Karen P. Hewitt

Hewitt represents corporations under investigation by federal and state enforcement agencies. Since joining Jones Day six years ago, she has represented companies before the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Hewitt is the lead partner for Jones Day in its representation of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in the current Foreign Corrupt Practices Act investigation brought by the DOJ and the SEC. The case broke in 2012 on the front page of The New York Times. The article addressed allegations of bribes paid in Mexico associated with new store openings. The investigation has since expanded to issues in India, Brazil and China.

Hewitt leads a large team of attorneys in all four countries, and in proceedings before the enforcement agencies. She also leads a number of other investigations for public and private companies involving issues in Japan, Brazil, China and Mexico.

She recently defended a confidential nationwide investigation brought by the DOJ against one of the largest companies in the U.S.

"The international aspect of these investigations has permitted me to work closely with Jones Day lawyers from around the world," Hewitt said. "When I came to the firm after leaving government, I had hoped to have a national practice, and my experience here has greatly exceeded those expectations. For me, the best part has been helping clients with some of their most difficult problems and coming up with a comprehensive plan so that they can move forward to put the issue behind them for good."

— Phil Johnson