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Profile Picture

John W.F. Chesley

John
Chesley

Partner

CONTACT INFO

jchesley@gibsondunn.com

TEL:+1 202.887.3788

FAX:+1 202.530.9651

Washington, D.C.

1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20036-5306 USA

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PRACTICE

White Collar Defense and Investigations Anti-Corruption & FCPA Antitrust and Competition Congressional Investigations Crisis Management False Claims Act/Qui Tam Defense Government Contracts International Trade Labor and Employment Litigation National Security Securities Enforcement Securities Litigation

BIOGRAPHY

John Chesley is a litigation partner in Gibson Dunn’s Washington, D.C. Office.  He focuses his practice on white collar criminal enforcement and government-related litigation.  He represents corporations, audit committees, and executives in internal investigations and before government agencies in matters involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, procurement fraud, environmental crimes, securities violations, sanctions enforcement, antitrust violations, and whistleblower claims.  He also has significant trial experience before federal and state courts and administrative tribunals nationwide, with a particular focus on government contract disputes.

Mr. Chesley served as the Interim Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer of a publicly-traded, multi-national corporation, responsible for managing a global team of compliance personnel.  In this role, Mr. Chesley conducted and oversaw internal investigations, managed a whistleblower hotline, provided compliance advice, created and updated compliance policies, and administered compliance training for tens of thousands of employees worldwide.  This opportunity provided Mr. Chesley with first-hand insights into the day-to-day challenges experienced by in-house counsel, which he uses to bring practical solutions to the table for all of his clients.

Mr. Chesley has been recognized repeatedly as one of the leading lawyers of his generation.  Specifically, he was named one of the “world’s leading young investigations specialists” by Global Investigations Review “40 Under 40,” as well as a “Rising Star” in the Government Contracts and White Collar fields by Law360 and The National Law Journal, respectively.  Most recently, Mr. Chesley was recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers as a “Top Rated White Collar Attorney.”  He also has been recognized by Benchmark Litigation as a “Future Litigation Star” in Washington, D.C. (2020) and by Who’s Who Legal Investigations guide as a “Future Leader” in Investigations (2022).

A representative sampling of Mr. Chesley’s reported client engagements include:

  • In the Matter of Kraft Heinz Co. – Negotiated a successful resolution of accounting fraud claims brought by the SEC with no criminal component, substantially reduced financial penalty, and non-scienter-based charges;
  • United States & SEC v. Hewlett-Packard Co. et al. – Negotiated a successful resolution of FCPA claims brought by DOJ and the SEC, including no criminal disposition for the parent issuer, no compliance monitor, and a substantially reduced financial settlement, then guide successor companies through successful completion of post-resolution reporting period;
  • United States v. ZTE Corp. – Successfully litigated criminal probation revocation proceeding, persuading Court not to revoke probation or impose penalties and bring five-year compliance monitorship to an end (3:17-cr-00120-K, Dkt. 191 (Mar. 22, 2022));
  • Raytheon Co. v. United States – Won a $59 million judgment after a three-week trial before the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in a dispute with the Government concerning pension costs and successfully defended the trial court’s judgment on appeal to the Federal Circuit (105 Fed. Cl. 236 (2012) (aff’d 747 F.3d 1341 (Fed Cir. 2014));
  • In the Appeals of Raytheon Co. & RMS – Defeated government cost accounting claims relating to airfare, corporate development, and lobbying costs following a two-week trial before the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA Nos. 59435 et al., 21-1 BCA ¶ 37,796);
  • David R. Faulkner v. State of Maryland – Successfully litigated writ of actual innocence leading to reversal of Mr. Faulkner’s convictions, dismissal of all charges, and his release from prison after 20 years of wrongful imprisonment (468 Md. 418 (2020));
  • United States v. Alan J. Saltzman , D.O. – Successfully litigated motion to sever and stay indicted healthcare fraud prosecution based on client’s physical incapacity (2016 WL 287052 (D.D.C. Jan. 22, 2016)), leading to complete dismissal of charges against the client;
  • United States v. Michael D. Parry – Investigated allegations of corporate embezzlement on behalf of the Board of Directors of a non-profit organization and government contractor, resulting in a multi-million civil settlement for the organization and criminal prosecution of the former executive;
  • In the Matter of Theodore W. Urban – Successful trial defense of the former General Counsel of a broker-dealer charged with failing to supervise a broker, culminating in an acquittal on all charges (99 SEC Docket 994 (2010));
  • SEC v. General Electric Co. – Obtained a declination of criminal prosecution by DOJ in an FCPA investigation arising out of the Oil-for-Food Program and negotiated a favorable settlement with the SEC;
  • The Allied Defense Group, Inc. – Obtained declinations of criminal and civil enforcement action by DOJ and the SEC in a joint FCPA investigation arising from the arrest of a former employee in the 2010 “FCPA Sting” as well as the dismissal of a federal employment lawsuit brought by the former employee;
  • United States v. John Ferro – Obtained dismissal of all charges stemming from an unconstitutional search and seizure; and
  • United Parcel Service, Inc. v. Bureau of Safety & Regulation – Obtained the reversal of an administrative occupational safety and health citation in the Court of Appeals of Michigan and then successfully defended the Court of Appeals’ decision before the Michigan Supreme Court (745 N.W. 2d 125 (Mich App. 2007) (aff’d 749 N.W. 2d 746 (Mich. 2008)).

A representative sampling of confidential client engagements include:

  • Ongoing representation of a global telecommunications company in an FCPA investigation before DOJ;
  • Ongoing representation of a global technology company in an FCPA investigation before DOJ and the SEC;
  • Representation of a global consumer packaged goods company in multiple China-based anti-corruption investigations;
  • Representation of a global telecommunications company in an Egypt-based anti-corruption investigation;
  • Representation of a global financial institution in a multi-agency investigation concerning the U.S. Treasuries market;
  • Representation of global trading company in connection with alleged North Korean sanctions violations;
  • Representation of multi-national wellness device manufacturer in connection with alleged FDA regulatory non-compliances;
  • Successfully persuaded DOJ and the SEC not to bring charges against a senior lawyer in connection with a joint FCPA investigation concerning the alleged breach of a deferred prosecution agreement;
  • Successfully persuaded the SEC not to bring charges, post-Wells notice, against the CFO of a mining company in connection with allegations of FCPA violations;
  • Representation of CIA employee in “Spying on the Senate” investigation, resulting in full exoneration of the client;
  • Investigation of alleged corruption concerns in West Africa on behalf of a global energy company;
  • Representation of a global telecommunications company in a multi-jurisdictional review of network performance reporting practices;
  • Investigation of whistleblower concerns relating to energy reserve reporting practices on behalf of a global energy company;
  • Representation of a defense contractor in a Procurement Integrity Act investigation being conducted by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, as well as suspension and debarment proceedings before the Naval Office of Acquisition Integrity;
  • Representation of a Big 4 accounting firm in a Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations inquiry into international taxation matters;
  • Representation of a major multi-national in connection with SOX whistleblower claims raised by an attorney formerly employed by an Indian subsidiary;
  • Representation of a defense contractor in an internal review of compliance with export laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations;
  • Representation of a defense contractor before the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Defense Contract Audit Agency, and SEC in connection with SOX whistleblower claims raised by the contractor’s chief compliance officer;
  • Representation of a defense contractor in a grand jury investigation arising from allegations of improper political contributions;
  • Representation of a real estate development firm in a grand jury investigation arising from alleged violations of the Clean Water Act;
  • Representation of a senior chemical company executive in connection with criminal antitrust investigations in the United States and Canada and collateral, multi-district civil litigation in the United States; and
  • Buy- and sell-side representation of numerous clients across a multitude of industries in connection with pre-acquisition FCPA due diligence reviews.

Mr. Chesley publishes and speaks regularly on legal developments, particularly involving the FCPA.  In addition, he is frequently quoted in print publications such as Bloomberg BNA, Compliance Week, Corporate Counsel, Global Investigations Review, Law360, The FCPA Report, and SEC Today and has appeared as a legal commentator on the Fox News Channel.

Examples of recent speaking engagements include:

  • Co-Presenter, “FCPA 2021 Year-End Update” (February 2022);
  • Co-Presenter, “Navigating the Minefield of Dodd-Frank’s Whistleblower Provisions (2021 Update),” Securities Docket Webcast (January 2022);
  • Co-Presenter, “Navigating the Minefield of Dodd-Frank’s Whistleblower Provisions (2020 Update),” Securities Docket Webcast (February 2021);
  • Co-Presenter, “FCPA 2020 Year-End Update” (January 2021);
  • Co-Presenter, “Navigating the Minefield of Dodd-Frank’s Whistleblower Provisions (2019 Update),” Securities Docket Webcast (January 2020);
  • Co-Presenter, “Navigating the Minefield of Dodd-Frank’s Whistleblower Provisions (2018 Update),” Securities Docket Webcast (January 2019);
  • Co-Presenter, “Navigating the Minefield of Dodd-Frank’s Whistleblower Provisions and the FCPA (2017 Update),” Securities Docket Webcast (December 2017);
  • Co-Presenter, “Navigating the Minefield of Dodd-Frank’s Whistleblower Provisions and the FCPA (2016 Update),” Securities Docket Webcast (January 2017);
  • Co-Presenter, “Navigating the Minefield of Dodd-Frank’s Whistleblower Provisions and the FCPA (2015 Update),” Securities Docket Webcast (December 2015);
  • Panelist, “Whistleblower Complaints and Fraud Investigations: Putting Theory into Practice,” Association of Corporate Counsel, National Capital Region (April 2015);
  • Co-Presenter, “Navigating the Minefield of Dodd-Frank’s Whistleblower Provisions and the FCPA (2014 Update),” Securities Docket Webcast (December 2014);
  • Co-Presenter, “Global Anti-Corruption Enforcement & Compliance: 2013 Year In Review,” Securities Docket Webcast (February 2014);
  • Co-Presenter, “Navigating the Minefield of Dodd-Frank’s Whistleblower Provisions and the FCPA (2013 Update),” Securities Docket Webcast (December 2013);
  • Co-Presenter, “The Internal Audit Function and Anti-Corruption Compliance,” Securities Docket Webcast (June 2013);
  • Panelist, “Global Securities Enforcement Issues: From Morrison to China,” District of Columbia Bar (May 2013);
  • Co-Presenter, “FCPA Compliance Guide Update,” Washington Metropolitan Area Corporate Counsel Association Webcast (December 2012); and
  • Co-Presenter, “Navigating the Minefield of Dodd-Frank’s Whistleblower Provisions and the FCPA,” Securities Docket Webcast (December 2012).”

In July 2016, a Gibson Dunn team led by Mr. Chesley was presented with the “Defender of Innocence” award by The Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project in recognition of their efforts to vindicate and free from prison David R. Faulkner.

Mr. Chesley graduated with honors from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2005, where he attended classes while working for the National Criminal Enforcement Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, Antitrust Division. He received his undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Maryland in 2001 and also is a former police officer.

Mr. Chesley is a member of the bars of the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia and has held a Secret security clearance.

EDUCATION

Georgetown University - 2005 Juris Doctor

University of Maryland - 2001 Bachelor of Arts

ADMISSIONS

District of Columbia Bar

Maryland Bar

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Client Alert - March 2, 2023 | 2022 Year-End FCPA Update
Client Alert - September 29, 2022 | 2022 Mid-Year FCPA Update
Firm News - March 30, 2022 | Who’s Who Legal Recognizes 12 Gibson Dunn Partners in 2022 Investigations Guide
Webcasts - February 1, 2022 | Webcast: FCPA 2021 Year-End Update
Client Alert - January 25, 2022 | 2021 Year-End FCPA Update
Webcasts - January 18, 2022 | Webcast: Navigating the Minefield of Dodd-Frank’s Whistleblower Provisions (2021 Update)
Client Alert - December 13, 2021 | U.S. Strategy on Countering Corruption Signals Focus on Enforcement
Client Alert - June 17, 2021 | China Constricts Sharing of In-Country Corporate and Personal Data Through New Legislation
Firm News - April 30, 2021 | 11 Gibson Dunn Partners Recognized in Euromoney’s White Collar Crime Expert Guide
Webcasts - January 26, 2021 | Webcast: FCPA 2020 Year-End Update
Client Alert - January 12, 2021 | 2020 Year-End FCPA Update
Client Alert - July 16, 2020 | 2020 Mid-Year FCPA Update
Firm News - March 25, 2020 | 11 Partners Recognized in Who’s Who Legal 2020 Investigations
Client Alert - January 6, 2020 | 2019 Year-End FCPA Update
Webcasts - October 1, 2019 | Webcast: The False Claims Act – 2019 Mid-Year Update: Government Contracting Sector
Client Alert - February 14, 2019 | 2018 Year-End Government Contracts Litigation Update
Client Alert - January 7, 2019 | 2018 Year-End FCPA Update
Webcasts - September 10, 2018 | Webcast: The False Claims Act: 2018 Mid-Year Update for Government Contracting
Webcasts - August 29, 2018 | Webcast: The False Claims Act – 2018 Mid-Year Update: Three Industry-Specific Programs
Webcasts - August 22, 2018 | Webcast: The False Claims Act – 2018 Mid-Year Update: Drug and Device Industries
Client Alert - July 9, 2018 | 2018 Mid-Year FCPA Update
Client Alert - January 16, 2018 | 2017 Year-End Government Contracts Update
Client Alert - January 2, 2018 | 2017 Year-End FCPA Update
Webcasts - August 9, 2017 | Webcast: 2017 Mid-Year Update: The False Claims Act and Government Contractors (defense, technology, and others)
Client Alert - July 24, 2017 | 2017 Mid-Year Government Contracts Litigation Update
Client Alert - July 10, 2017 | 2017 Mid-Year FCPA Update
Client Alert - February 2, 2017 | 2016 Year-End Government Contracts Litigation Update
Client Alert - January 3, 2017 | 2016 Year-End FCPA Update
Client Alert - August 1, 2016 | 2016 Mid-Year Government Contracts Litigation Update
Client Alert - July 5, 2016 | 2016 Mid-Year FCPA Update
Article - February 1, 2016 | Six Trends in 2015 FCPA Enforcement
Client Alert - January 19, 2016 | 2015 Year-End Government Contracts Litigation Update
Client Alert - January 4, 2016 | 2015 Year-End FCPA Update
Article - August 31, 2015 | 2015 Mid-Year FCPA Update: Part 2
Article - August 17, 2015 | 2015 Mid-Year FCPA Update: Part 1
Article - August 5, 2015 | Jurisdictional Issues In Recent Gov’t Contracts Cases: Part 2
Article - August 4, 2015 | Jurisdictional Update On 2015 Gov’t Contracts Cases: Part 1
Client Alert - July 29, 2015 | 2015 Mid-Year Government Contracts Litigation Update
Client Alert - July 6, 2015 | 2015 Mid-Year FCPA Update
Client Alert - January 5, 2015 | 2014 Year-End FCPA Update
Client Alert - October 31, 2014 | Reexamining the notion that public companies cannot fight criminal charges
Client Alert - July 7, 2014 | 2014 Mid-Year FCPA Update
Client Alert - January 6, 2014 | 2013 Year-End FCPA Update
Client Alert - July 8, 2013 | 2013 Mid-Year FCPA Update
Client Alert - February 28, 2013 | FCPA Enforcement Trends
Client Alert - January 2, 2013 | 2012 Year-End FCPA Update
Client Alert - October 3, 2012 | Five Themes for General Counsel to Monitor with Respect to Dodd-Frank Whistleblowers and the FCPA
Client Alert - July 9, 2012 | 2012 Mid-Year FCPA Update
Client Alert - January 3, 2012 | 2011 Year-End FCPA Update
Client Alert - August 8, 2011 | FCPA: Who Is a Foreign Official?
Client Alert - July 11, 2011 | 2011 Mid-Year FCPA Update
Client Alert - January 3, 2011 | 2010 Year-End FCPA Update
Client Alert - July 8, 2010 | 2010 Mid-Year FCPA Update
Client Alert - March 15, 2010 | Nine Lessons of 2009: The Year-in-Review of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement
Client Alert - January 4, 2010 | 2009 Year-End FCPA Update
Client Alert - July 7, 2009 | 2009 Mid-Year FCPA Update
Client Alert - January 5, 2009 | 2008 Year-End FCPA Update
Client Alert - July 7, 2008 | 2008 Mid-Year FCPA Update
Client Alert - January 4, 2008 | 2007 Year-End FCPA Update
Client Alert - September 24, 2007 | The FCPA and Analogous Foreign Anti-Bribery Laws–Overview, Recent Developments, and Acquisition Due Diligence
Client Alert - July 11, 2006 | To Plead or Not to Plead? Reveiwing a Decade of Criminal Antitrust Trials
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