News Locations
EN | FR
Practices
People
Careers
Associate Recruiting Working At HHR Available Positions
Culture
About Us Inclusion Pro Bono
Practices
People
Careers
Associate Recruiting Working At HHR Available Positions
Culture
About Us Inclusion Pro Bono
News Locations
EN | FR
Practices
People
News
View All Results >

Michael A. DeBernardis

Washington, DC

+1 (202) 721-4678

[email protected]
Download V Card
Share/Print
Email Print
   
Chinese
Biography
Selected Matters
Client Advisories
News

Michael A. DeBernardis is Chair of the firm's Global Investigations, Enforcement and Compliance U.S. practice, Co-Managing Partner of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, and a member of the White Collar & Regulatory Defense practice group.

Michael assists clients with internal investigations relating to high-stakes matters including bribery and corruption under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, procurement fraud, financial and accounting fraud, money laundering, and other ethics issues and violations of company policy. Michael has represented clients in connection with inquiries by the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, among others. Michael works extensively with clients to prevent issues before they arise, assisting American, European, and Asian clients in designing, evaluating, administering, and maintaining anti-corruption, integrity compliance, and corporate governance programs. Michael has substantial experience with corporate compliance monitorships, having served on multiple occasions as an independent compliance monitor, as counsel on behalf of a monitor, or as “buffer counsel” for companies facing monitorships.

Michael also serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Multilateral Development Bank Investigations and Sanctions practice, where he represents companies and individuals in all phases of MDB sanctions proceedings, from audit and investigation, to litigation of allegations and arguments before sanctions boards, to sanction release proceedings. Michael has represented and counseled clients in connection with proceedings before the World Bank, African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Inter-American Development Bank.

Michael also represents clients in complex litigation and international arbitration matters, including securities class action litigation, breach of contract claims, and claims resulting from sovereign debt default.

Recognitions

  • Recognized as a Law360 2021 "Rising Star"
  • Recognized in Washington DC Super Lawyers as a 2018 Rising Star
  • 2018 – 2019 Capital Pro Bono High Honor Roll, sponsored by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia
  • 2013 – 2015, 2017 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, sponsored by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia
  • 2011 – 2012 Capital Pro Bono High Honor Roll, sponsored by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia

Highlighted Publications and Lectures

  • Co-author, with Laura Perkins and Katherine Taylor, “Suspect Corrupt Payments? How to Navigate Potential Corporate Crisis,” The Review of Securities & Commodities Regulation, p. 171-176, September 2024
  • Co-author, Bribery Settlement Gives Insight On DOJ Policies, Law360, January 5, 2024
  • Co-author, with Christine Kang, “Chapter 22: Multilateral Development Bank Monitorships,” GIR Guide to Monitorships, 3rd Edition, p.353-368, April 2022
  • Co-author, with Benjamin Britz and Debbie Placid, “FCPA Enforcement Under the Biden Administration: Three Areas to Watch,” Global Trade Magazine, March 31, 2021
  • Co-author, with Philip Giordano, “FCA Compliance in an Era of Unprecedented Government Stimulus,” Corporate Compliance Insights, January 28, 2021
  • Co-author, with Jonathan Zygielbaum, “4 Tips for Data Analytics Following DOJ Compliance Guide​,” Law360, June 26, 2020
  • Co-author, with Jonathan Zygielbaum, “Eyeing Trends in Multilateral Development Bank Enforcement,” Law360, January 29, 2020
  • Co-author, with Jonathan Zygielbaum, “Revisiting the China Initiative: Will the Focus on FCPA Prosecutions of Chinese Companies Produce Results,” The Anti-Corruption Report, July 10, 2019

Select Podcasts

  • “Implications of Trump’s FCPA Executive Order with Mike DeBernardis,” Hughes Hubbard & Reed All Things Investigations Podcast, Compliance Podcast Network, Podcast, Episode 68, February 19, 2025
  • “Anchored in Fraud: Mike DeBernardis and Shayda Vance on Austal USA’s Scandal,” Hughes Hubbard & Reed All Things Investigations Podcast, Compliance Podcast Network, Podcast, Episode 57, September 23, 2024
  • “Compliance Lessons from Gunvor and Trafigura Enforcement Actions with Mike DeBernardis,” Hughes Hubbard & Reed All Things Investigations Podcast, Compliance Podcast Network, Podcast, Episode 50, April 15, 2024
  • “The Albemarle FCPA Enforcement Action with Mike DeBernardis,” Hughes Hubbard & Reed All Things Investigations Podcast, Compliance Podcast Network, Podcast, Episode 41, November 27, 2023
  • Co-Host with Tom Fox, The Corruption Files Podcast, 2 Seasons (2022-2024).
  • “Creating and Maintaining an Ethical Culture with Laura Paredes,” Hughes Hubbard & Reed All Things Investigations Podcast, Compliance Podcast Network, Podcast, Episode 27, May 8, 2023
  • “HHR Alum: John Wood – A January 6 Committee Lawyer,” Hughes Hubbard & Reed All Things Investigations Podcast, Compliance Podcast Network, Podcast, Episode 21, February 13, 2023
  • “Key Developments in Ethics Compliance,” Hughes Hubbard & Reed All Things Investigations Podcast, Compliance Podcast Network, Podcast, Episode 3, Podcast, May 2, 2022
  • “FCPA Compliance Report – Mike DeBernardis on Compliance Developments from Q4 2021,” Episode 584, Podcast, January 31, 2022
  • “FCPA Compliance Report – Mike DeBernardis on the 2020 Update to the Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs and FCPA Resource Guide, 2nd Edition,” Episode 489, Podcast, August 3, 2020

Court Admissions

  • United States Court of Federal Claims
  • United States District Court for the District of Columbia

Highlighted Matters

Investigations and Integrity Compliance

  • Conducted multi-year global compliance review of Innospec Inc. on behalf of the Corporate Compliance Monitor appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, and the U.K. Serious Fraud Office
  • Representation of Latin American airline in connection with whistleblower report related to potential FCPA violations
  • Representation of defense contractor in connection with investigation related to potential ITAR violations
  • Representation of financial services firm in connection with internal investigation related to potential FCPA violations in Panama
  • Representation of multinational infrastructure company in connection with internal investigation related to fraud, collusion and corruption in DRC
  • Representation of multinational “supermajor” oil and gas company in connection with anti-corruption compliance audit and investigation of local business partner in South Africa
  • Representation of Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company in conducting anti-corruption M&A due diligence in India
  • Representation of government contractor in connection with internal investigation allegations of potential financial fraud
  • Representation of GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes through a Special Committee in connection with investigation of potential claims associated with bankruptcy proceeding
  • Representation of high-profile founder/executive in connection with SEC investigation related to statements made on social media
  • Representation of auction house in connection with U.S. Senate investigation into potential money laundering and sanctions violations in the industry
  • Representation of former partner of a private equity firm in connection with SEC investigation regarding potential violations of the Investment Advisors Act
  • Representation of IT specialist in federal criminal prosecution related to unauthorized access for former employer’s computer network

Highlighted Matters

Multilateral Development Bank Investigations and Sanctions 

  • Representation of Chinese infrastructure company in connection with contested sanctions proceedings by The World Bank, including argument before the Sanctions Board. Sanctions Board Decision No. 88 (Sanctions Case No. 372) issued on June 29, 2016
  • Representation of a state-owned construction company in connection with the negotiated resolution of a sanctions investigation by the African Development Bank; assisted the company in negotiating a settlement and meeting its obligations thereunder, resulting in early release from debarment
  • Representation of French multinational CAC 40 industrial manufacturing company under a negotiated resolution agreement to resolve a World Bank Group investigation and coordination with the company’s compliance monitor
  • Served as independent compliance monitor jointly appointed by African Development Bank and international power company as condition for release from 36-month debarment
  • Representation of engineering company in connection with successful resolution of investigation by Asian Development Bank related to alleged bidding fraud
  • Served on behalf of monitor appointed by World Bank to evaluate the integrity compliance program for a $100 billion construction company in connection with 34-month sanction
  • Representation of large EPC company in connection with investigation and sanctions proceeding by the Inter-American Development Bank related to potential fraud in connection with a tender in Ecuador
  • Representation of multinational construction company in connection with investigation by the European Investment Bank into potential fraud

Highlighted Matters

Other Select Enforcement and Litigation Matters

  • Representation of U.S. defense contractor in arbitration against Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for breach of contract
  • Representation of investor group in connection with action brought in relation to sovereign debt default
China’s Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law Gets Teeth: Understanding the 2025 Implementation Regulations
Client Advisories
View News Article
Designation of Criminal Cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations Increases Compliance Risks for Companies (US or Not) Operating in Mexico and Greater Latin America
Client Advisories
View News Article
Navigating the Pause: FCPA Compliance Under Trump’s New Order
Client Advisories
View News Article
HHR's Month in a Minute: Developments in Anti‑Corruption for June 2024
Client Advisories
View News Article
The Risky Business of Not Properly Vetting Third Parties: Three Key Takeaways from the SAP FCPA Settlements
Client Advisories
View News Article
HHR's Month in a Minute: Developments in Anti‑Corruption- Highlights from November 2023
Client Advisories
View News Article
HHR's Month in a Minute: Developments in Anti‑Corruption- Highlights from October 2023
Client Advisories
View News Article
HHR's Month in a Minute: The Biggest Foreign Corruption‑Related Developments From July
Client Advisories
View News Article
HHR's Month in a Minute: Developments in Anti-Corruption
Client Advisories
View News Article
Cutting Through the Noise: Take-Aways from the DOJ’s Recent Announcements Regarding Corporate Criminal Enforcement
Client Advisories
View News Article
Recent Recognitions for Hughes Hubbard’s Anti-Corruption and Internal Investigations Group
Client Advisories |
Awards
View News Article
Tips for Mitigating CARES Act Enforcement Risk
Client Advisories
View News Article
The DOJ’s New “China Initiative” Places Chinese Companies at Risk
Client Advisories
View News Article
New FCPA Corporate Enforcement Policy May Move the Needle in Voluntary Disclosure Analysis
Client Advisories
View News Article
Fraud Section Launches Pilot Program for Voluntary Disclosure of FCPA Violations: Carrot and Stick or Bluff and Bluster?
Client Advisories
View News Article
Resource Alert: From Car Wash to Fox Hunt -- A Strange Brew
Client Advisories
View News Article

News

Hughes Hubbard Announces New Cartel/Foreign Terrorist Organization Designations Taskforce
News & Events
View News Article
Michael DeBernardis and Jonathan Zygielbaum Co-Author Chapter for Global Investigations Review’s Guide to Multilateral Development Bank Investigations
Articles & Press
View News Article
Firm Named to Global Investigations Review’s GIR 30 List for Second Year in a Row
News & Events
View News Article
HHR's Month in a Minute: Developments in Anti‑Corruption
View News Article
Firm Reps Standard Motor Products in its Proposed Acquisition of Nissens Automotive
News & Events |
Deals & Matters
View News Article
Hughes Hubbard Leads ANI Pharmaceuticals’ Acquisition of Alimera Sciences
News & Events |
Deals & Matters
View News Article
Hughes Hubbard Announces New Deputy Co-Chair; Strengthens Global Investigations, Enforcement and Compliance Practice with New Leadership
News & Events
View News Article
HHR's Month in a Minute: Developments in Anti‑Corruption- Highlights from May 2024
View News Article
HHR's Month in a Minute: Developments in Anti‑Corruption- Highlights from April 2024
News & Events
View News Article
HHR's Month in a Minute: Developments in Anti‑Corruption- Highlights from March 2024
View News Article
HHR’s Month in a Minute: Developments in Anti‑Corruption- Highlights from February 2024
View News Article
HHR's Month in a Minute: Developments in Anti‑Corruption- Highlights from December 2023
View News Article
Michael DeBernardis and Tiauna N. Mathieu Author “Bribery Settlement Gives Insight on DOJ Policies” in Law360
View News Article
Firm Named to Global Investigations Review’s GIR 30 List
News & Events |
Awards
View News Article
Firm Secures Victory for Syracuse Mountains Corporation in Breach of Contract Case
News & Events
View News Article
Litigation Wrap: Second Quarter 2023
News & Events
View News Article
Litigation Wrap: Fourth Quarter 2021
News & Events |
Awards |
People
View News Article
Firm Named to 2021 Global Investigations Review (GIR) 100
News & Events
View News Article
Firm Wins Critical Ruling for Syracuse Mountains in PDVSA Bond Case
News & Events
View News Article
Firm Leads Banco Santander’s Auto Lending Unit in $2.5B Deal to Go Private
News & Events |
Deals & Matters
View News Article
Partner Michael DeBernardis Named a 2021 "Rising Star" by Law360
Articles & Press |
Awards |
People
View News Article
Firm Reps Griffin JV in $1B First-of-Its-Kind Financing
News & Events |
Deals & Matters
View News Article
Hughes Hubbard Lawyers Named to 2020 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll
News & Events |
Pro Bono
View News Article
Hughes Hubbard Promotes Three to Partnership and Five to Counsel
News & Events
View News Article
HHR Helps United Airlines Secure $7.491B CARES Act Loan
News & Events
View News Article
Firm Advises Platinum Equity in Nesco’s $1.48B Deal
News & Events |
Deals & Matters
View News Article
Firm Assists Infosys in Deal to Buy Blue Acorn iCi
News & Events |
Deals & Matters
View News Article
HHR, Saud Advogados Shortlisted for Latin Lawyer Deal of the Year Awards
News & Events |
Awards |
Deals & Matters
View News Article
Firm Shortlisted for Two Honors in The Deal Awards Middle Market 2020
News & Events |
Awards
View News Article
Hughes Hubbard Advises Global IT Leader Infosys in Acquisition of Simplus
News & Events |
Deals & Matters
View News Article
In Law360: Eyeing Trends In Multilateral Development Bank Enforcement
Articles & Press
View News Article
Litigation Wrap: Third Quarter 2019
News & Events |
Awards |
Deals & Matters
View News Article
Saud Advogados Shortlisted for Two Global Investigations Review Awards
News & Events |
Awards
View News Article
Firm Guides Platinum Equity in $1.9B Deal for Wesco Aircraft
News & Events |
Deals & Matters
View News Article
In The Anti‑Corruption Report: Revisiting the China Initiative: Will the Focus on FCPA Prosecutions of Chinese Companies Produce Results?
Articles & Press
View News Article
Firm Guides Daimler in Acquisition of Self-Driving Technology Company Torc Robotics
News & Events |
Deals & Matters
View News Article
Litigation Wrap: Fourth Quarter 2018
News & Events |
Awards |
Deals & Matters |
People
View News Article
Hughes Hubbard Promotes Four to Partnership and Ten to Counsel
News & Events
View News Article
Litigation Wrap: First Quarter 2018
News & Events |
Awards |
Deals & Matters |
People
View News Article
Litigation Wrap: Fourth Quarter 2017
News & Events |
Awards |
Deals & Matters |
People
View News Article
Hughes Hubbard Wins ‘Americas Law Firm of the Year’ at Aviation 100 Awards
News & Events |
Awards
View News Article
Airfinance Journal Deals of the Year
News & Events |
Awards
View News Article
Firm Honored by DC Federal Judges for Pro Bono Work
News & Events |
Pro Bono
View News Article
Hughes Hubbard Wins Another Aviation 'Deal of the Year'
News & Events |
Awards
View News Article
Firm Participates in Historic Clemency Program
News & Events |
Pro Bono
View News Article
FCPA/Anti-Bribery Alert Winter 2015
News & Events
View News Article
​Hughes Hubbard's CRG Named Among Law360 Practice Groups of the Year
News & Events |
Awards
View News Article
JetBlue Retains Hughes Hubbard for $350 Million Loan
News & Events |
Deals & Matters
View News Article
Firm Lands $1.9 Billion Loan for Continental, United
News & Events |
Deals & Matters
View News Article
FCPA/Antibribery Spring 2011 Alert Featured on FCPA Blog
News & Events
View News Article
Education
  • George Washington University Law School, J.D., 2008, cum laude, International Law Review
  • University of Delaware, B.B.A., 2005
Bar Admissions
  • District of Columbia, 2009
  • Maryland, 2008
Areas of Focus
Arbitration
Defense Industry
Global Investigations, Enforcement and Compliance
Litigation
Multilateral Development Bank Investigations and Sanctions
Securities Litigation
White Collar & Regulatory Defense

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP

Copyright 2025


Legal Notices Attorney Advertising Sitemap
𝕏
  • Locations
  • New York City
  • Kansas City
  • Los Angeles
  • Miami
  • Paris
  • Rio de Janeiro*
  • Tokyo
  • Washington, DC

*In cooperation with Saud Advogados

Privacy Policies and Notices

Careers
Associate Recruiting Working At HHR Available Positions
Culture
About Us Inclusion Pro Bono
Contact
𝕏