Practice Areas

The Treanor Law Firm is led by Tim Treanor who has extensive trial experience, loves to be in the courtroom, and thrives before judges and juries in both criminal and civil cases.  His skill and comfort in the courtroom will ensure that adversaries take the firm seriously and will create momentum towards early resolutions. When adversaries seek resolutions, we will use our experience to negotiate favorable outcomes. And when favorable resolutions cannot be reached, we will stand ready to litigate aggressively and to provide outstanding courtroom advocacy.  We also work collaboratively with other law firms in preparing their criminal and civil matters for trial and in ensuring effective trial presentations.

The Treanor Law Firm brings to bear the following trial experience:

• A dozen federal trials to verdict, many of them complex, multi-month trials.
• Lead counsel in a three-and-a-half-month criminal racketeering trial in the Southern District of New York.
• Lead counsel in a three-month criminal racketeering trial in the Southern District of New York
• Lead counsel in a two-month criminal conspiracy trial in the Southern District of New York.
• Co-counsel in the trial of an attorney charged with wire fraud and bank fraud crimes in the Southern District of New York.
• Lead counsel in the trial of a defendant on charges of bank fraud and wire fraud in the Southern District of New York.

The Treanor Law Firm specializes in providing strategic advice and representation to companies and individuals who are navigating crises resulting from the initiation of criminal or regulatory investigations or enforcement actions. With extensive federal trial experience and a focus on white collar criminal and regulatory enforcement defense, we are well-positioned to help clients manage high-stakes situations effectively. Our firm combines leadership, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of enforcement processes to develop custom strategies for clients facing challenging circumstances.

Effective crisis management requires swift action, strategic planning, and precise execution. We guide clients through every stage of a crisis to minimize risks and protect their interests.

Our services include:

• Immediate Response and Risk Assessment: Quickly evaluating the scope of the investigation or enforcement action and advising on initial steps to mitigate risks.
• Engaging with Enforcement Authorities: Managing any interactions with federal or state agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
• Internal Investigations: Initiating and conducting internal reviews to preserve evidence, understand the facts, and develop a strategy for addressing law enforcement concerns.
• Collaboration with Experts: Working closely with technical and forensics experts to address complex issues effectively.
• Crisis Communications: Advising on internal and external communications to manage reputational risks while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with legal obligations.

The Treanor Law Firm provides expert guidance and service in managing interactions with law enforcement authorities during investigations and enforcement actions. Our services include:

• Responding to Subpoenas and Inquiries: Providing strategic advice and advocacy where necessary in responding to subpoenas, document requests, and requests for witness interviews.
• Developing Defenses: Developing the best arguments to advance vigorous defenses of individuals and companies under investigation or facing criminal charges or regulatory enforcement actions.
• Negotiating Resolutions: Working to achieve favorable outcomes where reasonable.

The Treanor Law Firm provides skilled representation to individuals and companies responding to investigative inquiries, whether from a government agency or as part of an internal investigation. The firm also conducts internal investigations. The firm provides the following services related to investigations:

Representing Companies and Individuals in Government Investigations

• In recent years, prosecutors and regulators have increasingly used enforcement to regulate business conduct—what once was seen as a technical, regulatory matter, now may be seen as the basis for a potential criminal or regulatory enforcement action. As a result, companies and executives, more than ever, should expect to face government scrutiny at some time.
• We represent companies and individuals in criminal and regulatory investigations initiated by agencies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other federal and state regulators.
• Our services in government investigations include:
  • Responding to government inquiries.
  • Reviewing and assessing the relevance and value of evidence to a government investigation.
  • Developing strategic defenses and advocating for clients at all stages of the investigation.
  • Preparing to litigate against government agencies when necessary, leveraging our extensive experience to achieve favorable outcomes.

Representing Individuals in Internal Investigations

• Due to heightened concerns about corporate compliance and an increase in government enforcement activities, companies are more likely to conduct internal investigations to identify and address potential violations and develop defenses and responses to government inquiries.
• We advise and represent individuals who are involved in internal investigations conducted by their employers or external counsel.
• Our representations help to ensure that:
  • The rights and interests of individuals are protected during the course of an investigation.
  • Clients receive clear guidance regarding interactions with investigators to address risks.
  • Legal and professional exposure is minimized.

Conducting Internal Investigations for Companies

• We conduct thorough and discreet internal investigations on behalf of companies to address suspected misconduct and to respond to regulatory inquiries and whistleblower complaints.
• Our services include:
• Investigating potential violations of law or internal policies.
• Collaborating with boards of directors, audit committees, and in-house counsel to address concerns.
• Preparing findings and actionable recommendations for remediation or disclosure when requested to do so.

Comprehensive Counsel for Enforcement and Investigations

• The Treanor Law Firm’s investigative and enforcement services cover a wide range of regulatory and compliance areas, including:
• Anti-Corruption and FCPA Compliance: Assisting clients in addressing allegations related to bribery and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
• Financial and Securities Fraud: Representing clients in investigations involving the SEC, DOJ, and other financial regulators.
• AML and Sanctions Violations: Providing counsel on matters related to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), anti-money laundering laws, and economic sanctions.
• Corporate and Executive Conduct: Advising on allegations of misconduct or breaches of fiduciary duties.

With decades of experience conducting and representing clients in government and internal investigations, the lawyers of the Treanor Law Firm are able to provide insightful strategic and effective guidance tailored to each client’s unique situation. Whether responding to a government inquiry, representing an individual in an internal review, or conducting a company-led investigation, we are committed to ensuring that our client’s achieve a just outcome and to protecting our clients’ rights, reputations, and long-term interests.

The Treanor Law Firm is a formidable defense firm in just about any context due to counsel’s history of achieving exceptional results for clients in a range of criminal and regulatory enforcement matters. When an individual’s liberty or career is at stake, or where a company’s survival is on the line, clients come to us because they know that we have the skills and experience needed to successfully defend the matter, whether pre-trial or in the courtroom.

Our team at the Treanor Law Firm has significant first-chair trial experience in high-profile and complex criminal matters and deep experience in contesting regulatory enforcement matters, and we use that experience to capitalize on opportunities to advance the defense of our clients and to pursue outstanding results.  Counsel at the Treanor Law Firm has a range of experience managing criminal and regulatory enforcement matters in the following areas:

• Business Crimes and Fraud.
• National Security, Economic Sanctions, and Export Controls.
• Money Laundering/Bank Secrecy Act.
• Securities and Commodities Fraud and Market Manipulation.
• Accounting Fraud.
• FCPA and Anti-Corruption.
• Cybercrime.
• Crypto and Blockchain.
• Criminal Antitrust.
• Tax Fraud.
• Environmental Crimes.
• Crisis Management.

The Treanor Law Firm provides exceptional representation to individuals and entities who are both defending against claims and bringing affirmative civil litigation. We combine a commitment to justice with a streamlined, innovative approach. We deliver strategic counsel and vigorous advocacy to protect our clients’ rights and interests. With extensive federal trial experience, we are well positioned to advocate effectively every step of the way for clients facing a wide array of legal challenges.

Civil Litigation Defense

The Treanor Law Firm offers robust defense services for clients navigating complex civil litigation. We are dedicated to protecting our clients’ interests and minimizing potential liabilities. Our defense practice includes:

• Commercial Disputes: Defending businesses and individuals in breach of contract claims, business torts, and other commercial disputes.
• Class Action Defense: Protecting clients against large-scale claims involving allegations of systemic misconduct or fraud.
• Civil RICO Defense: Challenging allegations of racketeering or participation in organized schemes.
• False Claims Act Defense: Representing entities accused of defrauding government programs or contracts, including whistleblower allegations.
• Regulatory and Enforcement Matters: Defending clients in civil proceedings brought by governmental or regulatory authorities, including complex compliance-related disputes.

We take a proactive and strategic approach to defense litigation, combining in-depth legal knowledge with practical insights to achieve favorable outcomes. Our ability to manage large-scale litigation notwithstanding our small size and to coordinate with technical and financial experts ensures a comprehensive and effective defense strategy.

Affirmative Civil Litigation

In addition to defending against civil claims, the Treanor Law Firm also brings affirmative civil claims on behalf of individuals and entities whose rights have been violated. Our entrepreneurial spirit and lean operations allow us to litigate efficiently and effectively against well-resourced adversaries. Some of the areas we focus on include:

• Civil RICO Claims: Targeting organized schemes that cause economic harm.
• Anti-Terrorism Act Claims: Advocating for victims of terrorism to hold perpetrators and enablers accountable.
• False Claims Act Claims: Pursuing whistleblower actions to expose fraud against government programs.
• Enforcement of Foreign Judgments: Helping clients enforce international judgments and arbitral awards in U.S. courts.
• Class Actions: Representing groups of individuals or entities harmed by systemic misconduct or fraud.
• Contingency Litigation: Providing access to justice by taking on cases where fees are contingent on a successful outcome.

A Modern, Impact-Driven Approach

The Treanor Law Firm prides itself on leveraging innovative technology and an agile structure to deliver superior legal services. Our streamlined operations reduce overhead, allowing us to provide cost-effective representation without compromising quality. Whether prosecuting affirmative claims or defending clients in complex litigation, we are committed to achieving the best outcomes for our clients with creativity, efficiency, and an unwavering dedication to justice.

Criminal defendants and the victims of misconduct often retain specialized counsel to protect or pursue assets held in the United States or elsewhere.  In the past, efforts to secure assets held by others were frequently frustrated by secrecy laws making it easy for parties to conceal the ownership of assets in certain jurisdictions, including the United States, by utilizing shell companies and nominee directors and by transferring assets without having to report the transactions to the authorities.  These laws, however, are gradually changing.  Many jurisdictions, under pressure to increase transparency, are rolling back secrecy provisions.  There are now more opportunities for concealed assets and beneficial owners to be identified and for legal disputes to arise.

At the Treanor Law Firm, we have many years of experience protecting and recovering hundreds of millions of dollars in assets for clients, whether through advocacy in criminal cases or by means of civil litigation.  For example, in recent years, Tim Treanor, working with co-counsel, recovered for FIFA and other world football (soccer) organizations more than US$200 million through remission that was stolen by corrupt football administrators and their media and marketing partners.  The Treanor Law Firm will work with you to recover assets from others by various means, including seeking to seize bank accounts, petitioning for orders of restitution or for the distribution of forfeited funds and property through remission or restoration, filing third-party claims in ancillary proceedings, or through affirmative or defensive civil litigation.

The Treanor Law Firm provides comprehensive representation to whistleblowers seeking to report misconduct under federal and state whistleblower programs. Our extensive experience includes advising individuals on navigating the risks of criminal and civil enforcement while maximizing the benefits provided by federal whistleblower programs. Counsel at the firm brings a unique 360-degree perspective gained from years at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), advising major companies on addressing whistleblower complaints, and directly representing whistleblowers. This breadth of experience allows us to effectively guide clients through the complex processes of filing whistleblower claims and managing the potential legal and personal challenges that arise.

In recent years, the federal government has expanded its whistleblower programs to encourage individuals with knowledge of wrongdoing to come forward. These programs now offer potential immunity from criminal liability, confidentiality protections, and significant financial incentives. Below are some of the major federal whistleblower programs:

Department of Justice (DOJ) Whistleblower Programs

In 2024, the DOJ launched its first whistleblower incentive programs, which are aimed at uncovering white collar criminal violations, including fraud and corruption. Separate DOJ programs provide for the non-prosecution of potential wrongdoers who come forward in certain cases and provide financial incentives to whistleblowers.  Both types of programs address protections from retaliation.

Securities and Commodities Whistleblower Programs (SEC, CFTC)

Established under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act following the 2008-09 financial crisis, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) whistleblower programs have awarded hundreds of millions of dollars to individuals who expose securities and commodities fraud and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). These programs incentivize individuals to report securities and commodities law violations by offering financial rewards of 10% to 30% of monetary sanctions collected in cases where their information leads to successful enforcement actions exceeding $1 million. Under these programs, whistleblowers are allowed to file complaints anonymously, protecting their confidentiality.

Treasury Department (FinCEN) AML and Sanctions Whistleblower Program

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) oversees a whistleblower program designed to combat money laundering and sanctions violations. This program provides financial rewards to individuals who report significant violations of anti-money laundering (AML) laws and economic sanctions. Whistleblowers under this program benefit from confidentiality protections and the opportunity to collaborate with enforcement agencies to uncover and address misconduct. This program offers financial rewards to individuals who report significant violations of anti-money laundering (AML) laws and economic sanctions. Awards range from 10% to 30% of monetary sanctions collected in cases where the total exceeds $1 million.  The program was created by Congress in 2021 but its implementing regulations are still under development.

False Claims Act (FCA) Whistleblower Program

The False Claims Act, signed into law in 1863, is the oldest federal whistleblower statute and remains one of the most effective tools for combating fraud against the government. The FCA’s qui tam provisions allow whistleblowers (known as relators) to file lawsuits confidentially on behalf of the government and to share in the recovery of funds. Whistleblowers can receive between 15% and 30% of the government’s recovery, which can be substantial due to treble damages and civil penalties. The FCA’s broad scope applies to federal spending, procurement, and contracting, including conduct occurring outside the U.S. The program also allows non-U.S. citizens and organizations to act as whistleblowers.

IRS Whistleblower Program

The IRS whistleblower program incentivizes individuals to report significant tax fraud and underpayment of taxes. Whistleblowers who provide original information leading to the recovery of unpaid taxes may receive an award of 15% to 30% of the collected amount. This program is an essential tool in uncovering tax evasion schemes and ensuring compliance with federal tax laws.

Tailored Advocacy for Whistleblowers

The Treanor Law Firm offers a client-focused approach to whistleblower representations, addressing each client’s unique circumstances and the complexities of the relevant whistleblower programs. We provide guidance on filing claims, navigating confidentiality protections, and managing risks associated with potential enforcement actions. By leveraging our deep understanding of government enforcement priorities and processes, we help clients achieve favorable outcomes while ensuring their rights and interests are protected.

The Treanor Law Firm provides companies with practical and effective guidance on compliance with critical regulatory requirements. We have counsel with extensive experience advising clients, particularly financial institutions, on adhering to anti-corruption laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. We also counsel clients on compliance with U.S. economic sanctions laws, ensuring that businesses navigate these complex legal frameworks effectively and avoid enforcement risks.

Our corporate compliance counseling includes developing policies and procedures, conducting risk assessments, providing training programs, and assisting with internal investigations and voluntary disclosures when needed. The Treanor Law Firm is committed to helping clients build robust compliance programs that mitigate risks and help to safeguard their operations in an increasingly regulated environment.

The Treanor Law Firm possesses unique expertise in corporate compliance monitorships, having engaged in monitorships from every perspective. Tim Treanor, for example, as a prosecutor, installed and managed one of the first monitorships required by the Department of Justice (DOJ); he later served as lead counsel on the team monitoring HSBC Bank for a five-year period; and he separately has advised and represented numerous companies under monitorships, including major international banks and public companies. This broad perspective allows our firm to effectively assist clients in navigating the challenges associated with monitorships.

We provide strategic guidance on meeting monitorship requirements, managing interactions with monitors, and implementing sustainable compliance enhancements to satisfy the expectations of regulators and enforcement agencies. The Treanor Law Firm is dedicated to helping companies achieve successful outcomes while minimizing disruption and maintaining the integrity of their operations.

The Treanor Law Firm provides experienced representation in appellate matters.  Our appellate practice focuses on analyzing trial records, identifying key legal issues, preparing well-reasoned briefs, and delivering excellence in oral arguments. We assist clients in seeking to overturn adverse decisions or defending favorable judgments, providing clear guidance and effective advocacy throughout the appellate process.