White Collar Criminal Defense
Litigation
Government Investigations, Regulatory Enforcement, and Criminal Defense
WH Burkley represents businesses, executives, and individuals in government investigations, regulatory enforcement actions, and white collar criminal proceedings. We provide strategic, business-focused counsel to help clients navigate high-stakes matters, protect their interests, and manage legal and reputational risk.
White collar matters often involve parallel civil, regulatory, and criminal exposure. We work quickly to assess risk, develop a coordinated strategy, and guide clients through every stage of the process—from initial inquiry through resolution.
Government Investigations
• Responding to federal and state investigations
• Advising clients in grand jury and regulatory inquiries
• Managing subpoenas, document requests, and interviews
• Coordinating internal responses and investigation strategy
Criminal Defense
• Defense in federal and state criminal proceedings
• Representation in fraud, financial, and business-related criminal matters
• Advising executives and employees in individual defense matters
• Coordinating defense strategies across multiple parties
Regulatory and Enforcement Proceedings
• Defense in enforcement actions brought by regulatory agencies
• Advising on compliance-related exposure and enforcement risk
• Managing parallel civil, regulatory, and criminal proceedings
• Coordinating with industry-specific regulatory frameworks
Internal Investigations and Risk Assessment
• Conducting internal investigations in response to potential misconduct
• Advising boards and management on findings and next steps
• Coordinating with outside advisors and forensic professionals
• Developing strategies to manage legal, operational, and reputational risk
Our Approach
- Align defense strategy with each client’s legal, financial, and reputational objectives
- Move matters forward efficiently across investigations, enforcement, and proceedings
- Coordinate across legal, regulatory, and operational considerations
- Focus on managing exposure while protecting long-term business interests
- Prioritize responsiveness, clear communication, and decisive advocacy
Why WH Burkley
- Experience representing businesses, executives, and individuals in government investigations and enforcement matters
- Ability to coordinate defense strategies across criminal, civil, and regulatory proceedings
- Practical, business-focused approach to managing legal, operational, and reputational risk
- Integration with regulatory, employment, healthcare, tax, and corporate capabilities
- Responsive, partner-level advocacy in high-stakes matters
Recognition
Best Law Firms | Cleveland
- Band 1 – Litigation – Bankruptcy
Best Law Firms | Pittsburgh
- Band 1 – Litigation – Bankruptcy
- Band 2 – Litigation – Commercial
Best Law Firms | US
- Band 2 – Litigation – Bankruptcy
*Certain recognitions displayed on this page were earned prior to the formation of WH Burkley LLP and may reflect the accomplishments of our legacy firms, Walter Haverfield LLP and Bernstein-Burkley, P.C.