Williams & Connolly LLP has strong expertise in bribery, fraud and money laundering. David Zinn and Tobin Romero co-lead the team. Zinn is recommended for those needing advice on FCPA violations, securities fraud and public corruption. Romero caters to a wide ranging client base, which includes multinational companies as well as senior executives, also regularly helping with investigations involving cross-border elements with Africa, Asia and South America. Emmet Flood is noted for his ability in grand juries and congressional investigations and has experience representing politicians, CEO, and private equity firms. Kevin Downey and Brendan Sullivan are both highly experienced trial lawyers. Katherine Trefz is another significant member of the team who advises clients across several industries, such as healthcare, pharma and finance. All mentioned lawyers are in Washington DC.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- "A very strong US disputes practice, including in arbitration."
- "Jon Landy is a very capable leader of cases."
- "For years, Williams & Connolly has been the preeminent white-collar defense firm in the country...If I ever found myself needing white-collar defense representation, I would turn immediately to W and C."
- "They all share Williams' basic ethic: unwavering commitment to the client, extensive, thorough preparation, and creative, outside-the-box legal theories. They are the best."
- "W&C team can work very efficiently on litigation matters incl. arbitration, they can navigate even in a very complex case and communicate clearly."
- "Williams & Connolly is quite simply the finest white collar government investigation firm in the country. Their track record of vigorously defending corporate, criminal cases positions them ideally to manage internal investigations and give soundboard advice on white collar-related issues."
- "Brendan Sullivan is the dean of the white collar bar and boasts and extraordinary track record of trial wins in white-collar cases. Tobin Romero and Lance Wade are tough, compelling trial attorneys who give excellent advice, rooted in the sound of judgment. Kevin Downey is a seasoned and skilled advocate with powerfully persuasive courtroom skills."
Key clients
- Turkiye Halk Bankasi A.S. (“Halkbank”)
- James Snyder
- Elizabeth Holmes
- Roberto Felix, Jr.
- Jovan Vavic
Work highlights
- The firm represents Turkiye Halk Bankasi (Halkbank) in defending against an indictment in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York charging the bank with bank fraud, money laundering, violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), and related conspiracy charges.
- The firm successfully represented former Portage, Indiana Mayor James E. Snyder before the U.S. Supreme Court in a high-profile case challenging whether 18 U.S.C. 666, a frequently used federal bribery statute, requires proof of a quid pro quo for conviction.
- The firm served as lead counsel for Elizabeth Holmes, founder and former CEO of Theranos, defending against a federal indictment alleging wire fraud.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Kevin Downey
Practice head
David M. Zinn; Tobin J. Romero; Lance A. Wade
Other key lawyers
Emmet Flood; Kevin Downey; Brendan Sullivan; Katherine Trefz