Partner Maria Galeno Profiled as a Top Woman in Investigations by Global Investigations Review

In connection with the recognition, GIR profiled Galeno, who serves as Deputy Chair of the firm’s Corporate Investigations & White Collar practice, in its June issue, where she says that her undergraduate studies in criminal justice led her to law school. Early in her career, Galeno served for five years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, which is where her interest in and focus on investigations took hold.

“The process of inquiring, then inquiring further to follow leads, all with a view toward solving problems, has always appealed to me,” she tells GIR. “My five years as a federal prosecutor were a highlight of my career—trying cases, serving the public and working with an extraordinarily talented group of lawyers.”

Galeno also says in the profile that being a successful investigator has required a relentless pursuit of information and the ability to adapt her approach.

“I have been known to ask a question many different ways until I receive the information I am seeking,” she said. “Being an effective investigator also requires having a few different speeds. Sometimes a gentle touch is the best way to achieve the desired outcome.”

She also addresses the state of the corporate investigations and white collar field:

“Since I left the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the number of white-collar prosecutions and regulatory investigations has increased exponentially,” she said. “Along with a growing emphasis on cooperation and self-disclosure, an increase in regulatory investigations and prosecutions results in an increased need for internal investigations and many more opportunities for white-collar criminal defense counsel.”

As for the future of the investigations landscape, she says expectations of the Trump administration are uncertain.

“One issue on the minds of everyone in the white-collar community is the impact that the current administration will have on enforcement of white collar crime, and in particular, on cross-border investigations. There have been conflicting messages emanating from the administration,” she said.

Galeno has more than 25 years of experience handling white collar criminal and regulatory enforcement matters and conducting internal investigations. Her international clientele includes banks, investment firms, technology companies, hospitals and executives. Experienced in internal investigations; securities, mail and tax fraud; and commercial contract disputes, she represents clients in federal and state courts and arbitral forums.

Pillsbury’s Corporate Investigations & White Collar Defense practice, named one of the top 100 practice groups globally by GIR, successfully represents U.S. and international clients in large-scale and cross-border government inquiries and civil and criminal litigation. The firm’s lawyers are leaders in defending corporate clients, their officers, board members and executives in federal and state grand jury investigations, state attorney general investigations, regulatory enforcement proceedings, and civil and criminal forfeiture proceedings.