Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom

Overview

Skadden is one of the most prestigious law firms in the world, and its Government Enforcement & White Collar Crime group is among the most respected in the legal profession. The practice defends corporations, boards of directors, executives, and individuals in criminal investigations and prosecutions brought by the DOJ, SEC, CFTC, and state attorneys general. Skadden's team includes dozens of former senior government officials, federal prosecutors, and SEC enforcement attorneys. The firm handles matters including insider trading, accounting fraud, healthcare fraud, government contracting fraud, and international corruption. Skadden is particularly known for its ability to resolve matters at the investigation stage before charges are filed.

Strengths

• +Among the most prestigious and respected law firms globally
• +Team includes dozens of former DOJ, SEC, and CFTC senior officials
• +Exceptional track record of resolving matters before charges are filed
• +Deep expertise across insider trading, healthcare fraud, and government contracting
• +Global platform enables handling of complex international criminal matters

Considerations

• -Among the most expensive legal services in the world
• -Focuses on corporate and executive defense — not available for individual criminal cases
• -Highly selective client intake — primarily serves major corporations and C-suite executives
• -Complex engagement process with substantial retainer requirements

Best For

• *Publicly traded company board facing SEC investigation and potential criminal referral for accounting fraud
• *Healthcare system executive under DOJ investigation for alleged Medicare fraud
• *Financial institution seeking to resolve a federal investigation at the pre-charge stage