Companies engaged with state attorneys general (AGs) face formidable challenges and a range of reputational, practical and legal considerations. State AG offices have broad portfolios with which to examine and challenge an organization's conduct, leaving companies to navigate complicated legal, public relations and crisis management hurdles. WilmerHale’s State Attorneys General Practice Group, which draws on the firm’s strength across the varied areas of state AG enforcement authority coupled with deep-seated crisis management experience, have made WilmerHale a leading firm in the space. 

The group of lawyers—co-led by former Colorado State Attorney General, Senator and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and former Deputy Attorney General Jamie Gorelick—consists of many who have served at the most senior levels of government and who bring deep policy and industry experience to matters. Our team possesses a critical understanding of the wide-ranging challenges prompted by AG investigations and enforcement actions, and has the talent and foresight to resolve them, or, if necessary, try the cases in court. In the face of investigations by AGs in states including New York, California, Massachusetts, Ohio, Illinois and Washington, as well as in multistate actions, we work closely with our clients to address allegations of misconduct and liability, and to preserve their public image. When litigation is required and the stakes are high, we offer sophisticated representation in defending clients across industries.

Capabilities

Our lawyers, including the former Chief of Staff to the New York Attorney General Brian Mahanna, are well-known and respected among the AG ranks. We have a keen understanding of the different considerations and implications of each jurisdiction because we have handled matters on behalf of clients in 47 states, the District of Columbia and the US Virgin Islands. We also have significant experience effectively coordinating and representing companies in multistate AG investigations, including investigations of alleged unfair and deceptive acts, practices and parallel proceedings.

Advocating on behalf of our clients, we offer a clear perspective on how government agencies—including the AG's office—approach issues within their purview. We have significant experience representing corporate counsel in government investigations, as well as corporations and their executives in criminal and civil investigations conducted by state AGs.

Our lawyers include leaders in antitrust, False Claims Act actions, consumer protection investigations, information securities matters and beyond, as well as practitioners who are well- versed in a range of industries, from pharmaceutical and dietary supplements to communications, financial services, energy and the environment. The critical strategies we implement help clients avoid litigation or, if litigation is imminent, succeed in preserving their business objectives and reputation.