It has become commonplace to see corporate executives called before Congress for testimony, broadcast on television and splashed across the headlines. Indeed, Congress’s oversight of the private sector has been increasingly aggressive, including even the use of criminal contempt proceedings to attempt to force corporate witnesses to appear. Congressional investigations present unique challenges outside the experience of most commercial litigators; corporations need experienced counsel who are deeply familiar with the congressional investigation processes and the Capitol Hill staff who conduct them, including knowing how to manage responses to document requests and/or subpoenas, provide testimony before the House or Senate, and effectively deal well with public scrutiny, media attention, if not an outright media crisis.
Shook attorneys have the key experience to effectively handle Congressional investigations, from responding to subpoenas and negotiating document production terms to preparing witnesses for interviews and hearings, managing public relations, and mitigating collateral consequences. Former federal and state prosecutors, representatives of federal agencies, and the most senior leader of the U.S. Judge Advocate General’s Corps, they have the connections and experience to engage quickly and manage investigations to a satisfactory conclusion. Indeed, collectively, Shook attorneys have responded to what is likely hundreds of Congressional investigations, inquiries, and interactions over the course of their careers in public and private practice.