Lyn R. Agre

San Francisco

Lyn Agre, a trial lawyer specializing in white-collar criminal defense, internal investigations and complex commercial litigation, has more than 20 years of experience in her field.

Before joining Glenn Agre Bergman & Fuentes LLP, she was a partner at Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP and served as a deputy public defender in Santa Clara County.

Her extensive experience includes representing major corporations and individuals in a myriad of criminal matters, ranging from fraud and antitrust to securities, insurance and public corruption.

Among her recent cases, Agre mentioned working on an insider trading matter that was settled pre-plea and handling a recent indictment in a wire and bank fraud case, along with an insurance fraud matter.

"All of the cases come back to the common theme of lack of intent and pose significant reputational risks to the clients and their companies," she said.

Other successful matters include representing the former general counsel of a pharmaceutical distributor in a criminal trial related to a securities scandal involving $9 billion in investor losses, according to her firm's website. Additionally, she represented an energy corporation in a criminal case during the California energy crisis, leading to non-prosecution agreements for the company and its officers.

Reflecting on the changes in the white-collar defense field, Agre notes two significant shifts. First, she observes a loss of flexibility in the negotiating process due to legal changes. Second, she highlights the impact of the political divide in the U.S. on potential jurors, which adds a layer of complexity to trial proceedings.

"Defending wealthy or individuals perceived as wealthy has become more challenging in our polarized society," she said. "It is important to keep the focus on the alleged acts rather than extrinsic factors."

Looking ahead, Agre sees the necessity for antitrust professionals to enhance their ability to work internationally and understand the implications of the current geopolitical climate on enforcement. This perspective underscores the evolving nature of white-collar defense and the need for legal practitioners to adapt to global dynamics.