Karen P. Hewitt

Hewitt has made her mark representing high-profile companies in criminal and civil investigations, as well as complex business litigation.

She is the lead Jones Day partner serving as outside counsel for Walmart Inc. in the nationwide series of civil cases focused on the opioid crisis. Hewitt is heading the team defending Walmart in the related criminal investigation and regulatory matters.

The experienced lawyer is also the lead outside counsel for Walmart in the long-running federal investigation into whether the company violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. She is in charge of all communications with the Department of Justice and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of the company.

Walmart said in an SEC filing last November that it has set aside $283 million for possible resolution of the investigations covering the company’s actions in multiple countries that began in 2011.

In addition, Hewitt is representing a large automobile manufacturer in a Department of Justice criminal investigation in Michigan.

She does not discuss active probes, but said she works hard to build the trust of clients so they know they can count on her and her team during difficult situations.

“The keys to success are commitment to the client, developing a strategic defense, and then executing on that defense as decisively as possible,” Hewitt said.

Hewitt, a former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, is the partner-in-charge of Jones Day’s San Diego office.

She has held that role since 2011, and her team includes more than 60 attorneys who represent major companies nationally and internationally.

“It is fascinating and very satisfying to be a part of the organization and to see how we help clients with some of their most difficult problems,” Hewitt said.

— Lyle Moran