Patrick Oot

For businesses and corporations in the District of Columbia, particularly those facing high-stakes litigation, government investigations, or complex data management challenges, the need for cutting-edge legal counsel is paramount. Navigating the intricate landscape of modern legal disputes often requires a unique blend of legal acumen, technological understanding, and an insider’s perspective on regulatory enforcement. In Washington, D.C., Patrick Oot stands out as a leading attorney, globally recognized for his expertise in these critical areas, offering invaluable strategic guidance to local and national clients.

Patrick Oot brings a truly unique and powerful "tripartite" experience to his practice: he has served as in-house corporate counsel for a Fortune 16 organization (Verizon), a senior attorney at a federal regulatory agency (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission - SEC), and a partner in a large global law firm (Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP). This diverse background provides him with a comprehensive understanding of legal challenges from multiple angles, enabling him to offer highly strategic and practical advice. He is co-chair of Shook, Hardy & Bacon's Complex Litigation Strategic Counseling Group and the Government Investigations and White Collar Group.

His practice is particularly focused on e-discovery, a rapidly evolving field crucial for litigation in the digital age, as well as government investigations and white-collar defense. He advises some of the world's largest companies across various sectors, including life sciences, financial services, retail, and transportation, on litigation and investigative matters. For D.C. residents managing businesses or corporate entities, Patrick Oot’s expertise offers a vital resource in preventing and resolving complex legal issues related to data, technology, and regulatory compliance.

Patrick Oot is recognized as a visionary in his field, known for his intuitive understanding of complex issues and his ability to frame advice for C-suite executives. His work balances aggressive litigation when necessary with proactive compliance and governance strategies to help clients avoid disputes altogether. For those in Washington, D.C., seeking a lawyer at the forefront of modern litigation and regulatory defense, Patrick Oot offers unparalleled knowledge and a strategic advantage.

Patrick Oot's office is ideally located in a highly accessible and central part of Washington, D.C., making it convenient for clients throughout the District and the wider metropolitan area. The office can be found at 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20001, USA. This prominent address places the firm within a key legal and governmental hub.

The location on Massachusetts Avenue Northeast offers exceptional connectivity, particularly for those utilizing D.C.'s robust public transportation system. The office is situated in very close proximity to Union Station, which is one of the busiest transportation hubs in the city. Union Station serves multiple Metrorail lines (primarily the Red Line), as well as Amtrak and various commuter rail services (MARC, VRE). This makes it incredibly convenient for clients commuting from different parts of D.C. and the surrounding Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Numerous Metrobus routes also operate in the vicinity, providing additional options for easy surface transit right to the doorstep.

For clients who choose to drive, the downtown D.C. location benefits from being near major roadways. While securing parking in a busy urban environment often requires planning, there are typically commercial parking garages available in the immediate area, offering reasonable convenience for those traveling by car. The building itself is a professional and prominent structure, contributing to a discreet and focused environment for high-level legal consultations.

This strategic and highly accessible location underscores Patrick Oot's commitment to serving sophisticated clients in Washington, D.C., and beyond. His office's ease of reach ensures that businesses and corporations can readily access his specialized expertise without significant logistical challenges, which is crucial when dealing with time-sensitive and complex legal matters.

Patrick Oot's legal services are highly specialized, focusing on areas critical for corporations and entities navigating complex litigation, government oversight, and digital information management. His expertise is deeply rooted in his unique background, allowing him to offer sophisticated counsel.

• Complex Litigation Strategic Counseling: He co-chairs this practice group, advising clients on high-stakes litigation, including federal multidistrict litigation (MDL), class action, mass tort, product liability, and deceptive practices litigation. This involves developing comprehensive strategies to manage and resolve large-scale, intricate disputes.

• Government Investigations and White Collar Defense: As co-chair of this group and with his former experience as a federal prosecutor (Senior Special Counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission - SEC), Patrick Oot leads investigative responses to demands from the Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) grand jury subpoenas, and state attorneys general. He provides robust defense for corporations and executives facing white-collar criminal charges or regulatory scrutiny.

• E-Discovery and Information Governance: Patrick Oot is a globally recognized leader in e-discovery. He advises clients on all aspects of electronically stored information (ESI) in litigation, including data preservation, collection, processing, review, and production. He also counsels on compliance, governance, and discovery practices to proactively avoid litigation on technology issues. He is editor-in-chief of "The Electronic Discovery Institute's Guide to Spoliation Law."

• Privacy and Data Security: He has successfully litigated and shut down class actions involving various privacy acts, including the Stored Communications Act, Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), California Invasion of Privacy Act, and Right to Financial Privacy Act. He advises clients on cross-border data issues and developing global compliance programs.

• Counseling on Regulatory Compliance and Best Practices: Drawing on his experience at the SEC and Verizon, he advises clients on best practices and guidance for discovery and litigation strategy, privilege protections, and strategically significant matters involving forensics and technology.

• Internal Investigations: Providing legal advice and support in conducting internal investigations, including those involving state enforcement matters (such as state Consumer Protection Acts) and Congressional investigations (e.g., drug pricing, Anti-Kickback Statute compliance).

• Enterprise Software License Agreement Negotiation: Leveraging his deep understanding of enterprise technology platforms, he assists clients in negotiating complex software license agreements.

Patrick Oot's practice is distinguished by numerous features and highlights that underscore his elite standing in the legal community and his unique value proposition for clients:

• "Tripartite" Experience: A key highlight is his rare and comprehensive background as in-house counsel at a Fortune 16 company (Verizon), a senior attorney at a federal regulatory agency (SEC), and a partner at a large law firm. This diverse experience provides an unparalleled perspective on legal challenges from all angles—corporate, governmental, and private practice—enabling highly strategic and practical advice.

• Globally Recognized E-Discovery Leader: Patrick Oot is globally recognized as a leader in e-discovery and data strategies, a crucial and evolving area in modern litigation. He is a co-chair of Shook, Hardy & Bacon's Data and Discovery Strategies Practice Group and Editor-in-Chief of "The Electronic Discovery Institute's Guide to Spoliation Law," demonstrating his thought leadership and practical expertise in managing electronically stored information.

• Chambers-Ranked Band 1 Litigator: He consistently receives top rankings (Band 1) in Chambers USA for Litigation: E-Discovery and Information Governance, with clients describing him as "revered by his clients as a visionary whose knowledge of eDiscovery is top tier" and "best in class." This independent validation speaks volumes about his expertise and client satisfaction.

• Extensive Government Investigations Expertise: His role as co-chair of the Government Investigations and White Collar Group, combined with his background as a former Senior Special Counsel at the SEC, positions him as a go-to lawyer for companies facing demands from the DOJ, SEC, USAO, and state attorneys general. His courtroom and government credibility are built upon this experience.

• Proactive Compliance and Governance Focus: Beyond litigation, Patrick Oot advises clients on developing world-class global compliance programs and robust governance and discovery practices, aiming to avoid litigation altogether. This proactive approach helps clients mitigate risk and ensure long-term legal health.

• Thought Leadership and Publications: He is Editor-in-Chief of "The General Counsel's Guide to Government Investigations" (4th Edition) and "The Electronic Discovery Institute's Guide to Spoliation" (5th Edition). He also serves as Chair of ALM's Legalweek Advisory Board and is a Law Technology News Innovator, solidifying his role as a leading voice in legal technology and compliance.

As a highly specialized and globally recognized attorney operating within a large, prestigious law firm like Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP, Patrick Oot does not typically advertise "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer-facing sense. His services are tailored to the complex and high-stakes needs of corporate and institutional clients.

However, for potential clients in the District of Columbia and beyond who are seeking his elite level of expertise, the firm's engagement process includes practices that provide clarity and value:

• Strategic Consultations: While formal "free consultations" for individual legal issues are less common at this level of practice, initial strategic discussions are a critical step. These interactions allow potential corporate clients to present their complex challenges, enabling Patrick Oot and his team to assess the scope of work and outline potential strategic approaches. Such discussions are invaluable for understanding the depth of expertise available and the potential pathways to resolution.

• Transparent Engagement Models: During initial discussions, prospective clients can expect clear communication regarding the firm's engagement models and fee structures. Given the nature of complex litigation and high-stakes investigations, this typically involves hourly rates for legal services, often with retainer agreements. Transparency in billing is a cornerstone of professional legal practice.

• Thought Leadership Resources: Patrick Oot is a prolific author and speaker. His books, articles, and presentations (including "The General Counsel's Guide to Government Investigations" and "The Electronic Discovery Institute's Guide to Spoliation Law") serve as valuable, publicly accessible resources. These provide deep insights into his expertise and approach to complex legal challenges, effectively offering a preview of the high-level strategic thinking clients can expect.

For specific inquiries regarding engaging Patrick Oot or his team at Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP, direct contact via the provided phone number or the firm's official website is the appropriate channel. This will facilitate a personalized discussion of legal needs and potential engagement.

For businesses and corporations in the District of Columbia and beyond seeking the specialized legal expertise of Patrick Oot, his office is located centrally and is accessible for inquiries and consultations.

• Address: 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20001, USA

• Phone: (202) 596-6876

• Mobile Phone: +1 202-596-6876

Clients are encouraged to contact the office during business hours to discuss their complex legal needs, schedule a strategic consultation, or gain more information about the services offered in complex litigation, e-discovery, and government investigations. The team is prepared to provide professional assistance and guidance.

For businesses and corporations operating in the District of Columbia, particularly those navigating the demanding fields of complex litigation, government investigations, and the rapidly evolving realm of e-discovery, Patrick Oot stands as an exceptionally suitable legal partner. His unique qualifications, strategic location, and client-focused approach make him an invaluable resource for D.C. locals.

Firstly, Patrick Oot’s "tripartite" experience—spanning roles as in-house corporate counsel, a senior attorney at the SEC, and a partner at a top-tier law firm—provides an unparalleled depth of understanding. In D.C., where businesses frequently interact with federal agencies and face intricate regulatory landscapes, having a lawyer who understands these environments from every angle is a profound advantage. This ensures that clients receive not just legal advice, but strategic insights informed by real-world experience across the corporate, governmental, and private legal sectors. His specific expertise in e-discovery and information governance is particularly critical in today's digital age, helping D.C. companies manage vast amounts of data effectively and defensively in litigation or investigations.

Secondly, the firm's prime location at 2 Massachusetts Ave NE, in the heart of Washington, D.C., offers exceptional accessibility. Situated near Union Station, it provides convenient access via multiple Metrorail lines and commuter rail services, making it easy for busy D.C. professionals and executives to connect with their legal team. This central position also places him in close proximity to federal courts, government agencies, and corporate headquarters, facilitating direct engagement and timely responses to critical legal matters.

Finally, Patrick Oot's reputation as a Chambers-ranked Band 1 litigator and a global thought leader reinforces his suitability. Clients consistently praise his intuitive understanding of complex issues and his ability to deliver actionable advice. For D.C. locals facing high-stakes legal challenges—from multi-district litigation to grand jury subpoenas—having a lawyer who is not only a skilled litigator but also a recognized expert in strategic counseling and proactive compliance is a significant asset. He helps companies navigate the complexities of modern legal and regulatory environments with confidence and precision.