Berger Paul S

In the intricate legal landscape of Washington, D.C., where national and international laws intersect with complex corporate and regulatory matters, the expertise of seasoned legal professionals is paramount. Among those who have left an indelible mark on the legal community is Paul S. Berger. While he is a retired partner from a prominent law firm, his career and the areas of law he specialized in remain highly relevant for understanding the caliber of legal services available in the District of Columbia. This article will delve into the professional journey of Paul S. Berger, highlighting his areas of expertise, his significant contributions, and the kind of high-level legal work that defines the Washington, D.C. legal scene.

For locals in the District of Columbia, understanding the background of legal figures like Paul S. Berger provides insight into the depth of experience and the specific types of legal challenges that can be addressed within the city. His work in sophisticated areas such as securities litigation and white-collar criminal defense underscores the specialized knowledge that D.C. lawyers bring to the table for complex legal issues facing individuals and corporations alike.

Paul S. Berger was associated with a prominent law firm whose Washington, D.C. office is strategically located at 555 12th St NW #100, Washington, DC 20004, USA. This address places it firmly in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., a central hub for business, government, and legal institutions. Such a prime location is indicative of the firm's significant presence within the nation's capital and its accessibility to clients from various sectors.

For residents across the District of Columbia, accessing this location is remarkably convenient due to D.C.'s comprehensive public transportation network. The office is within very close walking distance of several major Metro stations. Metro Center, a significant transfer point for the Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver lines, is practically at its doorstep. This allows for seamless travel from almost any neighborhood in D.C., as well as easy connections from suburban Maryland and Virginia. Several Metrobus routes also converge in this central downtown area, providing additional accessibility options.

For those who prefer to drive, while street parking in downtown D.C. is often limited, there are numerous commercial parking garages available in the immediate vicinity of 555 12th St NW. These garages offer paid parking solutions, though it's always advisable to confirm rates and availability. The building itself is a modern, professional structure, reflecting the high standards of the legal services provided within. Its central position is not merely for convenience; it also symbolizes a deep engagement with the core regulatory, political, and financial activities that define Washington, D.C., making it an ideal base for handling complex legal matters.

Paul S. Berger's career as a litigation partner, particularly in the Washington, D.C. office of a top-tier law firm, demonstrates extensive expertise in a range of complex legal areas. His practice focused on critical issues relevant to corporations, individuals, and governmental entities within the highly regulated D.C. environment. While a comprehensive list of every service he offered throughout his decades-long career is vast, his primary areas of focus included:

• Securities Litigation: A significant portion of his practice involved representing clients in disputes related to securities, including those involving the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This encompasses defending against allegations of financial fraud, insider trading, and other violations of securities laws. His previous role as an Associate Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement provided him with invaluable insight into these types of cases.

• White Collar Criminal Defense: Paul S. Berger was highly experienced in defending individuals and corporations facing white-collar criminal charges. This involves complex legal issues related to corporate fraud, corruption, and other non-violent financial crimes.

• Enforcement Matters: Drawing on his background at the SEC, he was deeply involved in advising clients on enforcement proceedings initiated by regulatory bodies, helping them navigate investigations and potential penalties.

• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Compliance and Investigations: A notable area of his expertise was advising large U.S. and global companies on FCPA compliance and representing them in investigations related to potential bribery payments overseas. He played a leading role in the SEC's focus on FCPA enforcement.

• Environmental Law: While primarily known for securities and white-collar defense, publicly available information also indicates his involvement in environmental law, showcasing a breadth of legal capability.

• Estate Planning and Administration: In his earlier career, Paul S. Berger also practiced in areas such as estate planning and estate administration, indicating a foundational understanding of personal wealth and legacy management, though his later career focused on more complex corporate litigation.

• Tax Law: His tenure as a tax partner at Arnold & Porter further highlights his expertise in this complex area, representing various entities from corporations to labor organizations and tax-exempt entities on transaction planning, financing, and legislative matters.

Paul S. Berger's distinguished career was marked by several significant features and highlights that cemented his reputation as a leading legal professional in Washington, D.C.

• SEC Leadership Background: A major highlight of his career was his tenure at the Securities and Exchange Commission, where he served as an Associate Director of the Division of Enforcement. In this role, he oversaw investigations, enforcement proceedings, and played a principal advisory role to the Director of Enforcement and the Commission itself. He also helped establish and chaired the Commission's Financial Fraud Task Force. This insider perspective provided him with invaluable insight into regulatory enforcement.

• Expertise in FCPA Enforcement: Paul S. Berger was particularly recognized for his deep expertise in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). He was instrumental in shaping the SEC's enforcement program concerning bribery payments and frequently advised major corporations on compliance and investigations in this complex area. Chambers USA recognized his "wealth of experience handling FCPA investigations."

• Highly Ranked and Recognized: He consistently received top rankings and recommendations from prestigious legal directories. For instance, he was ranked as a "Senior Statesmen" in Securities Regulation: Enforcement by Chambers USA (2018) and a "Litigation Star" by Benchmark Litigation (2016), also recommended by The Legal 500 US. These accolades reflect widespread respect for his legal acumen.

• Extensive Litigation Experience: Throughout his career, he handled numerous high-profile matters in areas such as financial fraud, foreign payments, executive compensation, auditor independence, and insider trading, showcasing his extensive experience in complex litigation and enforcement matters.

• Mentorship and Community Leadership: Beyond his direct legal practice, Paul S. Berger was also known as a "confidante, colleague, teacher, friend, and advisor to many across our community." His involvement in organizations like the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, where he served as President, and his pro bono counsel work, demonstrated his broader commitment to community service.

• Academic Excellence: Graduating from NYU Law, where he later became a Law School Life Trustee, his academic foundation was strong. He also served as a special counsel at the Embassy of Israel for decades, demonstrating his engagement with international legal matters.

As a highly distinguished and now retired partner from a top-tier law firm specializing in complex corporate and regulatory litigation, Paul S. Berger did not offer "promotions or special offers" in the consumer-facing sense. The value provided by his services was derived from his unparalleled expertise, extensive experience, and his firm's reputation for handling high-stakes legal matters.

However, the "promotions" in this context can be understood as the significant benefits and advantages clients received by retaining counsel of his caliber:

• Strategic Insight from an Insider: His previous role as an Associate Director at the SEC provided clients with a unique, insider perspective on how regulatory bodies conduct investigations and enforcement. This insight was invaluable for developing highly effective defense strategies and compliance programs.

• Mitigation of Risk and Penalties: By leveraging his deep understanding of securities law, white-collar defense, and FCPA, Paul S. Berger's counsel aimed to minimize financial, reputational, and legal risks for his clients, potentially saving them from substantial penalties or adverse outcomes.

• Resolution of Complex Legal Challenges: Clients facing intricate and often daunting legal challenges in areas like financial fraud or international bribery benefited from his proven track record in achieving favorable resolutions, whether through litigation, negotiation, or advising on compliance frameworks.

• Access to Premier Legal Resources: Engaging with a partner of his standing meant clients also gained access to the extensive resources, research capabilities, and team of legal professionals at a globally recognized law firm, ensuring comprehensive support for their legal needs.

For those in Washington, D.C., seeking to understand the legacy and impact of Paul S. Berger's professional work, or for general inquiries related to the firm he was associated with, here is the relevant contact information:

Address: 555 12th St NW #100, Washington, DC 20004, USA

Phone: (202) 942-5000

Mobile Phone: +1 202-942-5000

It is important to note that Paul S. Berger is a retired partner. For current legal needs requiring expertise in his former practice areas, individuals or corporations should contact the law firm he was associated with or conduct a search for actively practicing attorneys specializing in securities litigation, white-collar criminal defense, or FCPA compliance within Washington, D.C. These contact details provide a general point of access to the building and firm where his impactful career unfolded.

Paul S. Berger's career and the firm he was associated with were exceptionally suitable for locals in the District of Columbia, especially for those navigating complex legal and regulatory environments. His suitability stemmed from his unparalleled expertise in areas critical to D.C.'s unique legal landscape.

Firstly, his profound knowledge of securities litigation, white-collar criminal defense, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) matters directly addressed the needs of D.C.'s residents, many of whom are involved in government, finance, international business, or are high-net-worth individuals. In a city that serves as a nexus for global policy and corporate activity, issues of regulatory compliance, financial fraud, and international ethics are prevalent. Paul S. Berger's background, particularly his extensive experience at the SEC, provided clients with an "insider" perspective and strategic advantage in navigating these high-stakes areas.

Secondly, the firm's prime location in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., within walking distance of major Metro lines, ensured exceptional accessibility for local clients. This central position meant that individuals and corporations could easily access top-tier legal counsel without significant logistical hurdles, a crucial factor in a fast-paced urban environment.

Furthermore, Paul S. Berger's consistent recognition as a leading lawyer by prestigious legal directories underscored the high caliber of legal service available to locals. This reputation for excellence meant that clients could trust they were receiving advice from one of the most experienced and respected practitioners in his field. His commitment to the broader community, as evidenced by his leadership roles outside of his legal practice, also reflected a deep understanding of and dedication to the values important to D.C. residents. For locals, accessing such specialized, experienced, and well-regarded legal counsel was, and continues to be through the legacy of his firm, a significant asset for addressing their most challenging legal concerns.