Abdus Samad Pardesi

Internal Investigations and Enforcement Matters

• Led numerous, global internal investigations for public and private companies relating to a variety of matters, including bribery of government officials, healthcare professionals, and other business partners; revenue manipulation and other financial fraud; improper sales/trade practices, third-party misconduct; collusive or anti-competitive conduct; embezzlement and self-dealing; interference with investigations; and other misconduct.
• Counsel for numerous C-Suite employees of a technology company in an investigation by the Securities & Exchange Commission for violations of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”). Currently representing one of the employees in ongoing litigation with the Commission.
• Represented a medical products company under investigation by the Department of Justice for healthcare fraud, including violations of the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute.
• Negotiated a favorable settlement for a medical device company in sanctions proceedings before the World Bank; successfully led the company to a release from debarment on schedule. 
• Currently representing a consumer products company under investigation by the Department of Justice, Securities & Exchange Commission, and other government agencies in connection with sales and marketing practices, statements to government entities, and other allegations of fraud.
• Currently representing a healthcare company under monitorship following a settlement with the Department of Justice and Securities & Exchange Commission for FCPA violations.
• Currently representing an infrastructure company under investigation by the World Bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency in connection with a project in Southeast Asia.
• Currently assisting the Federal Monitor of a public utility.

Compliance Counseling

• Built compliance programs for several public and private companies, including creation of global policies, trainings, monitoring processes, and third-party management tools.
• Currently advising global healthcare company in connection with anti-corruption due diligence and integration for a multi-billion dollar acquisition.
• Conducted numerous, global proactive compliance risk assessments for multi-national companies, identifying potential gaps and risk areas, and designing and implementing risk-informed remediation plans.
• Advised private equity sponsors regarding compliance risks for potential acquisition targets, and led associated due diligence efforts.

Deal Litigation and Counseling

• Secured a favorable settlement for a private equity fund in a fraud action in Delaware Chancery Court arising out of the acquisition of a portfolio company.
• Advised the Board of Directors and management of a large medical device company in a claim for breach of fiduciary duty and violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
• Represented a large publicly-traded company in an indemnification dispute arising out of a spin-off transaction with the company’s former parent.
• Represented Fortune 100 company in breach-of-fiduciary-duty claims arising out of a corporate acquisition.

Complex Commercial Disputes

• Represented public and private companies in various disputes relating to breach of contract, business torts, and trade secrets.
• Represented private equity fund in False Claims Act brought by several state governments.
• Currently representing a private equity fund in a fraud and mismanagement dispute with a minority shareholder. 

Associate — Ropes & Gray LLP, September 2014–August 2017

Associate — Jenner & Block LLP, November 2009–August 2014

Public Interest Law Initiative Fellow — Office of the Cook County Public Guardian, May 2009–October 2009

Obtained asylum for torture victims from Eritrea and Cote d’Ivoire.

Obtained refugee status for two sisters fleeing gang violence in El Salvador.

Currently representing numerous individuals seeking asylum in the United States, both through affirmative applications and through removal proceedings.

Served as primary counsel for amicus curiae submitting briefs to the Board of Immigration Appeals regarding the duress exception to the persecutor bar for asylum.

Secured a successful settlement in a class action matter brought by public housing residents in New Orleans against federal and state housing authorities.

Secured a near-full recovery for a defrauded customer in a consumer fraud claim against a used car dealership.

Defeated civil charges brought by the City of Chicago in an administrative hearing against an indigent individual.

Successfully represented a trafficking victim in litigation against her traffickers.

Defended a not-for-profit community basketball organization in a personal injury lawsuit, securing a settlement with no compensation.

Defeated a motion to compel testimony by an incarcerated individual, successfully asserting the individual’s Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Successfully appealed the denial of medical benefits to an asylum seeker.