Jackson Walker proudly announces the first-time ranking of the Investigations & White Collar practice group in the Chambers USA Guide released today. This ranking is anchored by the continued recognition of practice group leader Erica Benites Giese and partner Jennifer S. Freel.
Inside the Rankings
Each year, Chambers and Partners releases its flagship guides that identify leading practitioners and law firms in the United States and around the world through the culmination of thousands of interviews with attorneys and clients conducted by over 200 research analysts.
In the 2024 guide, Jackson Walker ranked among the top firms in Texas for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, with the following feedback provided by clients:
“The team goes above and beyond any expectation in terms of service levels.”
“The team is always prompt and clear.”
This prestigious recognition reflects the growth and depth of the Investigations & White Collar Defense team, which includes accomplished former prosecutors strategically positioned throughout Texas in the Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio offices. Our attorneys leverage their extensive experience on both sides of the aisle, providing comprehensive counsel to clients facing state and federal enforcement, fraud, antitrust, securities, sanctions, and healthcare issues.
In addition to the overall department ranking, Chambers listed both Erica Giese and Jennifer Freel among the top Texas attorneys in this area in the 2024 guide. This marks the second year Erica was ranked and the fourth year for Jennifer. For more information, see Jackson Walker’s announcement of all departments and attorneys ranked this year.
“We are grateful that our overall practice broke through the rankings this year in Texas, especially given how competitive and rigorous the research process can be,” Erica stated. “The group’s ranking as well as our two individual rankings are each a testament to the trust our clients place in us and the dedication of our exceptional team.”
About Our Growing, Experienced Team
Under the leadership of practice co-chairs Erica Giese and Laura M. Kidd Cordova, the practice has grown to 14 attorneys—including the recent addition of Dallas partner Joe Magliolo, who handled cases and investigations involving cybercrime, export-control, and national security issues for the Northern District of Texas—and boasts a proven track record of success. Recent highlights include:
- Laura Cordova and Michael Murtha successfully represented Mitchell Hennessey, who was dismissed of all securities fraud charges on March 20, 2024.
- Erica Giese continues to represent an internationally known celebrity in ongoing negotiations concerning a multi-million dollar federal criminal judgment.
- Erica Giese helped secure the dismissal of charges against Afghan soldier Abdul Wasi Safi, who was arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border while attempting to seek asylum.
- Jennifer Freel represented an entertainment company in an internal investigation after a popular streamer was accused of hiding and down-playing a sexual assault.
- Erica Giese represented a retail pharmacy chain against the Department of Justice Civil Division and the Drug Enforcement Agency Diversion group seeking significant penalties for alleged violations of the Controlled Substances Act.
- Robert Soza is handling a bet-the-company export privileges appeal of a temporary denial order issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security. This is one of the largest export control cases ever brought in the United States.
“We have been so impressed by the Investigations & White Collar team’s success over the past five years,” said Wade Cooper, managing partner of Jackson Walker. “Their inclusion in this year’s guide signifies the exceptional talent and dedication of our white-collar team.”
The firm is proud of the Investigations & White Collar Defense group’s recognition along with first-time rankings in the areas of antitrust, immigration, intellectual property, government relations, and public finance. For more information, view Jackson Walker’s announcement of the Chambers 2024 rankings and the firm’s Chambers profile.
