Darwin P. Roberts

Of Counsel

Darwin Roberts is a trial lawyer and former federal prosecutor who represents companies, executives, public entities, and board members in civil litigation, consumer protection disputes, and matters involving federal and state enforcement authorities. Drawing on his extensive experience in senior government roles, he helps clients respond to regulatory inquiries, conduct sensitive internal reviews, handle white collar exposure, and address public records and FOIA issues. Darwin has first-chair trial experience, has argued numerous appeals, and has litigated complex matters in state and federal courts.

Before joining Morgan Lewis, Darwin practiced at a Chambers-ranked commercial litigation firm in Seattle, advising clients in class actions, securities disputes, financial institution matters, and white collar criminal cases and state attorney general investigations.

Darwin held a senior leadership role in Washington state government, serving as Deputy Attorney General and a member of the Attorney General’s Core Leadership Team. He supervised multiple enforcement and regulatory divisions, spanning consumer protection, antitrust, criminal justice, civil rights, campaign finance, and energy and public utilities. He regularly engaged with counterparts including the US Departments of Justice, Treasury, and Homeland Security, and represented the Attorney General’s Office before national organizations and legislative bodies, including the US Senate and the Washington State Legislature.

Darwin previously served for eight years as an Assistant US Attorney for the Western District of Washington. He led the office’s Financial Intelligence Review Team, where he worked closely with the US Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) on matters involving the Bank Secrecy Act. He prosecuted cases ranging from financial fraud and public corruption to major narcotics matters, money laundering and asset forfeiture, and civil actions involving constitutional, employment, and real property claims.

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Note: This list includes engagements completed prior to joining Morgan Lewis.

Consumer Litigation and Antitrust

  • Represented an international entertainment services business in litigation and regulatory proceedings brought by multiple state attorneys general
  • Represented a large regional construction business in an attorney general’s office inquiry
  • Represented a global pharmaceutical company related to Washington attorney general litigation
  • Represented a prominent venture capital firm and its principal as third parties in antitrust litigation brought by the US Department of Justice
  • Counseled multiple consumers in litigation involving a confidential arbitration trial

Commercial Litigation

  • Obtained injunctive relief and a favorable settlement for a national insurance company in litigation related to breaches of contract and theft of intellectual property by former employees and a competitor
  • Represented a real estate developer in litigation regarding venture profits, including a confidential arbitration trial
  • Obtained a favorable settlement for an apparel brand in breach of contract and defective merchandise litigation against supplier
  • Obtained preliminary injunctive relief in litigation against the wrongful disclosure of confidential information

White Collar Defense, Whistleblower, and False Claims Act

  • Represented a senior government official in proceedings related to alleged whistleblower claims
  • Represented a business owner in federal criminal proceedings; matter resolved without charges
  • Provided outside criminal law counsel to a Fortune 50 corporation
  • Represented witnesses in federal investigations, grand jury proceedings, and jury trials
  • Represented individuals and companies in proceedings related to federal asset forfeiture litigation by the US Department of Justice
  • Represented clients in matters involving IRS and SEC whistleblower claims
  • Represented clients in False Claims Act cases involving federal programs and state Medicaid programming
  • Represented clients in professional responsibility proceedings before licensing entities
  • University of Chicago Law School, 2000, J.D.
  • University of Chicago, 1996, B.A., history, honors
  • Washington
  • US Supreme Court
  • US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • US District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
  • US District Court for the Western District of Washington
  • Clerkship to Judge Robert H. Henry of the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (2000 - 2001)

Listed, General Litigation, Super Lawyers: Washington (2023–2025)

Member, Criminal Justice Act Attorney Panel, US District Court for the Western District of Washington