The prospect of being the subject of a 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 their rights and reputation are protected. 

Given the stakes, the unique demands of a Congressional investigation require experienced counsel.  Whether compelled by subpoena or appearing voluntarily, seasoned guidance is necessary to navigate individuals and corporations through the potential pitfalls associated with Congressional inquiries.  Sonnenschein 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, 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 attorneys and professionals with considerable background in the regulatory and substantive issues that underlie Congressional investigations.  Our strategy incorporates the following:

• 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.

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