What's Happening?
DLA Piper has appointed Justin Simeone as a partner in its White Collar, Investigations and Government Enforcement practice in Washington, D.C. This marks Simeone as the fifth partner to join the firm's Washington investigations team within the last 18
months. Simeone specializes in advising multinational companies and executives on internal investigations, government enforcement proceedings, and high-stakes litigation involving regulatory scrutiny across various jurisdictions. His experience includes managing internal investigations in over two dozen countries and responding to inquiries from major U.S. and international enforcement organizations such as the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, Department of the Treasury, and the World Bank. Simeone also brings courtroom and trial experience, having conducted witness depositions, argued motions in federal court, and worked on trial teams for prominent government-facing criminal and civil litigation matters. This strategic hire is part of DLA Piper's ongoing effort to expand its cross-border investigations platform.
Why It's Important?
The addition of Justin Simeone significantly enhances DLA Piper's capabilities in handling complex cross-border investigations and litigation, which is crucial for multinational businesses operating in an increasingly intricate global regulatory environment. The firm's expansion of its Washington investigations team, now comprising approximately 350 compliance and investigations lawyers and public affairs professionals, including over 40 former U.S. Attorneys and state Attorneys General, positions it to address the growing challenges faced by companies. These challenges often involve overlapping government inquiries, litigation exposure, and reputational considerations across different regulators, governments, and legal systems. By strengthening its Washington bench, DLA Piper aims to provide comprehensive support to clients navigating these sensitive matters, thereby mitigating risks and ensuring compliance in a dynamic enforcement landscape. This move reflects a broader trend in the legal industry to bolster expertise in white-collar defense and regulatory compliance.
What's Next?
DLA Piper is expected to continue leveraging its expanded Washington investigations team to address the complex needs of multinational clients facing heightened regulatory scrutiny. The firm's enhanced capacity, particularly with Simeone's expertise in cross-border matters and courtroom experience, will likely lead to an increased focus on high-stakes cases involving U.S. and international enforcement organizations. This strategic buildout suggests that DLA Piper will actively pursue opportunities to represent companies and executives in internal investigations, government enforcement actions, and related litigation. The firm's investment in this area indicates an anticipation of continued growth in demand for sophisticated legal services in white-collar defense and regulatory compliance, driven by evolving global enforcement trends and the interconnectedness of international business operations.
Beyond the Headlines
The continuous expansion of DLA Piper's investigations practice, particularly in Washington, D.C., underscores a significant shift in the legal landscape where multinational corporations are increasingly subject to stringent regulatory oversight from various governmental bodies. This trend highlights the growing importance of proactive compliance and robust defense strategies for businesses operating globally. The firm's emphasis on cross-border expertise reflects the reality that legal and regulatory challenges rarely respect national boundaries, requiring a coordinated and comprehensive approach. The presence of numerous former government officials within DLA Piper's team also points to the strategic advantage of having individuals with intimate knowledge of enforcement agencies' operations and priorities. This development suggests a long-term commitment by leading law firms to build specialized practices that can effectively navigate the intricate interplay of legal, political, and reputational risks in the global marketplace.
