Webcast: Congressional Investigations in the 119th Congress: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Webcasts | January 10, 2025
When you think of Congress, you think of legislating. Yet Congress also is authorized by the Constitution to conduct investigations – in aid of its legislative function. We review recent developments in the law relating to congressional investigations, examine the authorities House and Senate committees have to conduct investigations, how they enforce these authorities, and what defenses are available to targets of or witnesses in congressional investigations. We then take a look at the congressional investigations landscape for the 119th Congress, including who will be leading the key investigative committees and what are likely areas of investigation. Finally, we discuss mistakes that are often made by entities faced with an investigation.
MCLE CREDIT INFORMATION:
This program has been approved for credit in accordance with the requirements of the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board for a maximum of 1.5 credit hours, of which 1.5 credit hours may be applied toward the areas of professional practice requirement. This course is approved for transitional/non-transitional credit.
Attorneys seeking New York credit must obtain an Affirmation Form prior to watching the archived version of this webcast. Please contact [email protected] to request the MCLE form.
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP certifies that this activity has been approved for MCLE credit by the State Bar of California in the amount of 1.5 hours in the General Category.
California attorneys may claim “self-study” credit for viewing the archived version of this webcast. No certificate of attendance is required for California “self-study” credit.
PANELISTS:
Michael Bopp is a partner in Gibson Dunn’s Washington, D.C. office. He chairs the Congressional Investigations Practice Group practice, and he is a member of the White Collar Defense and Investigations Crisis Management Practice Groups. He also co-chairs the firm’s Public Policy Practice Group and is a member of its Financial Institutions Practice Group. Mr. Bopp’s practice focuses on congressional investigations, internal corporate investigations, and other government investigations. Michael spent more than a dozen years on Capitol Hill including as Staff Director and Chief Counsel to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee under Senator Susan Collins (R-ME). He is one of only a handful of attorneys in the country listed in Band 1 for Congressional Investigations by Chambers – its highest rating. Michael is a member of the bars of the District of Columbia and the State of New York.
Barry H. Berke is renowned nationwide as a leading trial lawyer and white-collar criminal defense attorney. He is Co-Chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and a member of the Trials and White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice Groups. Barry represents individuals and corporations in high-stakes trials, investigations, and complex litigation. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Barry served as chief impeachment counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives during the Senate impeachment trial of the former President of the United States. As lead counsel, Barry was instrumental in preparing and presenting a case that garnered widespread recognition for its precise choreography and compelling presentation of factual evidence and constitutional arguments. Previously, Barry served as special counsel to the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives during its first investigation and impeachment of the former President. He was instrumental in building the investigative framework, developing and drafting the articles of impeachment, and playing a prominent public-facing role during the House impeachment hearings.
Thomas G. Hungar is a partner in Gibson Dunn’s Washington, D.C., office. Thomas’ practice focuses on appellate litigation, and he assists clients with congressional investigations and complex trial court litigation matters as well. He has presented oral argument before the Supreme Court of the United States in 27 cases, including some of the Court’s most important patent, antitrust, securities, and environmental law decisions, and he has also appeared before numerous lower federal and state courts.
Thomas served as General Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives from July 2016 until January 2019, when he rejoined the firm. As General Counsel, he provided legal advice and litigation representation on a non-partisan basis to the House and its leadership, members, officers, and staff, and he worked closely with numerous House committees in connection with their oversight and investigative activities. Previously, he served as a Deputy Solicitor General of the United States. Thomas is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia.
Amanda H. Neely is of counsel in Gibson Dunn’s Washington, D.C. office and a member of the Congressional Investigations Practice Group and the Public Policy Practice Group. Amanda has extensive experience working on Capitol Hill that helps her leverage her expertise to advise clients regarding their interactions with Congress and the executive branch. Amanda previously served as Director of Governmental Affairs for the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and General Counsel to Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Deputy Chief Counsel to the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, and Oversight Counsel on the House Ways and Means Committee. She has represented clients undergoing investigations by congressional committees including the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Amanda is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia and before the United States Courts of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and the Eleventh Circuit.
Jillian N. Katterhagen is an associate in Gibson Dunn’s Washington, D.C. office, where she practices in the firm’s Litigation Department with a particular focus on white collar defense investigations, complex commercial litigation, global anti-corruption matters, and congressional investigations. Jillian has experience representing financial institutions and multinational companies in investigations conducted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Department of Justice, and the United States Congress. She has conducted internal investigations involving alleged securities and accounting fraud, violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, violations of anti-money laundering laws, and violations of the False Claims Act. Additionally, Jillian has significant litigation experience and has represented clients in proceedings before administrative agencies. Jillian is admitted to practice in Texas and the District of Columbia.
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