International Arbitration & Trade
White-Collar Defense & Investigations
Bar & Court Admissions
Women's White Collar Defense Association
George Mason University School of Law (J.D.)
Penn State University (M.S. and B.S.)
Christine Connell
Christine Connell is an associate in M&R's New York office and a member of the firm's White-Collar Defense & Investigations and International Arbitration & Trade Practice Groups. She represents individuals and entities in government and internal investigations, including those involving alleged Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations, export violations (ITAR and EAR), and U.S. economic sanctions violations. Having formerly worked at what is now the largest law firm in the world, Christine brings to her practice extraordinary experience in her practice areas as well as U.S. national security. As impressive and helpful to her clientele are her many professional certifications—Christine is a certified public accountant (CPA), certified in financial forensics (CFF), and a certified fraud examiner (CFE).
What makes Christine unique among her law firm peers is her work on the accounting side of government and white-collar investigations. In fact, she spent three years in PricewaterhouseCoopers' US Forensic Services group, where she focused on investigations into potential FCPA violations and suspected accounting fraud. She also worked closely with PWC's Corporate Intelligence team and Export Control Services group on a range of government contracts projects.
No doubt, Christine's forensic accounting background is a boon to her clients at M&R, as is her robust understanding of the financial issues encountered in FCPA, fraud, and other white-collar investigations.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Anti-Bribery/Anti-Corruption:
Represented an international medical company in parallel DOJ and SEC investigations into alleged violations of the FCPA in multiple countries around the world.
Performed pre-acquisition due diligence and risk assessment of a Colombian agricultural entity prior to acquisition by a U.S. company.
Conducted anti-bribery/anti-corruption and anti-fraud due diligence and risk assessment for UAE subsidiary of a U.S. company then strengthened policies and procedures based on weaknesses identified.
Export Controls:
Represented a defense contractor in making voluntary and directed disclosures to DDTC and BIS involving ITAR and EAR violations.
Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties / International Law:
Represented a defense contractor in U.S. legal proceedings stemming from a request for legal assistance relating to alleged criminal and terrorist activity in a foreign country.
Advised a foreign embassy on potential legal implications of possible responses to U.S. request for assistance pursuant to an MLAT.
U.S. Economic Sanctions:
Represented foreign bank in U.S. economic sanctions investigation.
Represented foreign individual in connection with delisting action by OFAC.
Corporate Fraud:
Represented a government contractor in connection with an investigation into possible violations of the False Claims Act and Cost Accounting Standards.
Represented a surgeon in connection with an investigation into alleged billing fraud.
Represented senior executive of a diesel fuel company in connection with post-conviction motions, sentencing, and related matters.
Blurred Lines: The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Bribes and Facilitation Payments
Corporate Counsel, October 28, 2020
CFTC Issues Guidance on Corporate Compliance Programs
Delaware and U.S. Treasury to Collaborate on Sanctions Enforcement
FinCEN Expands Anti-Money Laundering Regulation and Oversight