Covington & Burling LLP operates as a limited liability partnership worldwide, with the practice in England and Wales conducted by an affiliated
limited liability multinational partnership, Covington & Burling LLP, which is formed under the laws of the State of Delaware in the United States
and authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registration number 77071..
Ashley guides clients through their most sensitive, high-stakes matters, including government investigations and enforcement matters, independent investigations, and internal investigations into issues posing enterprise-level risk. Her broad-ranging practice has spanned some of the most novel, sensitive, and complex issues facing companies and individuals.
Ashley represents clients – from the largest multi-national companies to individuals – in criminal and civil government investigations led by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other federal, state, and foreign regulators. In recent years, she has defended clients against allegations of obstruction of justice, false statements, fraud, corruption, and violations of the False Claims Act. She has considerable experience navigating complex, multi-dimensional matters involving parallel criminal, civil, and reputational risks, and has secured multiple full declinations for her clients in federal criminal and civil investigations. She also conducts internal and independent investigations into allegations ranging from fraud to obstruction to data security to sexual misconduct.
Among Ashley’s specialties are crisis matters requiring rapid response and investigation. She is adept at swift fact-finding and analysis and often handles short-fuse internal investigations involving unique or highly sensitive fact patterns posing potential enterprise-level risk. These matters often expand – through press coverage or otherwise – into complex government investigations involving one or more regulators, such as DOJ, state Attorneys General, and foreign regulators.
Since the early days of the #MeToo movement, Ashley has handled investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and other types of harassment, discrimination, and workplace misconduct.
Given her deep expertise on investigations-related matters, Ashley also routinely advises clients on internal protocols and best practices related to internal investigations, insider threat matters, law enforcement engagement, and privilege.
Ashley has worked with clients from a variety of sectors and industries, including technology, defense, consumer products, food processing, financial services, life sciences, and education.
Ashley’s pro bono work focuses on representing individual criminal defendants in state court and advising non-profits on law enforcement interactions and enforcement risks.
Before practicing law, Ashley taught high school English in rural China.
Represented manufacturer in DOJ investigation into allegations that a subsidiary violated the False Claims Act by supplying parts that did not meet military specifications, resulting in settlement.
Led internal investigation for global company into insider threat incident and advised client with respect to follow-on investigations by multiple federal, state, and foreign regulators.
Represented global technology company in successfully challenging contempt sanction in criminal matter.
Obtained criminal declination from DOJ on behalf of leading consumer products manufacturer.
Represented leading global technology company in state and federal fraud investigations and related regulatory inquiries related to allegedly deceptive conduct; obtained criminal declination from DOJ.
Obtained declination from DOJ in False Claims Act investigation of fintech company.
Represented individuals in connection with DOJ health care fraud investigation.
Represented company in DOJ criminal investigation related to alleged obstructive conduct and false statements in connection with government filings.
Led internal review for global company in connection with media reports regarding alleged use of company’s products by foreign military in conflict.
Conducted internal investigations for global companies into allegations of data security-related misconduct and misuse of data resources and technological tools.
Conducted internal investigations into allegations of workplace misconduct by executives and other leaders in corporate and non-profit sectors.
Conducted workplace culture reviews for leading companies in a variety of sectors.
Advised clients on responding to government inquiries related to alleged misconduct by former employees or other third parties, including clinical trial fraud, insider trading, pharmaceutical sample distribution, and financial fraud.
Hon. Diane S. Sykes, U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, 2012 - 2013
Languages
Mandarin
Pro Bono
Advised non-profit organizations on law enforcement engagement matters.
Advised non-profit organization on obligations pursuant to anti-terrorism laws.
Represented criminal defendants in Maryland state court proceedings.
Represented the University of California and its President, Janet Napolitano, in litigation challenging the rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Represented plaintiff in § 1983 action against police and prosecutors in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana arising out of wrongful conviction and alleged Brady violations.
Filed amicus briefs in the United States Supreme Court in cases including:
United States v. Castleman (No. 12-1371): Filed a brief on behalf of groups that oppose gun violence, arguing that federal law prohibits domestic abusers from possessing firearms.
Previous Experience
U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Intern (2010)
Yale-China Teaching Fellow, Xiuning Middle School, Anhui Province, China (2007-2009)
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