Crisis Management & Investigations

Ropes & Gray excels in handling both high-profile and discreet U.S. government investigations. As a leading enforcement defense practice, we assist clients in responding to high-profile criminal and regulatory inquiries and defending against proceedings by the DOJ, SEC, state attorneys general and other regulatory bodies. Our team, which includes seasoned former prosecutors and government lawyers, understands the complexities of the regulatory environment. We conduct thorough, sensitive and privileged inquiries, navigating complex investigations efficiently and tactfully.

In today's climate of increasing government investigation and enforcement, companies and executives need tools to manage risk across borders. Clients worldwide rely on Ropes & Gray for cross-border investigations and enforcement actions. We have a successful track record of navigating complex challenges, offering strategic counsel and managing diverse local regulations. Our team speaks over 60 languages, allowing us to handle linguistic nuances in global investigations. Additionally, our extensive network of preferred local counsel enables us to provide comprehensive assessments of enforcement risks across jurisdictions, ensuring unparalleled global investigative services.

Over many decades, Ropes & Gray has helped clients across industries address and resolve complex issues presented by sexual misconduct, workplace harassment and discrimination, and other highly sensitive allegations, including assessment, investigation, remediation, litigation and proactive compliance efforts. Combining a deep bench of legal expertise with an empathic and trauma-informed approach, our attorneys frequently investigate misconduct claims involving key executives, officers and directors, and advise clients on related issues, including disciplinary or remediation measures as appropriate. We have established a global interdisciplinary team—including government enforcement lawyers, civil litigators, corporate governance and disclosure experts, employment specialists, former prosecutors, and other practice and industry experts—who work together seamlessly to assist clients in effectively navigating the full spectrum of issues and risks presented.

Government agencies—including the SEC and DOJ—are increasingly focused on whistleblowers, incentivizing individuals to report misconduct and examining companies’ commitment to whistleblower protection and anti-retaliation. Ropes & Gray advises clients on whistleblower laws, conducts internal investigations, develops risk mitigation strategies, and represents clients before agencies and in court, including in defense against retaliation claims. Our market-leading False Claims Act practice and deep understanding of the government's approach enable us to offer creative and practical strategies. Whistleblower cases often run parallel to other investigations and legal actions; we provide strategic advice on navigating these concurrent challenges, including class actions, securities litigation, product liability claims, consumer protection investigations and employment disputes.

Ropes & Gray has a deep understanding of the issues faced by today’s special committees, recognizing both the opportunities and challenges these committees encounter. Collaborating closely with our clients’ boards of directors, financial and public relations advisors, and our corporate and securities colleagues, we provide comprehensive counsel to achieve the best litigation, transactional, public relations and governance solutions. Our proven success in defending derivative and other corporate litigation is rooted in our holistic, 360-degree approach, combining vigilant advocacy with strategic counseling to guide our clients to the most effective and cost-efficient outcomes. The depth and breadth of our practice across legal disciplines, geographies and industries helps to ensure that difficult legal issues do not become a roadblock to the success of any client.

Companies must be prepared to handle crises from shareholder activism to protect their interests and maintain stability. Ropes & Gray offers strategic advice to public companies and investors in proxy contests, pre-contest negotiations and shareholder engagement, focusing on favorable outcomes with minimal business disruption. Our experience with publicly traded companies and institutional investors provides unique insights into their motivations and strategies. Our integrated teams from litigation, securities regulation, M&A and corporate governance manage reputational risk, potential loss of control, SEC compliance, and shareholder relationships. With extensive experience before the Delaware Court of Chancery, we effectively litigate proxy contests, board entrenchment claims, and other board control disputes. 

Ropes & Gray views compliance and culture as not exclusively legal, regulatory or enforcement issues. We recognize that they are also deeply human ones. Culture, for example, may contribute to a crisis situation, or it may offer a way to navigate risks—including reputational risks—faced by an organization. With this in mind, R&G Insights Lab helps clients elevate compliance programs by using data and behavioral science to engage employees, assess culture, measure risk and outcomes, and shape behaviors and culture that drive success. Hear some of these innovative perspectives on our Culture & Compliance Chronicles podcast series.