, has extensive experience in all manners of federal investigations and trials. Those frontline skills combine with his mastery of involved management roles overseeing operational programs, setting policy parameters, and managing teams to accomplish strategic objectives. He gained this experience over a decades-long career in public service where he advanced from an office intern to serve as the presidentially appointed and Senate confirmed United States Attorney. He rounds out his Washington experience by having served as Associate Deputy Attorney General and Chief of staff to the Deputy Attorney General, whose office manages the entire Department of Justice and its various agencies, and as counsel to the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

In a testament to his professionalism, he was the sole and unanimous recommendation of Virginia’s two Democratic Senators to serve as U.S. Attorney. Following this recommendation, the President’s nomination, and confirmation by the entire U.S. Senate, Zach was sworn in as the then-youngest U.S. Attorney in the country.

Zach’s knowledge of how the Justice Department and federal enforcement agencies function in both civil and criminal matters, particularly in regards to discretionary decision making, provides him with unique insights necessary to effectively assist companies and individuals facing federal enforcement matters, including allegations of domestic and international criminal and civil violations. Zach is skilled in navigating internal and government investigations, allegations of bribery under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, complex criminal grand jury investigations, criminal antitrust matters, and Congressional inquiries and select committee investigations, among other complex white collar issues. As a Chambers-ranked attorney, Zach is described by clients as “a go-to person for white-collar matters and complicated government investigations. He is very skilled and intelligent and will control the facts. He is talented, knowledgeable and efficient.” (Chambers USA 2023 – client quote).

As U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Zach supervised a team of over 300 lawyers and support staff. He also managed multiple key corporate resolutions, and significantly enhanced the District’s white-collar footprint through collaboration with DOJ’s Fraud Section, as well as with other enforcement entities like the newly created Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery and the Procurement Collusion Strike Force. He is also a veteran litigator with years of investigative and in-court experience in trials, pre-trial proceedings, and appeals.

Education

  • William & Mary School of Law, J.D., 2007 (Order of the Coif)
  • University of Virginia, B.A., 2003

Lawyer Rankings

United States > Dispute resolution > Corporate investigations and white-collar criminal defense

Vinson & Elkins LLP‘s white-collar defense team offers a wide range of expertise, covering areas such as false claims, public corruption, FCPA violations, and other forms of alleged misconduct. The firm is also particularly experienced in navigating complex cross-border asset forfeiture matters. From the New York office, Palmina Fava  rovides counsel to clients under investigation for money laundering, cybersecurity issues, and misappropriation of trade secrets. In Washington DC, Michael Dry assists both domestic and international clients facing allegations of insider trading, bribery, and securities fraud. Ephraim Wernick, also in Washington DC, has extensive experience representing clients before the DOJ, OFAC, SEC, and other regulatory bodies. Zachary Terwilliger, also in Washington DC, is a skilled advocate known for his sound judgment and strong capabilities in white-collar defense.