Congressional Investigations
The prospect of being the subject of a US
Congressional investigation can be both overwhelming and
challenging. These investigations can expose a company, its
executives, officers, board members and employees to not only
public and media scrutiny but to criminal liability, criminal or
regulatory referrals, administrative penalties and potential civil
litigation.
In the face of a Congressional investigation,
a company or individual must coordinate and address all aspects of
the investigation—legal, political and public relations—to ensure
that rights and reputation are protected.
Given the stakes, the unique demands of a
Congressional investigation require experienced
counsel. Whether one is compelled by subpoena or appearing
voluntarily, seasoned guidance is necessary to navigate individuals
and corporations through the potential pitfalls associated with
Congressional inquiries.
SNR Denton is a leader in representing
companies and individuals in Congressional investigations and
high-profile hearings, and has the necessary skills to manage
legal, political and public relations risks. Our
multidisciplinary team has significant experience representing
companies and individuals in a wide variety of industries,
including health care, pharmaceuticals, financial services, energy,
telecommunications, defense and homeland security.
Our comprehensive approach to Congressional investigations
includes skilled white collar, government investigations and civil
litigators experienced in managing the potential legal liabilities
of Congressional oversight and subpoena authority and also
knowledgeable political professionals with decades of experience on
Capitol Hill and in the executive branch, and veteran strategists
with public relations and crisis communications campaigns. We
also leverage lawyers and professionals with considerable
background in the regulatory and substantive issues that underlie
Congressional investigations.
Areas of Focus
- Active management of strategy, witness
and document preparation, and communications targeted for the
Congressional forum.
- Media, public relations and crisis
communications strategies for external audiences; back office
management of document production, document review, subpoena
responses and document disclosure strategies.
- Substantive knowledge of both industry and regulatory
issues, combined with deep political expertise and up-to-the-minute
knowledge of the key staff, political sensitivities and media
impact of a Congressional investigation.