"They are very responsive and provide outstanding service. It's a good team; they work together and are knowledgeable."
Client comments, Chambers USA
Overview
Calfee’s White Collar Litigation Lawyers: Providing Constructive Counsel at Every Turn
Today’s clients face increasing criminal and regulatory risks. Calfee’s White-Collar Defense and Government Investigations practice offers a coordinated approach to addressing those risks and providing sound strategies for defense and mitigation in times of urgency and stress.
Whether parallel civil and criminal actions, internal or external investigations, additional regulatory oversight, disclosure requirements, governance and compliance issues, insurance coverage, crisis management, or business judgment, Calfee’s white-collar litigation attorneys have the experience and judgment to provide constructive counsel no matter where the process leads.
Led by attorneys who have spearheaded defensive investigations and responses throughout their careers, the team also includes both securities and governance attorneys with experience representing businesses, issuers, underwriters, shareholder groups, directors and officers, and public bodies, as well as trial lawyers experienced in complex, bet-the-bank civil litigation and criminal trials.
White-Collar Defense Services
Calfee's white-collar litigation team offers a holistic approach to managing corporate risk, focusing on both proactive compliance and strong defense.
Corporate Compliance and Risk Mitigation
Many clients choose to minimize risks by implementing robust governance and compliance initiatives before a crisis hits. We have a long record of helping clients develop these programs and leveraging them effectively if regulatory or criminal proceedings arise:
- Conducting periodic risk assessments and compliance investigations
- Performing policy and coverage audits
- Developing specialized compliance programs for high-risk areas, such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and health care regulations.
Enforcement Actions and Government Investigations
When the government or other entities threaten civil, regulatory, or criminal action, swift and decisive action is required. Our white-collar litigation lawyers regularly counsel boards of directors, board committees, and executives through all aspects of government scrutiny, assisting by:
- Managing regulatory and criminal inquiries and subpoenas
- Conducting sensitive internal investigations
- Defending clients in criminal and civil trials
- Navigating insurance coverage disputes
- Resolving conflict and privilege issues
- Advising on agency cooperation and voluntary self-disclosure strategies.
We draw on this experience to help our clients navigate risks and arrive at the best possible outcome for the ongoing success of the business or the individual.
A Midwest firm with extensive and established national practices in highly regulated industries and activities, Calfee is efficient, cost-effective, disciplined in its approach, and focused on the long-term health, continuing success, and financial security of our clients' businesses.
Noteworthy
Chambers USA Leading Law Firm Rankings
Since 2022, Calfee has been recognized as a Leading Law Firm for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations by Chambers USA, most recently in Band 2 in Ohio (2025).
Clients interviewed by Chambers USA stated, "The team is unbelievably knowledgeable of the law and they are dedicated to their work and available all the time for their clients. They are very responsive and provide outstanding service. It's a good team; they work together and are knowledgeable."
Litigation Partner Fritz E. Berckmueller has been ranked by Chambers USA in Band 2 for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations – Ohio since 2021. Chambers USA researchers stated, "Head of department Fritz Berckmueller is well regarded for his expertise in white-collar work. He acts for clients in a range of matters including FCA investigations, whistleblower claims, and investigations into bribery and corruption."
Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings
Calfee was selected for inclusion in the 2026 "Best Law Firms" rankings in Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Regional Tier 2 Cleveland).
Benchmark Litigation Rankings
Calfee was selected for inclusion by Benchmark Litigation 2026 as a Highly Recommended Law Firm in Dispute Resolution in Ohio. Additionally, 15 of Calfee's Litigation partners have been ranked by Benchmark Litigation as "Litigation Stars" in the U.S. (National), Midwest, and Ohio and as “40 & Under" and "Future Stars" Honorees.
Professionals
Professionals
Experience
Experience
- Defending a client organization in an investigation by the Ohio Department of Insurance involving potential identity fraud and cyber-theft. (2025)
- Representing a client in self-disclosure to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) within the Department of Commerce of potential export violations and a follow-on investigation. (2025)
- Representing a client and its audit committee in an internal investigation and self-disclosure to the DOJ related to potential foreign corruption issues at a subsidiary in India. (2025)
- Represented individual in investigation by the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) into potential securities law violations by the company, directors and officers of the company. (2025)
- Defended company in a criminal investigation involving the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DoD IG), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (USACIDC) regarding potential fraud and related charges.
- Representing three individual investors in connection with a potential Ponzi scheme, including responding to various state and federal investigations, and conducting an investigation into corporate activities.
- Leading an internal investigation for a nonprofit's board of directors into potential issues regarding coding and federal reimbursements.
- Representing a building services company in a grand jury investigation into potential corrupt acts by a public official.
- Representing a manufacturing company and its audit committee in an internal investigation and voluntary self-disclosure regarding potential corruption issues at a subsidiary in India.
- Representing a company in responding to a state's Attorney General investigation into potential antitrust issues regarding revenue management software.
- Defending a manufacturing company client in a grand jury investigation involving the DOJ investigation of an entity for potential counterfeiting, fraud, and false claims violations.
- Defending a registered investment advisor client in an investigation involving the U.S. SEC’s Office of Investor Advocacy's demand for information on the client regarding an investor complaint.
- Representing a medical device manufacturer in an internal investigation and voluntary self-disclosure of potential export violations to the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), Office of Export Enforcement, within the Department of Commerce.
- Serving as defense counsel to an officer of a crypto-exchange company in multiple civil lawsuits, including by the FTC.
- Representing a nonprofit entity in a corruption investigation by the State of Ohio Attorney General and a grand jury.
- Defending an accounting executive of a publicly traded company in an SEC and class action securities fraud litigation.
- Defending a privately held company in public corruption and conflicts-of-interest investigation.
- Defending a publicly traded company in a DOJ and SEC securities fraud investigation in Washington, D.C. and the Northern District of Illinois.
- Defended a felony trade secret theft prosecution in the Eastern District of Michigan.
- Representing a medical company in a DOJ investigation regarding False Claims Act issues.
News & Events
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