Karen P. Hewitt

Hewitt, a former U.S. attorney in San Diego, is leading the Jones Day team representing Wal-Mart in an internal investigation concerning alleged violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The company is being investigated by the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission related to Wal-Mart's foreign subsidiaries, including Wal-Mart Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V.

Lawsuits relating to the matters under investigation have been filed by several of Wal-Mart's shareholders on behalf of the company against current and former Wal-Mart board members and directors.

The cases have caused Wal-Mart to tap a number of outside law firms to help it navigate the matters.

"We're bringing to bear all of our assets, resources, experience and creativity to the overall defense of the company," Hewitt said.

She joined the firm in 2010 and now is serving as partner-in-charge of Jones Day's San Diego office. She defends companies under investigation by federal and state authorities in many different jurisdictions throughout the United States and abroad.

Hewitt's transition to private practice was aided, she said, by other former prosecutors now working at the firm, including those in Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Cleveland, Atlanta and New York.

"I've always been a learner and always wanted to challenge myself and grow as an attorney," Hewitt said. "Being a partner in a private law firm is interesting, because I enjoy the strategic aspects of the work."

She added, "Every company has its own core values and cultural aspects that are interesting as an outside counsel to respect and understand."

It's broadened her perspective on business and what makes certain companies successful, Hewitt said.

"As a government prosecutor, I wasn't exposed to the inside boardrooms and the inner workings of the company and how it operates. Now, I have a unique window for that."

- PAT BRODERICK