WASHINGTON, May 15, 2014: Morgan Lewis Litigation partner Leslie Caldwell was confirmed today, by a voice vote of the United States Senate, as Assistant Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Criminal Division. Ms. Caldwell was nominated by President Obama on September 17, 2013 and unanimously approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 6, 2014. As head of the DOJ’s Criminal Division, Ms. Caldwell will oversee the body that develops, enforces, and supervises the application of federal criminal laws.
“In Leslie, the Department of Justice is gaining a dedicated leader who brings integrity and sound judgment to her work – qualities that she has applied in her dealings with our clients and colleagues,” said Firm Chair Francis M. Milone. “Although the nature of Leslie’s practice mandated that her work seldom become public, she successfully handled many complex and important investigations for a number of the firm’s leading clients. We congratulate Leslie and wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter of her career.”
Ms. Caldwell joined Morgan Lewis's New York office as a Litigation partner in 2004 after serving in various positions within the DOJ, including as Director of the Enron Task Force and as chief of the Criminal Division and the Securities Fraud Section for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California. She also prosecuted numerous high-profile racketeering cases in the Eastern District of New York. At Morgan Lewis, she co-chaired the firm's Corporate Investigations and White Collar Practice from 2004 to 2009. Her practice focused on internal investigations and defense of companies and individuals accused by the government of involvement in white collar crime, SEC or other regulatory violations, and other crises.
“Leslie has played an integral role in developing Morgan Lewis’s strong white collar practice,” said Jami Wintz McKeon, partner and Chair-elect of the firm. “Her proven leadership abilities and track record as a skilled litigator make her the ideal choice for this important role.”
Ms Caldwell’s official duties at the DOJ will commence when she takes the oath of office in the near future.
“Although it certainly will be bittersweet to leave my friends, clients and colleagues at Morgan Lewis, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve again in the Department of Justice,” said Ms. Caldwell.