Jessica Lutkenhaus represents corporations and individuals in a broad range of investigations and related proceedings, including white collar criminal, anti-money laundering, and anti- discrimination matters. She has defended financial institutions, tech companies, and other clients in investigations brought by the Department of Justice, US Attorneys’ Offices, the SEC, FINRA, state Attorneys General, and other regulators. In addition, Ms. Lutkenhaus has significant experience in conducting sensitive investigations regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and discrimination, as well as reviews of company culture and corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Ms. Lutkenhaus also has substantial experience in complex civil and regulatory litigation. She has represented clients in federal court at all phases of litigation, including discovery, motions practice, trial, sentencing, and appeal.

As a member of the firm’s Office of General Counsel, Ms. Lutkenhaus provides advice and representation to the firm and its lawyers on a variety of matters, including professional responsibility and legal ethics. She also advises corporations and nonprofit organizations in matters involving lawyer regulation, conflicts of interest, and attorney-client privilege. Ms. Lutkenhaus is a member of the firm’s Ethics Committee. 

In government, Ms. Lutkenhaus most recently served as Special Counsel to the General Counsel at the US Department of Defense. In that role, she advised the Department regarding Afghanistan War Commission inquiries, congressional oversight investigations, Inspector General and Government Accountability Office investigations, strategic risk management, and the interplay with ongoing litigation and Freedom of Information Act obligations. 

Pro Bono Work

Ms. Lutkenhaus maintains an active pro bono practice, with a focus on human rights and government accountability. Ms. Lutkenhaus was selected as WilmerHale’s 2019 Pickering fellow and spent six months at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) working toward the organization’s mission of using legal action, research and communications to reduce the influence of money in politics and help foster a government that is ethical and accountable.

Past Experience

Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Lutkenhaus served as a law clerk for the Honorable Lucy H. Koh of the Northern District of California and the Honorable Duane Benton of the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. While attending law school, she interned in the Office of the Legal Adviser in the US Department of State, the New York State Office of the Attorney General, and the Legal Resources Centre in Cape Town, South Africa.