As Democrats Prep for Surge in Post-Midterm Investigations, So Do Law Firms

Congressional Investigations attorney Ashley Chavous was quoted in a Global Investigations Review article on how law firms are preparing for a potential increase in congressional oversight activity if Democrats regain control of at least one chamber of Congress in the November midterms. The article explored how a divided government could fuel heightened scrutiny of the Trump Administration and companies that interact with it, prompting law firms to expand their congressional investigations capabilities. Ms. Chavous, whose recent move to Holland & Knight exemplifies the firm's efforts to augment resources in this area, discussed lawmakers' investigative authority and noted that bipartisan interest often converges around issues involving technology, energy and consumer affordability. The article also outlined the increasing range of matters that could draw congressional attention, such as administration policies, national security concerns and corporate conduct, and Ms. Chavous shared how procedures on Capitol Hill differ from traditional law enforcement activity.

"[Congressional investigations] are shaped as much by politics and public scrutiny and media attention as by legal considerations and so they often proceed with few meaningful constraints," she said.

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