Cozen O’Connor represents companies and individuals in high-profile and high-stakes congressional investigations. Our experience ranges from discrete requests resolved with little public attention, to some of the most high-profile and contentious investigations, spanning both chambers of Congress and their various committees, and posing significant legal and reputational risks for global companies.
Combining advocacy and litigation skills with political insight, we provide clients with a broad view of the legal landscape, deep understanding of the congressional investigation process and committee operations, familiarity with key investigative members and staff, and an artful application of best practices for responding to document requests or subpoenas.
Our interdisciplinary team includes lawyers from several practices within the firm, such as White Collar Defense & Investigations, Commercial Litigation, and Government & Regulatory, as well as government relations and communications professionals from Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies. This approach allows us to provide a comprehensive strategy and effectively manage all aspects of an investigation, including responding to subpoenas, preparing witnesses for testimony, negotiating document production terms, preparing for interviews and hearings, and managing public relations.
Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, a bipartisan lobbying and public affairs firm, excels at navigating the complexities of a polarized political landscape. This team draws on members’ bipartisan experience with appointees of Presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush; senior Democrat and Republican congressional office and committee staff; and in-house lobbyists from major corporations, nonprofits, and trade associations. This robust political experience with congressional investigations is enhanced by our growing communications team, led by two former congressional committee communications directors. They bring a combined 30 years of crisis communications experience, providing expert guidance in developing and deploying strategies to manage and respond effectively to incidents and crises on behalf of our clients to protect their reputations, brands, and business objectives. From policymakers to decisionmakers, our team helps clients navigate high-stakes communications challenges, strengthen reputations, and respond swiftly to emerging risks.
Our practitioners are steeped in the unique attributes of congressional investigations, which often require strategies and considerations that are different from traditional litigation or other government investigations. Our political skills are matched by our deep substantive knowledge of the laws and regulations affecting major industry segments, which permits us to ensure that political strategies before Congress do not invite unintended legal or regulatory risks. Our lawyers are particularly adept at balancing the legal, public relations, regulatory, and reputational risks associated with congressional investigations, particularly those accompanied by parallel criminal or civil litigation risks.