Strategic Risk and Crisis Management
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Crisis Management Experience
Our team of crisis management experts are skilled at navigating the fast-paced and global nature of today’s media and legal environment and are adept at helping clients to navigate and defend bet-the-company crises and high-impact investigations and litigation.
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An Interdisciplinary Team of Talented Veterans
Wilson Sonsini’s strategic risk and crisis management group is comprised of partners and other experienced attorneys—including former prosecutors and federal and state regulatory enforcement leaders—across our highly regarded investigations, regulatory, and litigation teams who have expertise advising clients on issues that often arise in crisis situations.
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Unique Challenges Facing Technology and Life Sciences Companies
Our position as the leading provider of legal services to technology and life sciences clients means our team is comfortable with the fast-paced environment of our clients. We understand the need for immediate action and the intricacies of our clients and their markets.
Technology and life sciences companies face increasing internal pressures and external scrutiny. Many have endured disruptions to ongoing business, damage to corporate standing, and loss of shareholder value. Others have confronted global public relations crises that threatened to undermine business objectives.
We excel at providing strategic, responsive, and comprehensive representation
Wilson Sonsini’s team consists of crisis management veterans who advise clients when they need to respond quickly, effectively, and comprehensively in the wake of unforeseen developments. They also help clients strategize and prepare for challenges that present substantial risk to their organizations. Additionally, our team helps clients develop preventative measures to reduce risk or eliminate potential exposure from controversies.
Whether we are mobilizing during the early stages of a developing situation or coordinating a multifaceted response and engaging in damage control after challenges have grown into formidable internal or public conflicts, our team is adept at devising comprehensive strategies that help clients manage and contain problems. We know time is of the essence—and that minutes matter.
In short, we are strategic and preventative when possible, and we are responsive and comprehensive in situations where control and containment are needed.
Our scope of experience includes:
- congressional investigations;
- U.S., EU, and other international government criminal, civil, and other regulatory agency investigations;
- corporate malfeasance allegations;
- cybersecurity and ransomware attacks and data breaches;
- allegations related to technology’s role in disinformation campaigns;
- supply chain failures;
- regulatory compliance and disclosure shifts;
- executive misconduct allegations; and
- high-stakes contested matters and litigation.
Our congressional investigation and enforcement/regulatory agency experience
Our team has proven abilities to handle congressional and other government agency investigations at every stage, including responding to informal inquiries and formal committee requests and subpoenas; managing discovery; and drafting testimony and preparing executives for high-profile, public hearings before Congress and other agencies.
Nearly every member of Wilson Sonsini’s interdisciplinary crisis management group has direct experience in federal governmental enforcement and regulatory agencies. The team includes senior practitioners who have held senior roles in U.S. Attorneys’ offices, the SEC, the DOJ, the FTC, state attorneys general, and other prosecutorial or regulatory enforcement posts, as well as former senior officials at major regulatory and judiciary bodies in the areas of governance, securities laws, stock exchange rules, compliance, and corporate best practices.
Our in-depth understanding of technology and life sciences companies
Wilson Sonsini has valuable expertise through our position as the leading provider of legal services to technology and life sciences clients, which was earned by representing disruptive, market-creating companies—from semiconductor, computer, and software innovators to today’s life sciences, internet, and social media leaders. That translates to us having a unique platform that is comfortable with the fast-paced environment of our clients. So, not only do we understand the need for immediate action, we understand the intricacies of our clients and their market sensitivities when faced with controversies.
Our cross-disciplinary team’s highly relevant experience
Wilson Sonsini’s team is comprised of partners and other experienced practitioners whose practices are focused on the range of issues that often arise in conjunction with fast-paced, high-stakes crises. Included are veteran attorneys from our various advisory, regulatory, and litigation practices, including:
- Antitrust
- Board and internal investigations
- Class action litigation
- Corporate governance and related litigation
- Federal Trade Commission and consumer products
- Government investigations
- National security (export-trade and FCPA)
- Privacy, cybersecurity, and data protection
- Shareholder activism
- Trial
- White collar criminal defense
Overview
Technology and life sciences companies face increasing internal pressures and external scrutiny. Many have endured disruptions to ongoing business, damage to corporate standing, and loss of shareholder value. Others have confronted global public relations crises that threatened to undermine business objectives.
We excel at providing strategic, responsive, and comprehensive representation
Wilson Sonsini’s team consists of crisis management veterans who advise clients when they need to respond quickly, effectively, and comprehensively in the wake of unforeseen developments. They also help clients strategize and prepare for challenges that present substantial risk to their organizations. Additionally, our team helps clients develop preventative measures to reduce risk or eliminate potential exposure from controversies.
Whether we are mobilizing during the early stages of a developing situation or coordinating a multifaceted response and engaging in damage control after challenges have grown into formidable internal or public conflicts, our team is adept at devising comprehensive strategies that help clients manage and contain problems. We know time is of the essence—and that minutes matter.
In short, we are strategic and preventative when possible, and we are responsive and comprehensive in situations where control and containment are needed.
Our scope of experience includes:
- congressional investigations;
- U.S., EU, and other international government criminal, civil, and other regulatory agency investigations;
- corporate malfeasance allegations;
- cybersecurity and ransomware attacks and data breaches;
- allegations related to technology’s role in disinformation campaigns;
- supply chain failures;
- regulatory compliance and disclosure shifts;
- executive misconduct allegations; and
- high-stakes contested matters and litigation.
Our congressional investigation and enforcement/regulatory agency experience
Our team has proven abilities to handle congressional and other government agency investigations at every stage, including responding to informal inquiries and formal committee requests and subpoenas; managing discovery; and drafting testimony and preparing executives for high-profile, public hearings before Congress and other agencies.
Nearly every member of Wilson Sonsini’s interdisciplinary crisis management group has direct experience in federal governmental enforcement and regulatory agencies. The team includes senior practitioners who have held senior roles in U.S. Attorneys’ offices, the SEC, the DOJ, the FTC, state attorneys general, and other prosecutorial or regulatory enforcement posts, as well as former senior officials at major regulatory and judiciary bodies in the areas of governance, securities laws, stock exchange rules, compliance, and corporate best practices.
Our in-depth understanding of technology and life sciences companies
Wilson Sonsini has valuable expertise through our position as the leading provider of legal services to technology and life sciences clients, which was earned by representing disruptive, market-creating companies—from semiconductor, computer, and software innovators to today’s life sciences, internet, and social media leaders. That translates to us having a unique platform that is comfortable with the fast-paced environment of our clients. So, not only do we understand the need for immediate action, we understand the intricacies of our clients and their market sensitivities when faced with controversies.
Our cross-disciplinary team’s highly relevant experience
Wilson Sonsini’s team is comprised of partners and other experienced practitioners whose practices are focused on the range of issues that often arise in conjunction with fast-paced, high-stakes crises. Included are veteran attorneys from our various advisory, regulatory, and litigation practices, including:
- Antitrust
- Board and internal investigations
- Class action litigation
- Corporate governance and related litigation
- Federal Trade Commission and consumer products
- Government investigations
- National security (export-trade and FCPA)
- Privacy, cybersecurity, and data protection
- Shareholder activism
- Trial
- White collar criminal defense
Alerts
Strings Attached: New Proposed Rules Outline National Security Guardrails for CHIPS Act Funding Recipients
On March 23, 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (proposed rule) that sets forth the national security guardrails for funding under the CHIPS and Science Act (CHIPS). The proposed rule is titled “Preventing the Improper Use of CHIPS Act Funding” and, as that name implies, its purpose is to ensure CHIPS-funded technology and innovation is not used by adversarial countries against the interests of United States or its allies and partners.
Alerts
CHIPS Program Office Releases Resources for Preparation of Applications
As described in our client alert earlier this month, the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s CHIPS Program Office published a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) directed towards funding the construction, expansion, or modernization of commercial facilities for the front- and back-end fabrication of leading-edge, current-generation, and mature-node semiconductors. During this last week of March, the CHIPS Program Office made available a series of resources to help applicants prepare their pre-application and application materials for the FOA. A summary of and links to those resources are set forth below:
Alerts
Congress Ramping Up Focus on Artificial Intelligence: American Companies Will Need a Strong Response
This month, the Senate Homeland Security and Government Accountability Committee (HSGAC) and the House Subcommittee on Cyber Security, Information Technology, and Government Innovation held hearings on the risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI). The pervasive concern throughout both hearings, voiced by lawmakers and witnesses alike, was that the government is not adequately prepared to harness or regulate the coming advancements in AI. Eric Schmidt, former CEO and Executive Chairman of Google, testified that this moment in the development of AI represents a “clear demarcation, a before and an after,” and lawmakers sought input from witnesses on the best ways to hold tech companies accountable and to protect consumers and workers. Members repeatedly noted that AI can be a force for good, but also expressed concern about the risks it poses to privacy, safety, and national security.
Alerts
Bipartisan Calls for Congressional Investigations in the Wake of Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
As Congress and the White House continue to grapple with the fallout of Silicon Valley Bank’s (SVB) collapse, both parties are united on one thing: Congress must investigate what happened. Following news that regulators seized New York-based Signature Bank on March 12, 2023, President Biden addressed the nation the next morning to reassure consumers and the markets that the broader financial system remains stable. But he also said that “there are important questions of how these banks got into these circumstances in the first place.” He urged a “full accounting of what happened and why those responsible can be held accountable,” saying that “no one is above the law.”1
Alerts
Important Tips When Establishing New Bank Accounts and Updating Wire Transfer Information
With the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) takeover of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), we expect a number of entities to begin establishing new bank accounts and updating wire transfer information. This creates opportunities for hackers and criminal organizations to introduce fraudulent wire transfer information in order to steal wire transfers. Failure to verify new wire transfer information prior to transferring money may be considered a failure of financial controls, and each year millions of dollars are lost to this type of fraud. Please keep the following information in mind if you are asked to wire money to a new bank account.
Alerts
CHIPS Act Funding Kicks Off: First Tranche of Funding Announced
On February 28, 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST’s) CHIPS Program Office published the first Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) under the CHIPS and Science Act (for background on this Act, see Wilson Sonsini’s prior alert, here). This initial FOA is directed towards funding the construction, expansion, or modernization of commercial facilities for the front- and back-end fabrication of leading-edge, current-generation, and mature-node semiconductors. Those interested in obtaining funds should review the FOA and related documentation at https://www.nist.gov/chips/notice-funding-opportunity-commercial-fabrication-facilities. Further FOAs focused on funding opportunities for facilities that build semiconductor materials and manufacturing equipment and facilities that support semiconductor research and development will be released later this year. A brief outline of the eligibility requirements, application process, and evaluation criteria for this initial FOA are set forth below:
Insights
Alerts
Strings Attached: New Proposed Rules Outline National Security Guardrails for CHIPS Act Funding Recipients
On March 23, 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (proposed rule) that sets forth the national security guardrails for funding under the CHIPS and Science Act (CHIPS). The proposed rule is titled “Preventing the Improper Use of CHIPS Act Funding” and, as that name implies, its purpose is to ensure CHIPS-funded technology and innovation is not used by adversarial countries against the interests of United States or its allies and partners.
Alerts
CHIPS Program Office Releases Resources for Preparation of Applications
As described in our client alert earlier this month, the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s CHIPS Program Office published a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) directed towards funding the construction, expansion, or modernization of commercial facilities for the front- and back-end fabrication of leading-edge, current-generation, and mature-node semiconductors. During this last week of March, the CHIPS Program Office made available a series of resources to help applicants prepare their pre-application and application materials for the FOA. A summary of and links to those resources are set forth below:
Alerts
Congress Ramping Up Focus on Artificial Intelligence: American Companies Will Need a Strong Response
This month, the Senate Homeland Security and Government Accountability Committee (HSGAC) and the House Subcommittee on Cyber Security, Information Technology, and Government Innovation held hearings on the risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI). The pervasive concern throughout both hearings, voiced by lawmakers and witnesses alike, was that the government is not adequately prepared to harness or regulate the coming advancements in AI. Eric Schmidt, former CEO and Executive Chairman of Google, testified that this moment in the development of AI represents a “clear demarcation, a before and an after,” and lawmakers sought input from witnesses on the best ways to hold tech companies accountable and to protect consumers and workers. Members repeatedly noted that AI can be a force for good, but also expressed concern about the risks it poses to privacy, safety, and national security.
Alerts
Bipartisan Calls for Congressional Investigations in the Wake of Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
As Congress and the White House continue to grapple with the fallout of Silicon Valley Bank’s (SVB) collapse, both parties are united on one thing: Congress must investigate what happened. Following news that regulators seized New York-based Signature Bank on March 12, 2023, President Biden addressed the nation the next morning to reassure consumers and the markets that the broader financial system remains stable. But he also said that “there are important questions of how these banks got into these circumstances in the first place.” He urged a “full accounting of what happened and why those responsible can be held accountable,” saying that “no one is above the law.”1
Alerts
Important Tips When Establishing New Bank Accounts and Updating Wire Transfer Information
With the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) takeover of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), we expect a number of entities to begin establishing new bank accounts and updating wire transfer information. This creates opportunities for hackers and criminal organizations to introduce fraudulent wire transfer information in order to steal wire transfers. Failure to verify new wire transfer information prior to transferring money may be considered a failure of financial controls, and each year millions of dollars are lost to this type of fraud. Please keep the following information in mind if you are asked to wire money to a new bank account.
Alerts
CHIPS Act Funding Kicks Off: First Tranche of Funding Announced
On February 28, 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST’s) CHIPS Program Office published the first Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) under the CHIPS and Science Act (for background on this Act, see Wilson Sonsini’s prior alert, here). This initial FOA is directed towards funding the construction, expansion, or modernization of commercial facilities for the front- and back-end fabrication of leading-edge, current-generation, and mature-node semiconductors. Those interested in obtaining funds should review the FOA and related documentation at https://www.nist.gov/chips/notice-funding-opportunity-commercial-fabrication-facilities. Further FOAs focused on funding opportunities for facilities that build semiconductor materials and manufacturing equipment and facilities that support semiconductor research and development will be released later this year. A brief outline of the eligibility requirements, application process, and evaluation criteria for this initial FOA are set forth below:
Affiliated Programs
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and International Anti-Corruption Developments 2024
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) is at the top of most companies’ key risk areas. The DOJ and SEC are committed to investigating violations and charging both companies and individuals. As more countries and international organizations ramp up their anti-corruption enforcement, the need for effective anti-corruption programs grows. This program, taught by a faculty of leading practitioners, in-house counsel, and government officials, will give you the knowledge and tools you need to spot the issues early, develop workable risk management processes, plan and manage investigations, and implement effective compliance programs.
Affiliated Programs
Race, Religion, and the Corporation: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Two Supreme Court decisions issued on June 29, 2023, promise to fundamentally reshape the relationship between employers and employees. These decisions will make it easier for employees to obtain religious accommodations, and harder for employers to promote diversity. In Groff v. DeJoy, the Court held that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that employers grant religious accommodations unless doing so imposes a “substantial” hardship on the employer. This standard is significantly more burdensome for employers than the pre-existing de minimis burden test, and could lead to a sharp increase in demands for religious accommodations. In cases against Harvard and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Court ruled that the universities’ affirmative action admissions programs violate the Constitution’s equal protection clause. The decision effectively ends race-conscious admissions programs, and leaves many businesses concerned about the legality of race-based preferences in hiring, promotions, and contracting. Republican state attorneys general have already sent a letter to CEOs of the 100 largest U.S. companies arguing that the decision also applies to private employers in an effort to force employers to roll back DEI programs and commitments.
Affiliated Programs
28th Annual Stanford Directors’ College
Wilson Sonsini is proud to support the 28th Annual Directors’ College from June 26 – 28. This conference is the nation’s premier executive education program for directors and C-level executives of publicly traded firms. The program addresses a broad range of problems that confront modern boards, including the board’s role in setting business strategy, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), CEO succession, techniques for controlling legal liability, challenges posed by activist investors, boardroom dynamics, and contemporary challenges including the state of the macroeconomy, the politicization of the corporation, and emerging ransomware and cybersecurity threats.
Wilson Sonsini partner Katherine Henderson will serve as a panelist for the program, “Risk Management and Compliance at the Board Level: Caremark Obligations and Beyond,” on Tuesday, June 27 from 1:55 to 2:55 pm.
Wilson Sonsini partner Katherine Henderson will serve as a panelist for the program, “Risk Management and Compliance at the Board Level: Caremark Obligations and Beyond,” on Tuesday, June 27 from 1:55 to 2:55 pm.
Affiliated Programs
Securities Enforcement Forum West 2023
Securities Enforcement Forum West is a unique, one-day conference that brings together hundreds of current and former senior SEC officials, securities enforcement and white-collar attorneys, in-house counsel and compliance executives, and other top professionals in the field. This year’s conference will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the Four Seasons San Francisco, and will also be available for attendees to view live online. 7+ hours of CLE credit are available to attendees (pending).
Events
Affiliated Programs
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and International Anti-Corruption Developments 2024
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) is at the top of most companies’ key risk areas. The DOJ and SEC are committed to investigating violations and charging both companies and individuals. As more countries and international organizations ramp up their anti-corruption enforcement, the need for effective anti-corruption programs grows. This program, taught by a faculty of leading practitioners, in-house counsel, and government officials, will give you the knowledge and tools you need to spot the issues early, develop workable risk management processes, plan and manage investigations, and implement effective compliance programs.
Affiliated Programs
Race, Religion, and the Corporation: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Two Supreme Court decisions issued on June 29, 2023, promise to fundamentally reshape the relationship between employers and employees. These decisions will make it easier for employees to obtain religious accommodations, and harder for employers to promote diversity. In Groff v. DeJoy, the Court held that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that employers grant religious accommodations unless doing so imposes a “substantial” hardship on the employer. This standard is significantly more burdensome for employers than the pre-existing de minimis burden test, and could lead to a sharp increase in demands for religious accommodations. In cases against Harvard and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Court ruled that the universities’ affirmative action admissions programs violate the Constitution’s equal protection clause. The decision effectively ends race-conscious admissions programs, and leaves many businesses concerned about the legality of race-based preferences in hiring, promotions, and contracting. Republican state attorneys general have already sent a letter to CEOs of the 100 largest U.S. companies arguing that the decision also applies to private employers in an effort to force employers to roll back DEI programs and commitments.
Affiliated Programs
28th Annual Stanford Directors’ College
Wilson Sonsini is proud to support the 28th Annual Directors’ College from June 26 – 28. This conference is the nation’s premier executive education program for directors and C-level executives of publicly traded firms. The program addresses a broad range of problems that confront modern boards, including the board’s role in setting business strategy, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), CEO succession, techniques for controlling legal liability, challenges posed by activist investors, boardroom dynamics, and contemporary challenges including the state of the macroeconomy, the politicization of the corporation, and emerging ransomware and cybersecurity threats.
Wilson Sonsini partner Katherine Henderson will serve as a panelist for the program, “Risk Management and Compliance at the Board Level: Caremark Obligations and Beyond,” on Tuesday, June 27 from 1:55 to 2:55 pm.
Wilson Sonsini partner Katherine Henderson will serve as a panelist for the program, “Risk Management and Compliance at the Board Level: Caremark Obligations and Beyond,” on Tuesday, June 27 from 1:55 to 2:55 pm.
Affiliated Programs
Securities Enforcement Forum West 2023
Securities Enforcement Forum West is a unique, one-day conference that brings together hundreds of current and former senior SEC officials, securities enforcement and white-collar attorneys, in-house counsel and compliance executives, and other top professionals in the field. This year’s conference will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at the Four Seasons San Francisco, and will also be available for attendees to view live online. 7+ hours of CLE credit are available to attendees (pending).
Steve E. Bochner
Partner
Steve has over 39 years of corporate law experience, serving as lead counsel for many of Silicon Valley's most prominent companies.
Michael S. Casey
Partner
Mike Casey is a dual-qualified, Chambers-ranked partner in the London office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. His practice focuses on investigations and regulatory compliance matters related to economic sanctions, export controls, money laundering, corruption, and white-collar fraud. In addition, he regularly acts as a specialist in mergers, acquisitions, venture financings, lending arrangements, and other types of corporate transactions. He also frequently advises clients on the UK’s National Security and Investment Act and other foreign direct investment review regimes.
Christopher Chiou
Partner
Chris Chiou is a litigation partner in the Los Angeles office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. He represents clients in high-stakes complex commercial litigation and investigations, with an emphasis on business disputes. Chris is experienced in all stages of litigation, from counseling clients before lawsuits are filed through trying cases before juries. He also leads internal investigations on behalf of corporations and advises them on compliance issues, including providing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act training to executives at multinational companies. Chris is certified by the International Association of Privacy Professionals in information privacy and data protection.
Before joining the firm, Chris served as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada. As the district’s chief federal law enforcement officer, he oversaw criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States, including financial litigation cases, and prosecuted cybercrime (particularly ransomware and business email compromise), white collar crime, and public corruption. In 2021, Chris served on a nationwide task force to determine how the U.S. Department of Justice can more effectively combat hate crimes and hate incidents.
Chris was previously a partner at Jenner & Block, where he helped start the Los Angeles office in 2009.
Before joining the firm, Chris served as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada. As the district’s chief federal law enforcement officer, he oversaw criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States, including financial litigation cases, and prosecuted cybercrime (particularly ransomware and business email compromise), white collar crime, and public corruption. In 2021, Chris served on a nationwide task force to determine how the U.S. Department of Justice can more effectively combat hate crimes and hate incidents.
Chris was previously a partner at Jenner & Block, where he helped start the Los Angeles office in 2009.
Leo Cunningham
Partner
Leo is a former federal prosecutor who represents clients in sensitive litigation matters, including federal and state court trials.
Moe Fodeman
Partner
Moe is an experienced attorney in white collar criminal defense, U.S. SEC enforcement defense, compliance and regulatory matters, and complex civil litigation.
Caz Hashemi
Partner
Caz is head of the litigation department at Wilson Sonsini and has represented companies and boards in more than 100 SEC, government, and internal investigations matters.
Tarek J. Helou
Partner
Tarek represents companies in internal investigations and defends companies and individuals in significant and multi-jurisdictional government enforcement actions.
Luis Li
Partner
An accomplished trial lawyer and fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Luis Li has led and played an integral role in numerous high-stakes, high-profile trials for a wide range of clients and has tried dozens of cases to verdict in state and federal courts across the country. Luis is consistently recognized in the Chambers USA guide, where his clients have described him as “Spectacular in court with a limitless pool of skills – down to earth and can talk to a jury” and as a “Top trial lawyer - just outstanding on his feet in front of a jury in court.” His experience includes complex business litigation, corporate crisis management, internal investigations, white collar criminal defense, and international enforcement matters. Luis has represented a variety of leading companies and individuals across a range of industries, including technology, biotech, aerospace, media and entertainment, sports, oil and gas, social media, and cultural institutions. His background as a former assistant United States attorney has served to establish him as a trusted advisor for the most complex cases and sensitive internal corporate investigations.
Matthew Macdonald
Partner
Matthew Macdonald focuses on high-stakes litigation in federal and state courts across the country, with experience defending clients in cutting-edge disputes in technology, life sciences, intellectual property, and other areas.
Melissa Mills
Partner
Melissa Mills is a litigation partner in the Los Angeles office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she is a member of the firm’s national team of trial lawyers known for its success in litigating cutting-edge disputes in technology, intellectual property, and other areas.
Since joining the firm in 2022, Melissa has worked on a broad variety of complex litigation matters. She obtained a complete victory on behalf of a large public technology company sued by its former CEO, who sought over a hundred million dollars in damages and was awarded nothing following a contested proceeding wherein the arbitrator rejected every claim. She served as part of the trial team representing Vanessa Bryant in her historic victory on federal civil rights claims against Los Angeles County for sharing photos from the helicopter crash that killed her husband, Kobe Bryant, and their daughter, Gianna. Melissa’s other work at the firm has included favorably resolving, shortly before trial, a multidistrict antitrust case on behalf of a major international corporation; defending a former technology executive against a variety of tort claims; and litigating a complex anti-monopolization action on behalf of an insulin manufacturer.
Since joining the firm in 2022, Melissa has worked on a broad variety of complex litigation matters. She obtained a complete victory on behalf of a large public technology company sued by its former CEO, who sought over a hundred million dollars in damages and was awarded nothing following a contested proceeding wherein the arbitrator rejected every claim. She served as part of the trial team representing Vanessa Bryant in her historic victory on federal civil rights claims against Los Angeles County for sharing photos from the helicopter crash that killed her husband, Kobe Bryant, and their daughter, Gianna. Melissa’s other work at the firm has included favorably resolving, shortly before trial, a multidistrict antitrust case on behalf of a major international corporation; defending a former technology executive against a variety of tort claims; and litigating a complex anti-monopolization action on behalf of an insulin manufacturer.
People
Steve E. Bochner
Partner
Steve has over 39 years of corporate law experience, serving as lead counsel for many of Silicon Valley's most prominent companies.
Michael S. Casey
Partner
Mike Casey is a dual-qualified, Chambers-ranked partner in the London office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. His practice focuses on investigations and regulatory compliance matters related to economic sanctions, export controls, money laundering, corruption, and white-collar fraud. In addition, he regularly acts as a specialist in mergers, acquisitions, venture financings, lending arrangements, and other types of corporate transactions. He also frequently advises clients on the UK’s National Security and Investment Act and other foreign direct investment review regimes.
Christopher Chiou
Partner
Chris Chiou is a litigation partner in the Los Angeles office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. He represents clients in high-stakes complex commercial litigation and investigations, with an emphasis on business disputes. Chris is experienced in all stages of litigation, from counseling clients before lawsuits are filed through trying cases before juries. He also leads internal investigations on behalf of corporations and advises them on compliance issues, including providing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act training to executives at multinational companies. Chris is certified by the International Association of Privacy Professionals in information privacy and data protection.
Before joining the firm, Chris served as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada. As the district’s chief federal law enforcement officer, he oversaw criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States, including financial litigation cases, and prosecuted cybercrime (particularly ransomware and business email compromise), white collar crime, and public corruption. In 2021, Chris served on a nationwide task force to determine how the U.S. Department of Justice can more effectively combat hate crimes and hate incidents.
Chris was previously a partner at Jenner & Block, where he helped start the Los Angeles office in 2009.
Before joining the firm, Chris served as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada. As the district’s chief federal law enforcement officer, he oversaw criminal and civil cases brought on behalf of the United States, including financial litigation cases, and prosecuted cybercrime (particularly ransomware and business email compromise), white collar crime, and public corruption. In 2021, Chris served on a nationwide task force to determine how the U.S. Department of Justice can more effectively combat hate crimes and hate incidents.
Chris was previously a partner at Jenner & Block, where he helped start the Los Angeles office in 2009.
Leo Cunningham
Partner
Leo is a former federal prosecutor who represents clients in sensitive litigation matters, including federal and state court trials.
Moe Fodeman
Partner
Moe is an experienced attorney in white collar criminal defense, U.S. SEC enforcement defense, compliance and regulatory matters, and complex civil litigation.
Caz Hashemi
Partner
Caz is head of the litigation department at Wilson Sonsini and has represented companies and boards in more than 100 SEC, government, and internal investigations matters.
Tarek J. Helou
Partner
Tarek represents companies in internal investigations and defends companies and individuals in significant and multi-jurisdictional government enforcement actions.
Luis Li
Partner
An accomplished trial lawyer and fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, Luis Li has led and played an integral role in numerous high-stakes, high-profile trials for a wide range of clients and has tried dozens of cases to verdict in state and federal courts across the country. Luis is consistently recognized in the Chambers USA guide, where his clients have described him as “Spectacular in court with a limitless pool of skills – down to earth and can talk to a jury” and as a “Top trial lawyer - just outstanding on his feet in front of a jury in court.” His experience includes complex business litigation, corporate crisis management, internal investigations, white collar criminal defense, and international enforcement matters. Luis has represented a variety of leading companies and individuals across a range of industries, including technology, biotech, aerospace, media and entertainment, sports, oil and gas, social media, and cultural institutions. His background as a former assistant United States attorney has served to establish him as a trusted advisor for the most complex cases and sensitive internal corporate investigations.
Matthew Macdonald
Partner
Matthew Macdonald focuses on high-stakes litigation in federal and state courts across the country, with experience defending clients in cutting-edge disputes in technology, life sciences, intellectual property, and other areas.
Melissa Mills
Partner
Melissa Mills is a litigation partner in the Los Angeles office of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, where she is a member of the firm’s national team of trial lawyers known for its success in litigating cutting-edge disputes in technology, intellectual property, and other areas.
Since joining the firm in 2022, Melissa has worked on a broad variety of complex litigation matters. She obtained a complete victory on behalf of a large public technology company sued by its former CEO, who sought over a hundred million dollars in damages and was awarded nothing following a contested proceeding wherein the arbitrator rejected every claim. She served as part of the trial team representing Vanessa Bryant in her historic victory on federal civil rights claims against Los Angeles County for sharing photos from the helicopter crash that killed her husband, Kobe Bryant, and their daughter, Gianna. Melissa’s other work at the firm has included favorably resolving, shortly before trial, a multidistrict antitrust case on behalf of a major international corporation; defending a former technology executive against a variety of tort claims; and litigating a complex anti-monopolization action on behalf of an insulin manufacturer.
Since joining the firm in 2022, Melissa has worked on a broad variety of complex litigation matters. She obtained a complete victory on behalf of a large public technology company sued by its former CEO, who sought over a hundred million dollars in damages and was awarded nothing following a contested proceeding wherein the arbitrator rejected every claim. She served as part of the trial team representing Vanessa Bryant in her historic victory on federal civil rights claims against Los Angeles County for sharing photos from the helicopter crash that killed her husband, Kobe Bryant, and their daughter, Gianna. Melissa’s other work at the firm has included favorably resolving, shortly before trial, a multidistrict antitrust case on behalf of a major international corporation; defending a former technology executive against a variety of tort claims; and litigating a complex anti-monopolization action on behalf of an insulin manufacturer.
Recent Insights
Alerts
Strings Attached: New Proposed Rules Outline National Security Guardrails for CHIPS Act Funding Recipients
On March 23, 2023, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (proposed rule) that sets forth the national security guardrails for funding under the CHIPS and Science Act (CHIPS). The proposed rule is titled “Preventing the Improper Use of CHIPS Act Funding” and, as that name implies, its purpose is to ensure CHIPS-funded technology and innovation is not used by adversarial countries against the interests of United States or its allies and partners.
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Alerts
CHIPS Program Office Releases Resources for Preparation of Applications
As described in our client alert earlier this month, the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s CHIPS Program Office published a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) directed towards funding the construction, expansion, or modernization of commercial facilities for the front- and back-end fabrication of leading-edge, current-generation, and mature-node semiconductors. During this last week of March, the CHIPS Program Office made available a series of resources to help applicants prepare their pre-application and application materials for the FOA. A summary of and links to those resources are set forth below:
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Recent Events
Affiliated Programs
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and International Anti-Corruption Developments 2024
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) is at the top of most companies’ key risk areas. The DOJ and SEC are committed to investigating violations and charging both companies and individuals. As more countries and international organizations ramp up their anti-corruption enforcement, the need for effective anti-corruption programs grows. This program, taught by a faculty of leading practitioners, in-house counsel, and government officials, will give you the knowledge and tools you need to spot the issues early, develop workable risk management processes, plan and manage investigations, and implement effective compliance programs.
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Affiliated Programs
Race, Religion, and the Corporation: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Two Supreme Court decisions issued on June 29, 2023, promise to fundamentally reshape the relationship between employers and employees. These decisions will make it easier for employees to obtain religious accommodations, and harder for employers to promote diversity. In Groff v. DeJoy, the Court held that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that employers grant religious accommodations unless doing so imposes a “substantial” hardship on the employer. This standard is significantly more burdensome for employers than the pre-existing de minimis burden test, and could lead to a sharp increase in demands for religious accommodations. In cases against Harvard and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Court ruled that the universities’ affirmative action admissions programs violate the Constitution’s equal protection clause. The decision effectively ends race-conscious admissions programs, and leaves many businesses concerned about the legality of race-based preferences in hiring, promotions, and contracting. Republican state attorneys general have already sent a letter to CEOs of the 100 largest U.S. companies arguing that the decision also applies to private employers in an effort to force employers to roll back DEI programs and commitments.
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