Biography
Jennifer Achilles focuses her practice on white collar criminal defense, regulatory enforcement and securities litigation, and internal investigations.
Jennifer defends public and private companies, as well as their officers and directors, in government investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), Department of Justice (“DOJ”), and New York District Attorney’s (“DA”) and Attorney General’s (“AG”) offices. She has significant experience representing clients in matters involving insider trading, market manipulation, accounting fraud, cryptocurrency-related activities, anti-money laundering, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”). She also leads internal investigations in advance of and in connection with government investigations, and counsels clients on cooperation and self-disclosure strategies. Jennifer leads Blank Rome’s internal working group on cryptocurrency enforcement.
Chambers USA reported that clients say that “Jennifer is smart, focuses on the key issues and generates confidence for her clients” and “has a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to issues.”
Jennifer is frequently called upon to speak at industry events and write for leading publications. Prior to joining Blank Rome, she led the Global Regulatory Enforcement Group of an Am Law 100 firm in New York City and practiced at a boutique litigation firm focused on high-profile white collar and regulatory matters and sophisticated business disputes.
Experience
Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
- Conducted an internal investigation of a U.S. public company involved in the crypto mining industry following allegations of securities fraud and other misconduct.
- Advised a crypto wallet provider regarding anti-money laundering and sanctions compliance.
- Represented DeFi clients responding to government subpoenas and inquiries from law enforcement.
- Advised a global investigations firm regarding regulatory and legal risks associated with engaging in crypto-related activities.
White Collar Criminal Defense
- Represented a public company in a federal grand jury investigation and parallel SEC investigation involving allegations of accounting fraud.
- Defended a senior executive charged with participating in an international insider trading ring.
- Represented a prior board member of an entertainment company in parallel investigations by the NY DA’s office, NY AG’s office, and the DOJ amidst allegations of sexual assault and harassment.
- Defended traders of a global investment bank in cross-border civil and criminal investigations of alleged market manipulation and collusive activity related to libor and forex benchmarks.
Regulatory Enforcement
- Secured dismissal of all securities fraud charges against a senior executive facing an SEC enforcement action.
- Represented a commodities trader in a CFTC investigation involving allegations of market manipulation in connection with prearranged trading.
- Represented an international commodities trading firm regarding its self-report to CFTC Enforcement following an internal investigation on the firm’s reporting obligations.
Internal / Government Investigations
- Conducted an internal investigation of a global healthcare company amidst allegations of violations of the FCPA.
- Conducted an internal investigation of a global telecommunications company in connection with cross-border civil and criminal investigations of suspected telecom fraud and money laundering.
- Conducted an internal investigation of a U.S. subsidiary of a global healthcare company following cyber-related misconduct and identity theft.
Commercial Litigation
- Representing a non-U.S. medical device company in civil litigation involving allegations of bribery and FCPA violations.
- Defended a large financial institution in a $10 billion securities litigation regarding allegations of fraud in connection with the sale of residential mortgage-based securities.
News & Views
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Alert
DOJ Launches Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program
White Collar Defense & Investigations -
Ranking
Chambers USA 2024 Recognizes Blank Rome Attorneys and Practices
Kevin J. Baum, Anthony R. Callobre, Lawrence F. Flick II, Michael C. Graziano, Bruce R. Lesser, Cassandra G. Mott
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Speaking Engagement
Key Considerations at the Outset of an Audit Committee or Special Committee Investigation—The Board of Directors/Audit or Special Committee’s Perspective
PLI’s Audit Committees, Special Committees, and Internal Investigations 2024 -
Article
Risk Readiness Steps Can Help Protect, Track Digital Assets
Law360 -
Speaking Engagement
The Latest in the Landscape of Crypto Regulations: The Path to Crypto Transparency on the Heels of the Collapse of FTX
7th Annual Summit for Women Leaders in Financial Services Law -
Alert
The DOJ’s Newest Pilot Program on Compensation and Clawbacks: Executives and Employees Should Reap What They Sow
Labor & EmploymentJennifer L. Achilles, Brooke T. Iley, Anthony A. Mingione, Shawn M. Wright
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Alert
“And the Truth Shall Set You Free” – The United States Attorney’s Offices’ New Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy
White Collar Defense & Investigations -
Article
Compliance Issues Abound from Employees’ Use of Unauthorized Messaging Apps
New York Law Journal -
Speaking Engagement
Key Considerations at the Outset of an Audit Committee or Special Committee Investigation—The Board of Directors/Audit or Special Committee’s Perspective
PLI’s Audit Committees, Special Committees, and Internal Investigations 2023 -
Article
What Cos. Can Learn from Uber Breach Nonprosecution Deal
Law360
Recognitions
- 2024, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, listed in Chambers USA
- 2016–2024, Criminal Defense: White Collar, listed in New York Metro Super Lawyers
- 2016, “Client Service All-Star,” listed by BTI Consulting Group
- 2013–2014, “Rising Star” for Criminal Defense: White Collar, listed in New York Metro Super Lawyers
Affiliations
Memberships
- Federal Bar Council
- New York City Bar Association
- New York Women's Bar Association
- Women's White Collar Defense Association
Jennifer volunteers with Grassroots Grocery and Food for Families in New York City, and is an active member of the Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College.
Credentials
Admissions
- U.S. District Court - Colorado
- New York
- U.S. District Court - Central District of California
- U.S. District Court - Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court - Southern District of New York
- United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Education
- Vassar College, AB
- Tulane University School of Law, JD, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif
- Yale University, MS
Related Services
- White Collar Defense & Investigations
- Finance & Restructuring
- Antitrust Counseling & Litigation
- Corporate Governance
- Regulatory Compliance
- Foreign Corrupt Practices Act & Anti-Corruption
- Financial Institutions Litigation and Regulatory Compliance (“FILARC”)
- Securities & Shareholder Litigation
- FATCA Compliance
- Business Litigation
- Internal Investigations
- False Claims Act Investigations & Defense
- Corporate
- Compliance & Investigations
- Congressional, Agency, & Internal Investigations
- Structured Finance
- Anti-Money Laundering & Economic Sanctions
- Finance
- Environmental, Social, and Governance (“ESG”)
- State Attorneys General