Evan Werbel

Special Counsel

[email protected]

Washington, D.C.

P: +1.202.639.1323
F: +1.202.585.4077
Evan Werbel Photo

Evan Werbel focuses his practice on the representation of corporations and individuals in matters related to criminal and civil antitrust, white collar criminal defense and civil fraud.

Mr. Werbel has counseled both United States and foreign companies in antitrust grand jury investigations alleging price-fixing and bid-rigging. He has persuaded the Antitrust Division not to pursue indictments against his clients, has counseled clients through the leniency application process and has negotiated favorable resolutions for other clients. Mr. Werbel has also been involved in the representation of individuals accused of antitrust violations. Finally, Mr. Werbel has represented clients in class action litigation stemming from government antitrust investigations.

Mr. Werbel also has represented clients in numerous white collar matters including securities fraud, government procurement fraud, customs fraud, and government subsidy fraud. These matters involved various government entities including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Fraud Section of the Department of Justice, and various U.S. Attorneys’ Offices around the country. In addition, Mr. Werbel has conducted several internal investigations on behalf of corporations and audit committees regarding allegations of accounting fraud and other alleged improprieties. He also has managed complex civil litigations, including matters related to the False Claims Act.

Mr. Werbel’s representations of individuals have included matters related to securities fraud, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, campaign finance abuse, racketeering, money laundering, obstruction of justice, wire and mail fraud and other alleged fraud. These matters involved representing individuals at government interviews, grand jury appearances, depositions, plea negotiations and trials.

Related Experience

Antitrust matters

In re Optical Disk Drive Antitrust Litigation: Represent PLDS and related entities in all aspects of DOJ criminal matter including internal investigation, DOJ response, and coordination with European and other international counsel. Represent PLDS and related entities in class actions arising from this investigation.
Criminal Bid-Rigging Investigation: Represented Fortune 500 Company in non-public government investigation of bid-rigging on government contracts. No prosecution sought against client.
Corporate Vice President: Represented corporate executive in criminal investigation of international cartel.
Government Contract Fraud Investigations

Defended government contractors in various industries in matters related to government contract fraud. Negotiated favorable criminal resolutions, where appropriate. Defended and litigated civil False Claims Act cases arising from criminal investigations and/or qui tam actions brought by whistleblowers. Negotiated Administrative Settlement Agreements with the Department of Defense to avoid potential debarment.
Audit Committee Internal Investigations

Conducted investigations on behalf of various audit committees related to alleged accounting fraud and other improprieties. Prepared and presented findings of investigations to audit committees, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other government entities. Implemented ethics and compliance programs and participated in employee training.
Other Government Investigations

Represented numerous corporations during government investigations involving accounting fraud, Customs violations, and abuse of various government programs.
Other Individual Representations

Attorney accused of money laundering after he investigated and provided a legal opinion to another attorney that the funds used by a criminal defendant to pay that attorney for legal services were not tainted
Assistant General Counsel and an International Sales Manager in investigations regarding the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
Lawyer in a Congressional inquiry, grand jury investigation, and related civil proceedings regarding tax shelters
Executive Vice Presidents in Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice investigations of potential accounting fraud
Cabinet Secretary during Independent Counsel investigation and Senate confirmation process
Defendant in criminal appeal in a racketeering and wire fraud matter, including drafting appellate briefs and arguing motions in U.S. District Court

Awards & Community

Member, American Bar Association, White Collar Crime Committee

Former Co-Chair, American Bar Association, Young Lawyers’ Section