Lisa Vicens > Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton > New York, United States > Lawyer Profile

The white-collar defense and investigations team at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton is headed by Lisa Vicens in New York and Matthew Solomon in Washington DC. Vicens is highly skilled at navigating internal and governmental investigations into companies, especially concerning allegations of criminal activity that involves a cross-border element. Solomon is recommended for his skills as a litigator, having accumulated extensive experience in white-collar jury trials across the country. Based in the New York office, Victor Hou, Joon Kim, and Jonathan Kolodner are all notable members of the team. Kim regularly assists companies and senior executives facing criminal and regulatory investigations, while Hou is an expert in securities litigation. Kolodner frequently advises clients on a range of matters such as fraud, corruption, antitrust violations, and cyber-related offences. The team in Washington DC is strengthened by the addition of David Last who joined in July 2023 from the DOJ where he gained an in-depth understanding of FCPA matters.

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton‘s background with sovereign governments and state-owned enterprises, makes it especially well positioned to handle cases before the DOJ, SEC and Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and other enforcement agencies. The Latin America-focused team has a strong emphasis on anti-bribery and corruption, including FCPA investigations. It is working more intensively in connection with financial statements and disclosures on ESG and cyber controls; the firm represented Vale in an SEC investigation into securities disclosures relating to the company’s dam safety, resulting from the 2019 Brumadinho dam collapse in Brazil. The Latin America team benefits from the presence of a number of former SEC officials within the firm’s ranks, including Matthew Solomon in Washington DC. Furthermore, the hire of Washington DC-based David Last, the former chief of the FCPA unit at the DOJ, has deepened the firm’s expertise in government and internal investigations. Lisa Vicens (‘vast experience and deep knowledge in white-collar matters‘) is a prominent name in FCPA and cross-border investigations, having represented big-name clients in a series of major engagements. Jonathan Kolodner is another important figure in white-collar criminal enforcement and regulatory matters. Named individuals are based in New York unless stated otherwise.