Holland & Knight - Practice Area Content - Congressional Investigations

Congressional Investigations

Holland & Knight Congressional Investigations Response Team

Holland & Knight's Congressional Investigations Response Team handles client inquiries and concerns on congressional oversight matters. If you have unique issues and concerns that arise when Congress exercises its oversight and investigation functions, members of Holland & Knight's Congressional Investigations Response Team can assist. Our government and litigation attorneys and professionals offer a breadth and depth of knowledge and experience with the congressional oversight process.

Examples of areas where we can assist clients:

Congressional inquiries or investigations
investigations arising from contracting in Iraq, Katrina, or other emergency locations
allegations of reporting or accounting failures by public companies
allegations of fraud, misconduct or other ethical lapses
alleged procurement integrity, ethics in government, or other similar violations

In addition, the firm is affiliated with professionals who have had long and distinguished careers with federal law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), General Accounting Office (GAO) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Their experience includes direct involvement in managing and/or participating in Congressional investigations during their tenure with the government. We also have extensive experience representing clients in the private sector who have been called upon to testify or produce documents in Congressional investigations.

Our team of professionals brings its understanding of the processes on the Hill to the representation and defense of our clients who may be dealing in this arena for the first time. As experienced practitioners, we assist clients with responding efficiently and effectively to Congressional inquiries while also helping to protect our clients' legal rights and reputations. Persuasive communication skills and deep, long-standing ties on both sides of the aisle are Holland & Knight hallmark traits when dealing with Congress and the federal government.

The developments of the 2008 election cycle promise to bring a renewed emphasis on Congressional oversight, particularly in the areas of government contracting, the environment, energy and health care. Holland & Knight has the ability to draw on our colleagues, who are industry and investigative specialists, for assistance in conducting thorough internal investigations, establishing effective corporate governance and compliance programs, communicating our clients' messages to investors and the general public, and servicing other needs as they may arise.

On the strategic communications front, our team is equipped to coordinate legal and governmental representation with the media and the community as well as employee and investor relations efforts associated with what often can be high profile investigations.

Holland & Knight's integrated approach to client service enables us to respond effectively to matters that are often sensitive and capable of impacting the success of an organization.

For additional information on Holland & Knight's Congressional Investigations Response Team, please contact Gerry Sikorski (202.828.5007) or Alan Baron (202.457.5915).

Team Members:

Congressman Gerry Sikorski (D-MN) was in the U.S. House from 1983 to 1993, serving on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, with jurisdiction over telecommunications, finance, trade, consumer protection, health, environment, insurance, nuclear power, securities, utilities, and energy laws and the FCC, FTC, CFTC, FDA, SEC, CMS, IHS, ICC and FERC. During this time he was a key ally of Chairman Dingell as an indefatigable member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, causing The Washington Post's Mary McGrory to call Sikorski a "Dingell Doberman Pinscher." For 10 years Sikorski teamed with Chairman Waxman on numerous Health and Environment Subcommittee initiatives, helping write the Clean Air Act in 1990 and taking the lead on Acid Rain clean up and Community Right to Know. He is immediate past chair of Holland & Knight's Directors Committee, chairs the firm's Government Section and has successfully counseled clients on the legal process, the Congressional procedures, and the government, media and investor relations of being a target of federal oversight and investigations.

Alan Baron has extensive experience in high profile cases in the federal enforcement defense arena, complex civil litigation and government relations. Prior to returning to private practice in 1998, he served as minority chief counsel to the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee for the investigation into campaign finance abuses and from 1987 to 1989, he served as special impeachment counsel to the United States House of Representatives in proceedings which resulted in the impeachment, conviction, and ultimate removal from office of federal judges Alcee Hastings and Walter Nixon. In the private sector, Mr. Baron has represented clients in response to congressional subpoenas.

Rich Gold leads Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Practice and Budget and Appropriations Team. Rich worked under the late Senator Lloyd Bentsen and EPA Administrator Carol Browner for eight years and has extensive expertise in the areas of legislative and environmental law. Since 2000, under his leadership, Holland & Knight has secured over $3.4 billion in appropriations for its clients and continues to offer clients significant public policy resources in our nation’s capital. In March 2007, Mr. Gold was recognized by the National Journal as one of the leading Democratic lobbyists in Washington, D.C.

Christopher DeLacy served as Rules Committee counsel for Senator John Warner of Virginia during consideration of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 ("McCain-Feingold"). He represents clients before the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and state campaign finance and ethics regulatory agencies. He provides advice related to FEC and state reporting requirements, contribution limits, 527 organizations, congressional travel and gift rules and state ballot initiatives. His clients include corporations, trade associations, non-profit organizations, ballot question committees, and campaigns.

A 15-year veteran of the Hill, Kathryn Lehman has significant and wide-ranging experience, having worked closely with the White House, administrative agencies, House and Senate leadership and committees, political committees and other key members of government. Prior to entering private practice, she served as chief of staff for the House Republican Conference. Her career began as counsel on the House Judiciary Committee Staff, where she served for eight years – first as counsel to former Chairman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr, (R-WI) and then as counsel and chief counsel of the Subcommittee on the Constitution for former Chairman Henry J. Hyde (R-IL). She later served as special assistant to then-Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-GA) managing the investigations and oversight portfolio. She also served as policy director to House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-TX), and director of coalitions and outreach for Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL).

Former federal prosecutor John Rowley is an experienced trial lawyer in the areas of complex civil litigation and white collar criminal defense. He joined Holland & Knight after serving during the first half of 1997 as chief counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives committee which investigated political campaign fund-raising improprieties and possible violations of campaign finance law.

Jennifer Short is a partner in the firm's Litigation Section and a member of the White Collar Defense team. She works closely with clients in responding to government inquiries, conducting internal investigations, making voluntary disclosures, and appearing in grand jury proceedings. Ms. Short has particular experience working with corporations and individuals in the highly-regulated health care and government contracting industries. She currently serves as co-chair for the Mid-Atlantic Region of the American Bar Association's White Collar Crime Committee. In 2006, Chambers USA identified Ms. Short as one of the top white collar defense attorneys in Virginia.

David Whitestone served on the legislative staff of U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf, chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on Transportation. Prior to his appropriations committee work, he served as press secretary to Chairman Wolf. He specializes in the areas of appropriations, transportation and government relations emphasizing legislative counseling, strategy development, drafting and monitoring of federal, state and local government activities.

John Hogan has extensive experience dealing with various Executive Branch agencies, as well as with Congress. Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Hogan served five years as chief of staff to the Attorney General of the United States. In that position, he assisted the Attorney General in the management of the Department of Justice. He also interacted with virtually every Administrative agency in Washington, D.C. Hogan also coordinated the Department of Justice's response to various congressional hearings, working closely with the Legislative Affairs staff, as well as the Office of Public Affairs. Hogan also served as the acting United States attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. In that position he oversaw the investigation of the largest bank fraud case in American history. The case had major National Security ramifications in that much of the money was funneled to the Mideast, causing Hogan to maintain an office at the CIA. At Holland & Knight, Hogan's practice has concentrated on major White Collar matters. He also heads the firm's Litigation practice in South Florida.

A former deputy undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (Acquisition Management), Mary Ann Gilleece specializes in providing advice to domestic and foreign corporations on a wide spectrum of issues related to legislative, government contract and business matters. She is knowledgeable about the laws, regulations and internal government procedures concerning the government acquisition process.

Beth Viola is a senior policy advisor. Prior to joining Holland & Knight, she served as a senior advisor to the White House Council on Environmental Quality in the Clinton Administration. Using her extensive knowledge in media relations and government affairs, she provides crisis communications counsel for clients.

Ben Nighthorse Campbell joined Holland & Knight after serving in the U.S. Senate from 1993-2005 and in the U.S. House from 1987-1993. Senator Campbell is one of 44 Chiefs of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe. A recognized leader in public lands and natural resources policy, Senator Campbell served as a senior member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations; Energy and Natural Resources; Veterans' Affairs; Environment and Public Works; and Agriculture in the 108th Congress. He was the first American Indian in history to chair the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and was the only American Indian serving in the Senate when he retired. Senator Campbell also held the position of Deputy Majority Whip. Clients benefit from his efforts in sponsoring legislation to make America safer.

Former leader of Holland & Knight's Government Section, Janet Studley draws upon over 25 years of experience in Washington, D.C., first as a senior Senate committee counsel, and later counseling clients with respect to legislation and congressional investigations. Prior to entering private practice, she served as chief counsel to the Senate Subcommittee on Federal Spending Practices and Open Government of the Governmental Affairs Committee, which conducted numerous investigations of government contracts and federal procurement practices. She also provided advice and counsel to the late Senator Lawton Chiles in his capacity as a member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Since joining Holland & Knight, Ms. Studley's practice has focused on developing congressional and executive branch strategies to address clients' interests and representing clients before Congress, including numerous congressional investigations.

Greg Baldwin is a highly experienced criminal and civil trial attorney with experience in handling Congressional inquiries and investigations. From 1980 through 1982, Mr. Baldwin was assistant counsel to the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations ("PSI"), where he was responsible for organizing, managing and participating in a variety of Congressional investigations and hearings. Prior to serving with PSI, he served as a criminal prosecutor with the United States Department of Justice, Organized Crime and Racketeering Section, 1974-1979. After leaving the PSI, Mr. Baldwin served as assistant United States attorney in Miami, Florida, where he concentrated on prosecuting criminal money laundering as both a member and as the chief of "Operation Greenback," the first federal multi-agency anti-money laundering criminal task force in the United States. Mr. Baldwin joined Holland & Knight in 1986, and was made a partner in 1989. As a Holland & Knight partner, he has been responsible for successfully defending individuals and organizations subject to congressional investigations. Mr. Baldwin specializes in conducting internal corporate investigations, as well as in Money Laundering Control Act and Bank Secrecy Act defense and anti-money laundering statutory and regulatory compliance. He is a frequent speaker at a number of national and international anti-money laundering conferences, and is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist.

Jim Davis joined Holland & Knight after serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 11th Congressional District from 1996 to 2006. During his tenure, he was a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the House Budget Committee and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. While on Energy and Commerce, Jim served on the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. He was elected president of his freshman Congressional class, served as a senior whip for Congressman Steny Hoyer and, also served as a national co-chair of the New Democrat Coalition. Because of that, Jim worked very closely with members of the Blue Dog Coalition and New Democrat Coalition. His expertise on Energy and Commerce related issues was well regarded by his colleagues and he continues to remain active in those areas.

Karl Koch brings significant experience in both federal and state governments, including the executive and legislative branches, as well as the private sector. Mr. Koch's career in public service began in 1988 with his work for former U.S. Representative Buddy MacKay. In the 1990s, he worked on both campaigns for the late Gov. Lawton Chiles and served as chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Buddy MacKay. Mr. Koch gained national exposure as the Florida director for the Clinton/Gore presidential reelection campaign in 1996. From 1997-2002 he served as vice-president and principal of Dewey Square Group, a national public affairs firm, before serving as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Jim Davis.