Frequent change in party control of both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives means one thing for U.S. business: a significant increase in congressional oversight and investigations that will examine business practices, the relationships between business and the current administration, and whether federal regulators have been sufficiently vigilant in their activities.
Being focused on this threat is paramount for any business or industry that finds itself within the potential scope of a congressional investigation. It may signify a highly public examination of a company or an industry in a forum where there are few rules and companies have few rights. The result could well be referral to federal, state or local prosecutors or regulators for enforcement or regulatory action. In addition, trial lawyers are often all too willing to use the fruits of those efforts in civil litigation. Cautious and savvy businesspeople who already know that their industry is in the cross-hairs take measures to prepare for the potential onslaught.
It is important to understand that congressional hearings are unique and very different from ordinary litigation: there is no judge overseeing the proceedings, almost everything is public, and all of it takes place at the center of the U.S. government. Representing companies, industries and individuals in the face of congressional oversight and investigations requires a marriage of high-quality legal and political skills. Working with our White Collar Investigations and Enforcement and Government Affairs Groups, our congressional investigations lawyers can help public and privately held companies navigate and resolve allegations against individuals and corporations.
The accomplished professionals at Bingham have a deep and varied background that brings to bear critical litigation, political and communications skills. We provide background counsel and direct representation. With the resources of an international law firm, Bingham also provides important ancillary legal services such as document review and production under the tight deadlines often imposed by congressional committees.
Our professionals include nationally recognized authorities on congressional investigations such as assistant chief counsel of the Senate Watergate Committee Jim Hamilton,who has written widely in the area, and three former chief counsels of Senate subcommittees: Barry Direnfeld, Tim Shea and Gary Slaiman. The Bingham team understands the interplay between Congress, the media and Wall Street, and we work routinely with companies to prepare for and navigate the many challenges of congressional hearings and investigations.
To the White Collar Investigations and Enforcement.