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Ashley Joyner Chavous

Of Counsel

Washington +1 202 662 5579

  • About
  • Representative Matters
  • Credentials
  • About

    Ashley Joyner Chavous’s practice focuses on large scale congressional investigations, criminal and civil enforcement matters, and internal corporate investigations.

    Ashley represents financial institutions, public companies, and senior executives in investigations and enforcement actions brought by Congress, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other U.S. regulators. She has conducted cross-border internal investigations in Asia, Europe, and South America. Her expertise involves advising clients on risk mitigation strategies when responding to letter requests and subpoenas and preparing CEOs and other senior executives for interviews, depositions, and congressional hearings. As a member of Covington’s Institutional Culture and Social Responsibility practice, Ashley also routinely handles highly sensitive reviews and investigations related to workplace misconduct and institutional culture, and civil rights and racial equity assessments.

    Ashley has experience representing clients at all stages of litigation, from case inception through trial and appeal. She has argued motions before state and federal courts, and examined fact and expert witnesses at trial.

    Previously, Ashley was a newspaper reporter covering crime and the courts.

    Areas of Expertise

  • Practices and Industries
  • Representative Matters

    Ongoing Engagements

    • Lead counsel to a leading non-profit entity in Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation inquiry related to AI.
    • Representing a publicly traded semiconductor equipment manufacturer in Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations inquiry concerning export controls issues.
    • Representing a leading index fund manager in House Judiciary Committee investigation of ESG investment policies.
    • Advising an investment advisory firm on fraud issues.

    Congressional Investigations

    • Represented a leading publicly traded investment services firm in House Judiciary Committee investigation of financial surveillance issues.
    • Represented a leading social media platform in inquiry related to content reporting mechanisms and age assurance practices.
    • Represented a major consulting firm in House Committee on Oversight and Accountability investigation of services provided to the Food and Drug Administration.

    Recent U.S. Government Enforcement Declinations and Resolutions

    • Secured a 2023 declination for a global manufacturing company from DOJ in a fraud investigation.
    • Secured a 2020 resolution for a Fortune 50 consumer products and medical devices company from the SEC in an investigation into accounting, financial disclosure and insider trading allegations.
    • Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Secured a 2020 declination from DOJ and a favorable settlement from the SEC in a multi-country FCPA investigation.
    • Secured a 2020 declination from DOJ following an investigation of a major pharmaceutical company concerning alleged violations of the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute.
    • Secured a 2019 declination for a major financial institution in a multi-agency investigation of foreign bribery relating to hiring practices.

    Anti-Corruption and Cross-Disciplinary Compliance

    • Advised a professional sports league on anti-corruption policies and procedures.
    • Advised a prominent policy institute on sensitive national security matters.
    • Assisted a multinational company with building and enhancing its compliance functions.

    Civil Litigation/Other Matters

    • Represented non-profit entity in connection with an internal investigation into allegations of misconduct by its directors.
    • Defended a major defense contractor in multimillion dollar personal injury suit arising out of performance of maintenance services during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

    Areas of Expertise

  • Credentials
    Education
    • Howard University School of Law, J.D., 2012
    • New York University, M.A., 2006
    • Syracuse University, B.A., 2004
    Bar Admissions
    • District of Columbia
    • Virginia
    Pro Bono
    • Lead counsel to NAACP in lawsuits challenging use of Confederate names and mascots at public schools in Virginia.
    • Representing Cleveland (OH) residents in class-action litigation challenging discriminatory water billing policies and practices in the city.
    • Representing victims of domestic violence in their efforts to obtain a Civil Protection Order in the District of Columbia.
    • Lead counsel to DC non-profit organization in an investigation by the Office of Attorney General for the District of Columbia related to payments to an executive.
    • Successfully represented five African American teenagers related to racial discrimination claims in Virginia.
    • Represented DC-area low-income residents in housing condition and landlord-tenant disputes.
    • Represented a minor child in a multi-year custody/neglect litigation, including at trial.
    • Served as guardian ad litem for minor children in custody disputes.
    • Represented a minor child in a special education services dispute with an educational institution.
    Accolades
    • Best Lawyers, “Women in the Law: Ones to Watch” (2021-2022)
    • Best Lawyers, “White Collar: Ones to Watch” (2021-2024)
    • Super Lawyers, Washington, DC, "Rising Star" in Criminal Defense/White Collar (2017-2021)
    • Capital Pro Bono High Honor Roll (2013-2014, 2016-2024)
    • Lawyers of Color, “Hot List” Honoree (2014)
    Memberships and Affiliations
    • Mayoral Appointee, Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, District of Columbia (Immediate Past Co-Chair)
    • Member, Legal Aid DC Board of Trustees
    Previous Experience
    • U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Law Clerk (2010)

    Areas of Expertise

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