EXPERTISE IN LAW & GOVERNMENT

With Paul Butler’s extensive trial experience as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and partner in private practice with over 20 years of litigation experience, the firm is prepared for trial while working toward strategic resolutions.

• Corporate & Individual Representation: Whether defending an individual executive or an entire corporate entity, we develop a tailored legal strategy to minimize exposure and protect long-term interests.
• Interpol Warrants, Extradition and International Evidence requests: Paul has extensive experience in cross-border criminal investigations and procedures including representing clients before Interpol, in extradition matters and handling the complexities of international evidence requests. He founded the Red Notice newsletter issued monthly while he was a partner at Akin Gump.
• With Paul Butler’s background as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and as a senior advisor at the Department of Defense, we understand how federal prosecutors build cases—and how to dismantle them. Whether facing allegations of fraud, bribery, export violations, securities violations, money laundering, or public corruption, our firm is prepared to deliver a strong, sophisticated defense strategy tailored to each client’s unique legal challenges.

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and global anti-bribery laws present significant risks for multinational corporations, financial institutions, and executives operating across jurisdictions. Butler Legal Strategies provides proactive compliance strategies, risk mitigation, and robust defense representation for clients facing DOJ, SEC, and international anti-corruption enforcement actions.

• FCPA Compliance Programs: Developing and implementing corporate policies, third-party due diligence frameworks, and global training programs to ensure compliance.
• Internal Investigations & Self-Reporting: Conducting internal audits, assessing potential violations, and guiding clients through voluntary self-disclosures when appropriate.
• Defense in Enforcement Actions: Representing clients under DOJ, SEC, and international anti-corruption investigations, including those brought by the UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and other global regulators.
• With Paul Butler’s background handling multi-jurisdictional bribery cases, we provide clients with sophisticated, cross-border legal strategies that balance compliance with business growth.

National security laws impact a broad range of industries, including defense contracting, the energy and oil and gas industries, cybersecurity, telecommunications, technology, and international trade. Businesses operating in these sectors must comply with complex federal regulations, export control laws, foreign investment restrictions, and classified contract requirements. The U.S. government closely monitors transactions and operations that could pose risks to national security, critical infrastructure, and defense capabilities, making compliance an essential component of business strategy.

• Butler Legal Strategies provides comprehensive legal counsel to clients involved in government contracts, foreign investments, supply chain security, and technology development.
• Assists in navigating federal oversight, regulatory approvals, and enforcement actions.
• Ensures that companies remain compliant with national security laws while mitigating operational and reputational risks.

When high-value commercial disputes arise, businesses need aggressive, strategic legal representation to protect their assets, reputation, and competitive position. Butler Legal Strategies takes a business-minded approach, ensuring that litigation aligns with our client’s long-term strategic and financial objectives. Our firm represents corporations, investors, private equity firms, and executives in high-stakes commercial litigation in state and federal courts, arbitration forums, and international tribunals. Our litigation practice covers:

• Contract Disputes & Business Torts: Representing clients in breach of contract claims, fraud allegations, and fiduciary duty disputes.
• Securities & Shareholder Litigation: Handling shareholder derivative actions, insider trading investigations, and corporate governance disputes.
• Sovereign Debt & Investment Disputes: Representing sovereign entities, investors, and financial institutions in debt restructuring disputes and sovereign immunity litigation.
• International Arbitration & Litigation: Handling disputes in London, Geneva, New York, and other key financial hubs.
• International Asset Recovery

Congressional Investigations present unique legal and reputationl challenges to businesses and individuals, particularly where parallel criminal or regulatory enforcement actions are pending or threatened. Requests by Congress for information or testimony are governed by their own set of laws and rules and need to be carefully navigated. Paul Butler has represented companies and individuals in many high-profile Congressional Investigations and, during his time in government, prepared numerous high-ranking officials for testimony before Congress:

• The January 6 investigations
• Impeachment investigations
• Russia election interference investigations
• China Committee inquiries into the Beijing Olympics and compliance with international human rights laws
• Committee investigating terrorist detainee interrogations 
• Investigation into government contractors’ roles in Iraq and specifically the battles in Fallujah

Businesses operating globally must comply with complex federal regulations, export control laws, foreign investment restrictions, and classified contract requirements.

• Advising companies on compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions.
• Assisting defense contractors and technology firms in voluntary disclosures.
• Defending clients in export control investigations, enforcement actions, and civil or criminal penalties related to restricted technology transfers.
• Implementing internal compliance programs, training, and audit procedures to prevent violations of U.S. export control laws.
• Sanctions Enforcement & National Security Investigations
• Defending companies against allegations of sanctions violations, illicit foreign dealings, and unauthorized transactions with restricted entities.
• Assisting in corporate self-disclosures, compliance audits, and voluntary mitigation efforts to avoid government penalties.
• Representing clients in national security-related congressional hearings, federal investigations, and administrative proceedings.

• Assisting government contractors in obtaining and maintaining security clearances, facility clearances (FCL), and classified contract eligibility under the National Industrial Security Program (NISP).
• Representing defense contractors in contract disputes, investigations, and national security-related regulatory reviews.

• Representing companies in data security enforcement actions, cyber breach investigations, and regulatory inquiries related to national security concerns.

With federal oversight of government contracts and grants becoming more rigorous, organizations must implement strong compliance protocols to protect their funding and minimize legal risks. Butler Legal Strategies provides strategic legal counsel to ensure clients successfully navigate complex regulations, defend against enforcement actions, and maintain compliance with evolving federal funding policies.

• False Claims Act & Government Enforcement Defense – Defending against FCA investigations, fraud allegations, and qui tam (whistleblower) lawsuits.
• Assisting with subpoena responses, audits, and debarment proceedings.
• Negotiating settlements to mitigate financial and reputational risks.
• Providing immediate legal action to challenge or prevent exclusion from government business. Suspension and debarment are among the most severe penalties in federal contracting, potentially barring companies, suppliers, and individuals from government business for years. These actions stem from allegations of fraud, noncompliance, ethical violations, or poor contract performance, impacting prime contractors, subcontractors, grant recipients, and executives. A suspension is a temporary exclusion (up to 12 months), while debarment is a long-term ban (typically 3 to 5 years). Both can severely damage a company’s finances and reputation, cutting off access to contracts, subcontracts, grants, and federal loans.

A security clearance is an essential requirement for professionals working in defense, intelligence, law enforcement, government contracting, and critical infrastructure sectors. Obtaining and maintaining a clearance is a highly regulated process, governed by federal agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DOE), and Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Individuals and businesses involved in classified work, sensitive government programs, and national security-related projects must comply with strict clearance protocols to retain access to government contracts and protected information.
Butler Legal Strategies provides tailored legal solutions to help businesses navigate the complex intersection of national security, government regulations, and global commerce while mitigating risks and maintaining operational continuity.

• Providing experienced legal representation and strategic guidance to individuals, government contractors, and corporations facing security clearance challenges.
• Proactively addressing compliance risks, mitigate security concerns, and prepare strong legal defenses when clearance challenges arise.
• Ensuring our clients remain eligible for classified work, protect their professional reputations, and maintain access to government contracts.
• Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) & Foreign Investment Compliance.
• Advising clients on foreign investments, mergers, and acquisitions subject to CFIUS review for national security risks.
• Assisting companies in preparing CFIUS filings, negotiating mitigation agreements, and securing regulatory approvals for cross-border transactions.
• Defending businesses against CFIUS-related enforcement actions, divestiture orders, and compliance violations.
• Ensuring compliance with Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) regulations for companies operating in sensitive industries.

Government agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), are intensifying enforcement actions against financial institutions, hedge funds, corporate executives, and investment professionals. With an aggressive regulatory environment and heightened scrutiny of financial markets, companies and individuals facing securities investigations, enforcement proceedings, and private litigation need strategic, experienced legal counsel to protect their rights and business interests.

Butler Legal Strategies provides vigorous defense representation in high-stakes securities enforcement actions, regulatory investigations, and complex litigation. We help clients respond to subpoenas, defend against allegations of securities fraud, and navigate compliance risks in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

• Defending against SEC, DOJ, and CFTC investigations into insider trading, market manipulation, and fraudulent investment schemes.
• Responding to SEC subpoenas and Wells notices, ensuring that companies and individuals present strong defenses before formal charges are filed.
• Advising on self-disclosures and cooperation strategies to mitigate potential liability in securities enforcement matters.
• SEC Whistleblower Complaints – Defending businesses against allegations raised by whistleblowers, including improper trading practices and financial misrepresentation.

The healthcare industry operates in one of the most heavily regulated and scrutinized legal environments in the United States. Government agencies, whistleblowers, and private litigants frequently target hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, healthcare providers, and insurers with allegations of fraud, improper billing practices, and regulatory violations. The stakes are high, with severe financial penalties, exclusion from federal healthcare programs, and even criminal liability on the line. Butler Legal Strategies provides:

• Aggressive defense and strategic legal counsel to healthcare organizations facing government investigations, compliance audits, and civil or criminal litigation.
• Ensuring that healthcare clients maintain compliance, mitigate risk, and respond effectively to regulatory challenges in an ever-evolving legal and enforcement landscape.
• Defending clients in Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Inspector General (OIG), and state attorney general investigations involving allegations of fraud, abuse, and noncompliance.
• Representing healthcare providers in False Claims Act (FCA) investigations, including whistleblower (qui tam) lawsuits alleging fraudulent Medicare and Medicaid billing.
• Assisting clients in responding to Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs), subpoenas, and government audit findings.

Federal agencies conduct Inspector General (IG) investigations to detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and regulatory violations within government programs and contracts. For federal contractors and businesses, an IG investigation can threaten security clearances, government contracts, and eligibility for future work. These investigations can result in civil, administrative, or criminal enforcement actions, making legal representation critical for government contractors, federal employees, corporate executives, and grant recipients. We help clients develop compliance protocols, address audit findings, and respond to debarment or suspension actions to protect their operational and financial interests.

• Proactive defense strategies for clients subject to DOJ, DOD, HHS, GSA, and other agency IG investigations.
• Navigate complex investigative procedures, respond effectively to subpoenas and document requests, and prepare for interviews and testimony.
• Advise on self-disclosures, compliance remediation, and negotiating settlement agreements to resolve issues efficiently.
• Legal representation during internal investigations, disciplinary actions, and administrative hearings, ensuring that our clients receive fair treatment and due process.
• Mitigate enforcement risks, protect client reputations, and resolve IG investigations efficiently, allowing businesses and individuals to move forward with confidence.

Paul has advised the Boards of Directors of major Fortune 500 companies including Audit Committees and Special Committees of the Board. He has also served on various Boards and Committees including:

• Member of the Akin firmwide Audit Committee
• SOS International Advisory Board
• Pacific Architects and Engineers Advisory Board
• Advisory Board to the Combatant Commander for United States Southern Command and European Command
• United States Department of Commerce Advisory Board on Export Controls
• Harvard Law School Executive Education Partner Leadership Program
• Member of the Council on Foreign Relations
• Member the Heritage Foundation National Security Law Working Group
• Lectured at the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General School

Effective advocacy in today’s regulatory environment requires deep legal expertise and a strategic understanding of legislative processes. Butler Legal Strategies helps corporations, trade associations, nonprofits, and government contractors navigate lobbying regulations, compliance requirements, and public policy initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels.

• Advise clients on lobbying disclosure laws, political contribution compliance, and advocacy strategies that align with their business objectives.
• Assists in drafting legislative proposals, developing regulatory strategies, and engaging with key decision-makers to shape policy outcomes in industries such as defense, healthcare, technology, and energy.
• With a firm grasp of government relations and public affairs, we ensure our clients mitigate legal risks while effectively influencing the policy landscape that affects their industries.

Sovereign governments, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and international governmental organizations face unique legal, regulatory, and geopolitical challenges when engaging in international commerce, infrastructure development, and cross-border investments. With experience in high-level government advisory roles, Paul Butler and his team bridge the gap between international legal frameworks and domestic regulations, providing sovereign clients with comprehensive legal strategies to navigate complex geopolitical and economic challenges. Our firm is uniquely positioned to help sovereign governments protect their strategic interests, manage legal risks, and engage effectively in the global marketplace.

We work closely with foreign ministries, sovereign wealth funds, trade commissions, and diplomatic missions to provide legal guidance on:

• Bilateral & Multilateral Agreements
• Regulatory Compliance & Sanctions Law
• International Disputes & Litigation

Businesses operating in global markets must navigate the complex regulatory frameworks set by international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), African Development Bank (AfDB), and Asian Development Bank (ADB). These institutions play a critical role in financing large-scale development projects, but their procurement rules, anti-corruption policies, and compliance requirements create significant legal and operational challenges for companies engaging in international projects.

Butler Legal Strategies provides comprehensive legal counsel to corporations, government entities, contractors, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dealing with IFIs’ procurement regulations, financing agreements, and enforcement actions.

• World Bank Procurement & Compliance
• Advising clients on bidding for World Bank-funded contracts, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and eligibility criteria.
• Structuring joint ventures and consortiums to meet World Bank procurement and project financing requirements.
• Ensuring compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, including human rights, labor, and anti-corruption measures.
• International Financial Institution Investigations & Sanctions
• Representing clients in IFIs’ internal investigations related to procurement fraud, bribery, collusion, and corruption.
• Defending companies facing World Bank and regional development bank debarment proceedings, which can impact eligibility for future contracts.
• Negotiating settlements and mitigating enforcement actions stemming from violations of IFI integrity policies.