Jenner & Block: Bennett Iris

In the complex and often high-stakes world of corporate compliance, government investigations, and white-collar defense, having legal counsel with a profound understanding of both the law and the intricate workings of federal agencies is indispensable. For businesses, organizations, and individuals in the District of Columbia facing scrutiny from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or other U.S. agencies, the need for experienced and strategic guidance is paramount. This is precisely where Iris Bennett, a highly respected partner at the esteemed law firm Jenner & Block, offers a critical resource.

Iris Bennett brings over two decades of experience to the forefront, representing companies and individuals in the defense and resolution of criminal and civil investigations by U.S. government bodies. Her career is distinguished by her extensive work in leading hundreds of cross-border and domestic internal investigations on behalf of companies and Boards of Directors, tackling complex issues of legal and policy compliance. Before entering private practice, Ms. Bennett served as a trial attorney with the District of Columbia Federal Defender, providing her with invaluable insight into federal criminal proceedings from a unique perspective.

Known for her ability to provide "excellent advice and a very good practical understanding of business reality," Iris Bennett is often described by clients as "exactly the person you want next to you in an emergency." Her fluency in Spanish and knowledge of Portuguese further enhance her capabilities in global cross-border matters. This article will provide an in-depth look at Jenner & Block's Washington, DC, office, the specialized services Ms. Bennett offers, her impressive professional highlights, and why her expertise makes her an ideal choice for local entities and individuals navigating the intricate intersection of law, business, and policy in the nation's capital.

Iris Bennett practices at Jenner & Block's Washington, DC, office, located at: 1099 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA. This address places the firm in a prime, highly accessible location within the bustling central business and legal district of the city.

New York Avenue NW is a significant thoroughfare in downtown DC, known for its concentration of corporate offices, legal firms, and professional establishments. The firm's presence in this area signifies its prominence and commitment to being at the heart of the nation's capital. For individuals and business professionals in Washington, DC, and the surrounding metropolitan areas of Maryland and Northern Virginia, accessibility to this location is excellent via the city's robust public transportation system.

The office is situated within a very short walking distance of several key Metro stations. Metro Center (Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines) and McPherson Square (Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines) are both easily reachable, providing extensive connectivity from various parts of the region. Numerous Metrobus routes also operate frequently along New York Avenue NW and adjacent streets, with stops conveniently located near the building. For those who choose to drive, while street parking in downtown DC can be limited, there are typically multiple paid parking garages available in the immediate vicinity of 1099 New York Ave NW. This central and well-connected location ensures that clients can efficiently access the high-level legal counsel provided by Ms. Bennett and Jenner & Block.

Iris Bennett's practice at Jenner & Block is focused on highly specialized and complex areas of law, primarily serving companies and individuals facing government investigations, compliance challenges, and white-collar criminal and civil matters. Her services include, but are not limited to, the following:

• White-Collar Criminal Defense: Representing individuals and corporations under investigation or facing prosecution by federal authorities for alleged white-collar crimes, including fraud, embezzlement, and other financial offenses.

• Government Investigations: Guiding clients through all phases of U.S. government investigations, including those initiated by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other federal agencies. This involves advising on subpoenas, requests for information, and agency interactions.

• Internal Investigations: Leading comprehensive cross-border and domestic internal investigations for companies and Boards of Directors into issues of legal or policy compliance. This helps organizations understand potential wrongdoing, assess risks, and formulate appropriate responses.

• Anti-Corruption/FCPA (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) Matters: Providing strategic advice and representation in matters related to the FCPA, which prohibits bribery of foreign officials. This includes conducting compliance reviews, risk assessments, and defending against FCPA allegations.

• Monitorship and Post-Settlement Compliance: Serving as or advising clients in relation to independent compliance monitorships, particularly for companies that have reached settlements with government agencies and are required to implement and demonstrate compliance program effectiveness.

• Fraud & False Claims Act: Representing clients in matters involving allegations of fraud against the government, including those brought under the False Claims Act.

• Ethics and Compliance Counseling: Developing and advising on anti-corruption compliance programs, conducting corporate compliance reviews, performing targeted compliance consultations, and assisting with transactional and third-party due diligence to prevent future legal issues.

• Voluntary and Mandatory Disclosures: Guiding clients through the process of making voluntary or mandatory disclosures to relevant government agencies when potential violations are discovered.

Ms. Bennett’s practice is built on a foundation of proactive advice, meticulous investigation, and robust defense, aimed at navigating clients through their most sensitive and consequential legal challenges.

Iris Bennett's career at Jenner & Block is characterized by several distinguished features and highlights that underscore her standing as a top-tier attorney, particularly for those in Washington, DC, dealing with complex legal and regulatory issues:

• Extensive Government Investigation Experience: With over two decades of experience, Ms. Bennett is a leading practitioner in defending and resolving criminal and civil investigations by the U.S. DOJ and other federal agencies. This includes a deep understanding of government processes and expectations.

• Former Federal Defender: Her prior role as a trial attorney with the District of Columbia Federal Defender provides her with unique insights into federal criminal defense, having represented defendants in federal court. This experience offers a distinct perspective in white-collar defense cases.

• Renowned for FCPA Expertise: Ms. Bennett is highly ranked in Chambers USA and Chambers Global for her work in FCPA (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act). Clients consistently praise her for being "an outstanding lawyer" who "gives excellent advice and has a very good practical understanding of business reality," and describe her as "exactly the person you want next to you in an emergency."

• Experienced Internal Investigations Leader: She has led hundreds of cross-border and domestic internal investigations for companies and Boards of Directors, addressing complex legal and policy compliance issues. This includes serving as U.S. investigation counsel to an Independent Committee investigating a major dam rupture in Brazil (Vale S.A.).

• Independent Compliance Monitor: Ms. Bennett's role as the Independent Compliance Monitor for SNC-Lavalin, Inc., on behalf of the World Bank, highlights her unparalleled expertise in evaluating and implementing anti-corruption compliance programs. She also served as U.S. counsel to another Independent Compliance Monitor for a Swedish-listed multinational company appointed by the DOJ and SEC.

• Fluency in Multiple Languages: Her fluency in Spanish and knowledge of Portuguese significantly facilitate the execution of key aspects of global cross-border investigations and client interactions in those languages, which is a valuable asset in international cases.

• Active Ethics and Compliance Counseling: Beyond reactive defense, she maintains a robust practice focused on providing strategic and actionable advice on anti-corruption compliance programs, corporate compliance reviews, risk assessments, and transactional due diligence for Fortune 100 and other corporate clients.

These highlights demonstrate Iris Bennett’s comprehensive expertise, international reach, and proven ability to handle the most sensitive and high-stakes matters at the intersection of law, business, and government.

Jenner & Block, and specifically a partner of Iris Bennett's caliber, operate within the realm of sophisticated legal services for complex corporate, government investigations, and white-collar defense matters. As such, the firm does not typically engage in traditional "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer-facing sense (e.g., discounts, seasonal deals).

However, what a firm of this standing offers is access to unparalleled expertise and strategic counsel. For potential clients, the value lies in the firm's reputation, the deep experience of its attorneys like Iris Bennett, and their proven track record in handling highly sensitive and consequential matters. Engaging with such a firm means investing in top-tier legal protection and strategic guidance.

• Initial Consultation for Complex Matters: While not a "free consultation" often seen with smaller, consumer-focused firms, interested parties with significant legal challenges that align with Ms. Bennett's areas of expertise can initiate contact with the firm. This process typically involves an initial discussion to assess the scope of the potential representation and determine how the firm's specialized services can meet the client's specific, high-stakes needs. The firm's fee structure for such complex cases is generally tailored to the unique demands of each engagement, reflecting the depth of expertise and resources required.

The "offer" here is the opportunity to work with one of the nation's leading practitioners in white-collar defense and corporate investigations, providing peace of mind through expert navigation of challenging legal landscapes. Clients seeking this level of specialized legal support are encouraged to reach out directly to Jenner & Block's Washington, DC office to discuss their specific circumstances and explore how Ms. Bennett's expertise can be leveraged for their benefit.

To inquire about legal services or to discuss a potential matter with Iris Bennett and the team at Jenner & Block's Washington, DC office, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 1099 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

• Phone: (202) 639-6000

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-639-6000

Given the highly specialized nature of the firm's work, it is advisable to provide a concise overview of your legal inquiry when you make initial contact, allowing their professional staff to efficiently direct your call and connect you with the appropriate legal resources within the firm.

For businesses, organizations, and individuals in the District of Columbia who find themselves facing the intricate and often intimidating world of government investigations, white-collar criminal defense, or complex corporate compliance, Iris Bennett at Jenner & Block stands as an exceptionally suitable and strategic legal partner. Her expertise is uniquely tailored to the demands of operating within Washington, DC, a city synonymous with federal oversight and high-stakes legal challenges.

Firstly, Ms. Bennett's extensive experience handling investigations by the DOJ, SEC, and other U.S. agencies is directly relevant to the daily realities of many DC-based entities. Whether you are a corporation navigating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) or an individual facing a federal inquiry, her deep understanding of these agencies' processes and her history as a former federal defender provide an unparalleled advantage. She knows how government prosecutors operate, enabling her to formulate robust defense strategies.

Secondly, her proficiency in leading complex internal and cross-border investigations is invaluable for DC-based businesses with international operations, helping them preempt and manage compliance risks effectively. In a globalized economy, local entities often have global footprints, and Ms. Bennett's ability to seamlessly navigate international legal and cultural landscapes, aided by her language skills, is a distinct benefit.

Finally, the firm's prestigious and highly accessible location on New York Avenue NW places this high-caliber legal counsel within convenient reach for all DC residents. For anyone in the District needing to address the most sensitive legal and regulatory issues, particularly those at the intersection of law, government, and business, Iris Bennett at Jenner & Block offers not just legal representation, but peace of mind through strategic, experienced, and globally informed advocacy.