Karen P. Hewitt

Hewitt defends major companies facing criminal and civil investigations, including those launched by the Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

She is currently serving as outside counsel for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in the long-running federal investigation into whether the company violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

While she cannot discuss active investigations, Hewitt said that in general she works hard to demonstrate her strong commitment to her clients in the midst of tough circumstances.

"In a criminal investigation in particular, this means building trust with the client so that they know they can count on you to address their issues and help them through what is undoubtedly one of the most difficult processes imaginable," said Hewitt, the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California.

She said her firm also works collaboratively to craft the defense strategy they are going to implement.

"One of the things Jones Day does very well in developing a strategic defense is pulling together the best team possible to address the complex or nuanced issues that others may overlook in every case," Hewitt said. "We enjoy working as a team, which I think also leads to better results for our clients."

Hewitt is also the partner in charge of Jones Day's San Diego office, a role she has held since 2011.

The firm has more than 60 attorneys in San Diego, and earlier this year it moved into a larger office. Hewitt said the move was necessitated by the growth of the intellectual property, litigation and investigations practice groups.

"I have enjoyed working to find and build a new location for our office that gives us room to continue to expand and serve our clients well from across the country and around the world," she said. "On any given week, there are Jones Day partners and clients from other countries visiting San Diego for matters we are handling."

— Lyle Moran