White Collar Defense & Investigations

Recent News:

Cozen O’Connor Promotes 31 Attorneys to Member and Senior Principal

“It’s always a pleasure to recognize the hard work and dedication of our attorneys and government relations professionals,” said Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Heller. “This outstanding class of new members and senior principals will undoubtedly propel Cozen O’Connor’s ongoing success.”

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White collar defense is all about delivering results when the stakes are high. Companies, boards, special committees, and individuals engage Cozen O’Connor’s White Collar Defense & Investigations practice to navigate their most serious inquiries. Whether managing an internal report of potential misconduct or a full-blown government investigation, our team is efficient, responsive, discrete — and, most importantly, effective.

360-Degree Perspective

Cozen O’Connor lawyers bring a critical perspective to every case. Our White Collar Group includes former federal prosecutors from large U.S. Attorney offices; a former deputy chief of the Civil Division of the District of Columbia’s U.S. Attorney’s Office; former federal prosecutors (and supervisory prosecutors) with DOJ and SEC; former state and local prosecutors; and a former assistant federal public defender.

Our practitioners have been on both sides of the table, so they know how white collar cases are built — and how they can be dismantled.

Government Enforcement

The goal for clients facing a government investigation is quite simple: prevent prosecution. Cozen O’Connor is exceptionally skillful at maintaining that focus. Having worked in government and formed professional relationships with government officials, our attorneys are able to identify persuasive arguments, narrow the scope of inquiries, limit exposure, and negotiate favorable resolutions.

In the rare event that prosecution is unavoidable, Cozen O’Connor’s team of veteran trial lawyers stands ready to vindicate our clients in court. Our attorneys have collectively tried hundreds of cases, both as defense attorneys and as prosecutors.

Internal Investigations

Cozen O’Connor regularly conducts complex internal investigations on behalf of corporate clients and is recognized by Global Investigations Review as one of the world’s top 100 investigations practices.

Our attorneys lead comprehensive investigations with speed. We set priorities, judge witness credibility, make factual findings, and help clients understand their potential exposure. In the end, we offer clients actionable, jargon-free advice, including whether to discipline rogue actors, self-report misconduct, revamp compliance mechanisms, or take other remedial protective measures.

Similarly, Cozen O’Connor provides sophisticated preventative compliance advice outside the context of an internal investigation.

Experienced Counsel

Over decades of practice, the team has accrued extensive subject-matter knowledge, including in the areas of criminal antitrust, international anti-corruption, trade sanction, False Claims Act, health care fraud and financial fraud statutes. Cozen O’Connor directs client strategy in the context of inquiries, investigations, and enforcement actions by federal, state, and local authorities, including DOJ, SEC, FTC, CFTC, executive agency inspector generals, U.S. attorneys, state attorneys general, and the U.S. Congress. 

Cozen O'Connor is very strategic and effective in how it manages cross-border issues on behalf of its clients... Always aware of current events and their potential implications.
Chambers USA 2023
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Experience

Publications

US Supreme Court Addresses the Protection of Online Minors [The Legal Intelligencer]

February 27, 2025

Stephen Miller, an attorney in Cozen O’Connor's Commercial Litigation group, and Paul Harryhill, an associate in the firm’s Philadelphia office, authored an article for the Legal Intelligencer discussing the First Amendment implications of a pending Supreme Court decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton.

U.S. Dials Back Implementation of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [Alert]

February 13, 2025

Kurt. K. Lunkenheimer discusses President Trump's executive order instructing the DOJ to cease new FCPA investigations and enforcement and why multinational corporations should continue to maintain anti-corruption and anti-money laundering compliance programs, including whistleblower programs.

AG Memorandum Instructs DOJ to Investigate and Eliminate Illegal DEI Initiatives in Light of EO 14173 [Alert]

February 12, 2025

Larry Prosen, Magdalena Filipiuk, Eric Leonard, and Nicole Sprinzen discuss President Trump's executive orders involving DEI and Attorney General Bondi's memorandum to the DOJ on investigating and penalizing illegal DEI initiatives.

US Supreme Court Considers Further Narrowing of Federal Fraud Statutes [The Legal Intelligencer]

January 31, 2025

Stephen Miller, co-chair of Cozen O’Connor's White Collar Defense & Investigations group, and Andrew Linz, an associate in the group, authored an article for the Legal Intelligencer discussing the upcoming Supreme Court decision in Kousisis v. United States, where the high court seems poised to further narrow the scope of federal criminal laws targeting corruption and fraud.

A Vapid Argument on Vaping [The Legal Intelligencer]

January 03, 2025

Stephen A. Miller, an attorney in Cozen O’Connor’s Commercial Litigation department, and Leigh Ann McGeever, counsel for the firm’s legal profession services group, discuss the pending U.S. Supreme Court decision in U.S. Food and Drug Administration v. Wages and White Lion Investments, where the high court will consider whether changes to FDA guidance on approval of new flavored e-cigarette flavors led to arbitrary and capricious denials of manufacturers’ applications.

DOJ Announces New Considerations in Evaluating Corporate Compliance Programs [Alert]

November 22, 2024

Thomas Ingalls and Nicole Sprinzen discuss the DOJ's new Antitrust Compliance Guidance, which accounts for new and emerging technology and enforcement trends.

Avoiding FCA Scrutiny while Reaping the Benefits of AI [Alert]

November 19, 2024

Arthur Fritzinger, Calli Padilla, and James Mahady discuss civil and criminal penalties AI companies must be careful to avoid.

Whistleblower Watch

November 13, 2024

Whistleblower Watch is a critical resource for in-house counsel and compliance professionals. Each quarter, Cozen O’Connor summarizes the most notable False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement actions, settlements, and legal trends, and provides an in-depth look at emerging FCA-related issues.

NY Construction Exec Avoids Jail for Commercial Bribery [Law360]

October 30, 2024

Bruce Maffeo, senior counsel in Cozen O'Connor's White Collar Defense & Investigations practice, speaks with Law360 about his work on a case focusing on a construction contractor who was prosecuted for commercial bribery involving contracts tied to New York high-rise buildings.

[+] [View All Publications]

Events & Seminars

Past Events

Current U.S. – Mexico Compliance Challenges

March 19, 2025 - New York, NY

2025 Economic Crime Prevention DACH

March 17, 2025 - Zürich, Switzerland

ABA’s 2025 White Collar Crime Institute

March 04, 2025 - Miami, FL

Hard-Won Wisdom: FCA Pitfalls and Best Practices

February 20, 2025 - Washington, D.C.
[+] [View All Events]

In The News

Cozen O’Connor Promotes 31 Attorneys to Member and Senior Principal

March 20, 2025

“It’s always a pleasure to recognize the hard work and dedication of our attorneys and government relations professionals,” said Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Heller. “This outstanding class of new members and senior principals will undoubtedly propel Cozen O’Connor’s ongoing success.”

Sarah Krissoff Speaks with CNN about DOJ Request for High Court to Intervene in Government Watchdog Firing Case

February 18, 2025

Sarah Krissoff, a member of the firm’s White Collar Defense & Investigations practice, appeared on a CNN News program on February 17 to comment on the Trump administration’s request for the Supreme Court to overturn a district judge’s ruling that ordered Hampton Delinger, head of the whistleblower protection agency Office of Special Counsel, reinstated to his post after the president had fired him.

Trump has Called for a Six-Month Ban on FCPA Enforcement. How Should Compliance Respond? [Compliance Week]

February 13, 2025

In an executive order issued on February 13, President Trump ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) to place a six-month “pause” on enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

Sinaloa Druglord’s Son Might Testify Against Father at Trial [WSJ]

January 15, 2025

Sarah Krissoff, a member of the firm’s White Collar Defense & Investigations practice, speaks with the Wall Street Journal about the latest twist in a billion-dollar Mexican family saga involving the Sinaloa drug cartel, one of the world’s most notorious criminal enterprises.

Sarah Krissoff Discusses Trump SCOTUS Bid to Halt Sentencing

January 08, 2025

Sarah Krissoff, a member of the firm’s White Collar Defense & Investigations practice, appeared on BBC News on January 8 to discuss President-elect Trump’s application for emergency stay of the sentencing in his criminal hush-money case, filed on January 8.

Sarah Krissoff Speaks with BBC about Trump Sentencing

January 04, 2025

Sarah Krissoff, a member of the firm’s White Collar Defense & Investigations practice, appeared on BBC News on January 4 to discuss President-elect Trump’s sentencing in criminal hush-money case, scheduled for January 10.

Sarah Krissoff Speaks with BBC about Luigi Mangione’s Arraignment on Federal Charges

December 20, 2024

Sarah Krissoff, a member of the firm’s White Collar Defense & Investigations practice, appeared on BBC News on December 20 to discuss the four federal charges against Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson earlier this month.

Ivory Bishop Appointed to the New York City Bar Association Judiciary Committee

December 16, 2024

Ivory Bishop, a member of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department, has been appointed to the New York City Bar Association’s Judiciary Committee.

Barry Boss and Eric Leonard Selected to Washingtonian Magazine’s 2024 Washington, DC’s Top Lawyers

November 26, 2024

Barry Boss, co-chair of the firm’s Commercial Litigation Department and White Collar Defense & Investigations Practice Group, and Eric Leonard, co-chair of the Government Contracts Practice Group, have been named to the 2024 Washington, DC’s Top Lawyers by the Washingtonian Magazine.

[+] [View All News]

Contacts

Barry Boss

Co-Chair, Commercial Litigation Department
Co-Chair, White Collar Defense & Investigations

bboss@cozen.com

(202) 912-4818

Stephen A. Miller

Co-Chair, White Collar Defense & Investigations

samiller@cozen.com

(215) 665-4736

Nicole H. Sprinzen

Vice Chair, White Collar Defense & Investigations

nsprinzen@cozen.com

(202) 471-3451

People

Awards

Cozen O’Connor Promotes 31 Attorneys to Member and Senior Principal

March 20, 2025

“It’s always a pleasure to recognize the hard work and dedication of our attorneys and government relations professionals,” said Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Heller. “This outstanding class of new members and senior principals will undoubtedly propel Cozen O’Connor’s ongoing success.”

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 31 Practice Areas Nationwide, 54 Practice Areas Regionally

November 07, 2024

In 2024, Best Lawyers received more than 100,000 client references and observed a 65% increase in client participation in their survey.

31 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

June 11, 2024

Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Only 5 percent of attorneys are named Super Lawyers; only 2.5 percent of attorneys are listed as Rising Stars.

Nearly 100 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 27 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2024 Guide

June 10, 2024

Chambers USA rankings are based on an “assessment of a firm’s work and opinions from external market sources, with an emphasis on client feedback.” In order to be ranked in the guide, lawyers and firms must demonstrate “sustained excellence.”

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to its Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition

August 17, 2023

Best Lawyers selected 232 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Eighty-eight Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 23 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2023 Guide

June 05, 2023

Of the 88 lawyers ranked, 17 lawyers have been recognized nationally, and eighteen were recognized in Band 1. Eight of the firm's practice areas have been recognized nationally, and nine were ranked Band 1.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 30 Practice Areas Nationwide, 115 Practice Areas Regionally

November 30, 2022

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 30 practice areas nationwide and 115 practice areas regionally.

21 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

October 03, 2022

Super Lawyers has named 21 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2022 New York Metro Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named 2022 D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

July 12, 2022

Super Lawyers has named 13 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2022 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Chambers Ranks 86 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 22 Practice Areas in Chambers USA 2022 Guide

June 02, 2022

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 86 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2022 edition.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 29 Practice Areas Nationwide, 121 Practice Areas Regionally

November 04, 2021

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 29 practice areas nationwide and 121 practice areas regionally.

Stephen Cozen and Stephen Miller Recognized as 2021 Best of the Bar Honorees by The Philadelphia Business Journal

October 06, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that the Philadelphia Business Journal will honor Stephen Cozen and Stephen Miller at its fifth annual Best of the Bar Awards.

Super Lawyers Recognizes 17 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys in New York

October 04, 2021

Super Lawyers has named 17 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2021 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.

More Than 205 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch By The Best Lawyers In America

August 19, 2021

Best Lawyers selected 210 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 23 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

47 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

May 28, 2021

Super Lawyers has selected 47 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2021 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

82 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 19 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2021 Guide

May 26, 2021

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 82 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2021 edition; of those, 15 lawyers have been recognized nationally.

Twelve Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

May 05, 2021

Super Lawyers has named 12 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2021 Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 Practice Areas Nationwide, 115 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2020

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 practice areas nationwide and 115 practice areas regionally.

Cozen O’Connor’s White Collar Defense & Investigations Practice Named to Global Investigations Review’s 2020 GIR 100 List

November 03, 2020

Global Investigation Review (GIR) has unveiled its 2020 list of the top global investigations practices and named Cozen O’Connor’s White Collar Defense & Investigations Practice to its GIR 100 list for the fifth year in a row.

200 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch By The Best Lawyers In America

August 20, 2020

Best Lawyers selected 200 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 23 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2021 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© (Copyright 2020 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, SC).

Fifty-Eight Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

June 05, 2020

Super Lawyers has selected 58 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2020 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

63 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2020 Guide

May 14, 2020

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 63 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2020 edition.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized As a Best Law Firm in 24 Practice Areas Nationwide, 106 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2019

The U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer review from leading attorneys in their field.

17 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

September 27, 2019

Super Lawyers has named 17 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2019 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.

138 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America

August 28, 2019

Best Lawyers selected 138 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 21 of the firm’s national offices for inclusion in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

64 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

May 21, 2019

Super Lawyers has selected 64 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to the 2019 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Recognized as Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

April 25, 2019

The 2019 Washington, D.C, edition of Super Lawyers Magazine, published by Thomson Reuters, has named 13 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its list of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

125 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America

August 22, 2018

One hundred twenty-five Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 20 of the firm’s national offices have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

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