Berger Paul S

Introduction / Overview

In the bustling legal and regulatory landscape of Washington, D.C., certain individuals leave a profound and lasting impact, shaping not only the legal profession but also the community itself. Paul S. Berger, a distinguished figure in D.C.'s legal circles, is one such individual. While the provided information lists a current address and contact, it's important for locals to understand that Mr. Berger is a retired partner from a prominent law firm. His career was marked by an exceptional focus on high-stakes securities litigation, enforcement, and white-collar criminal defense matters. Before his impactful tenure at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, where he was a litigation partner in the Washington, D.C. office, Mr. Berger held a significant role as an Associate Director of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Enforcement. At the SEC, he was instrumental in overseeing investigations and enforcement proceedings, and played a leading role in the Commission's focus on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Berger was also deeply committed to the D.C. Jewish community, serving as a "founding father" and pro bono counsel for The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. His legacy extends far beyond the courtroom, encompassing a dedication to ethical practice, mentorship, and significant civic contributions. For anyone in the District of Columbia interested in the caliber of legal professionals who have shaped our city, Paul S. Berger stands as a testament to legal excellence and community leadership.

Location and Accessibility

The address associated with Paul S. Berger's esteemed professional career, 555 12th St NW #100, Washington, DC 20004, USA, highlights a highly strategic and central location within Washington, D.C.'s vibrant downtown core. This address places it squarely in the heart of the city's legal, financial, and governmental nexus. This part of Northwest D.C. is renowned for housing numerous major law firms, corporate headquarters, and being just a stone's throw away from federal agencies and courthouses. For clients, this location offers unparalleled accessibility. It is exceptionally well-served by the Washington Metro system, with several key Metro stations (such as Metro Center, which is a major transfer point for the Red, Orange, Blue, and Silver lines) located within very close walking distance. This makes it incredibly convenient for individuals traveling from all parts of the District, as well as from the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. While street parking is limited in this bustling area, numerous public and private parking garages are available nearby. The very essence of this downtown D.C. location speaks to the high level of legal and professional activity that defines the nation's capital, making it a prime spot for firms and attorneys specializing in complex and impactful cases, as Mr. Berger did during his active practice.

Services Offered

Based on his distinguished career, particularly as a litigation partner at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and as an Associate Director at the SEC, Paul S. Berger's expertise encompassed highly specialized areas of law. While he is a retired partner, his historical practice focused on:

• Securities Litigation: Extensive experience in handling complex disputes related to securities, including those involving financial fraud and market manipulation.
• Enforcement Matters: Representing clients in investigations and enforcement actions brought by regulatory bodies, particularly the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
• White-Collar Criminal Defense: Providing robust defense for individuals and corporations facing federal white-collar criminal charges, often related to financial misconduct.
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Investigations and Compliance: Leading significant investigations into possible FCPA violations and advising global companies on FCPA compliance relating to their overseas operations.
• Internal Investigations: Guiding Fortune 100 and other companies through complex civil and criminal investigations, often resulting in favorable outcomes without charges or penalties.
• Auditor Independence: Addressing legal issues concerning the independence of auditors in public companies.
• Executive Compensation Issues: Providing counsel on legal and regulatory matters pertaining to executive compensation.
• Broker-Dealer Matters: Handling legal issues specific to broker-dealers in the securities industry.
• Insider Trading: Expertise in defending against allegations of insider trading.
• Regulatory Advice and Compliance Counsel: Offering ongoing advice and due diligence regarding various securities regulations and compliance requirements for corporations.

Mr. Berger's role at the SEC also involved shaping enforcement policies and overseeing numerous high-profile cases, indicating a deep, insider understanding of regulatory mechanisms.

Features / Highlights

Paul S. Berger's career is distinguished by numerous remarkable features and highlights that underscore his impact on the legal field and beyond:

• Distinguished SEC Background: A significant highlight is his tenure as Associate Director of the SEC's Division of Enforcement, where he oversaw major investigations and contributed to shaping enforcement policies. This provides a unique perspective on regulatory strategy.
• Expertise in FCPA Enforcement: He played a leading role in the SEC's focus on FCPA enforcement, demonstrating specialized knowledge in anti-bribery and corruption laws, an area of critical importance for global businesses.
• Ranked as a "Senior Statesmen" by Chambers USA: In 2018, he was recognized by Chambers USA for Securities Regulation: Enforcement, a testament to his wealth of experience and standing in the field.
• Proven Track Record of Favorable Outcomes: His work included cases where both the DOJ and SEC closed investigations without bringing charges or seeking penalties against Fortune 100 companies, highlighting his effectiveness in complex, high-stakes matters.
• Extensive Experience with Global Entities: His clientele included global retail companies, large U.S. insurance companies, global pharmaceutical companies, and investment/technology firms, showcasing his capacity to handle international legal challenges.
• Deep Community Involvement: Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Berger was recognized as a "founding father" of the D.C. Jewish community, having served as President of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and its pro bono counsel.
• Mentorship and Leadership: He was known for mentoring subsequent leaders in the Jewish community, extending his influence beyond formal roles.
• Commitment to Philanthropy and Advocacy: He advised the Israeli government in a legal capacity for decades and was dedicated to strengthening Jewish education and community affairs, earning tributes from Israeli Prime Ministers.
• Award-Winning Contributions: He received the SEC's prestigious Stanley Sporkin Award in 1999 for outstanding contributions to the Division of Enforcement, and was honored with the Judge Edward Weinfeld Award by NYU School of Law.
• Prolific Author and Commentator: He co-authored numerous articles on securities law and was frequently quoted in major publications, demonstrating his intellectual leadership.

These highlights collectively portray Paul S. Berger as a lawyer of exceptional skill, integrity, and significant societal contribution.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a distinguished, now retired, partner from a top-tier law firm specializing in complex litigation and regulatory matters for institutional and corporate clients, Paul S. Berger's professional engagement would not have involved typical public promotions or special offers found in consumer-oriented businesses. The value proposition of an attorney of his caliber is rooted in their unparalleled expertise, strategic insight, and proven track record in navigating high-stakes legal challenges. Law firms of this nature typically build client relationships through direct consultations, referrals, and a demonstrated ability to deliver highly specialized and effective legal solutions. Fees are structured based on the complexity and demands of the case, reflecting the extensive experience and skill brought to bear. While specific "discounts" are not part of this model, the ultimate "offer" for clients was the potential to avoid significant penalties, mitigate risks, and achieve favorable outcomes in challenging federal investigations and litigations—a value that far exceeds any promotional discount. For those seeking similar expertise today, engagement would begin with a direct inquiry to a firm of similar standing, focusing on their specialized capabilities and how they align with the client's complex legal needs.

Contact Information

For historical context regarding Paul S. Berger's professional association in Washington, D.C., the provided contact information is:

Address: 555 12th St NW #100, Washington, DC 20004, USA

Phone: (202) 942-5000

Mobile Phone: +1 202-942-5000

It is important for local users to understand that Paul S. Berger is a retired partner, and therefore, for current legal representation, individuals and corporations should seek out actively practicing attorneys and firms. The provided contact information would direct you to the firm he was formerly associated with, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, which continues to be a leading global law firm with a strong presence in Washington, D.C., offering services in areas consistent with Mr. Berger's former expertise.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For individuals and corporations in Washington, D.C., facing the highly complex and often sensitive challenges of securities litigation, white-collar criminal defense, or regulatory enforcement, the legacy and professional standards exemplified by Paul S. Berger remain exceptionally relevant and suitable. While Mr. Berger is a retired partner, the firm he was associated with, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, continues to operate from the strategic 555 12th St NW address, representing a continued source of high-caliber legal expertise in the District. Locals benefit immensely from a legal community shaped by the likes of Mr. Berger, who brought not only a profound understanding of federal regulatory bodies (like the SEC) from his prior government service but also a proven track record of successfully navigating intricate investigations. His historical work, particularly with FCPA matters and internal corporate investigations that resulted in no charges, demonstrates the critical value of having seasoned counsel intimately familiar with the nuances of D.C.'s federal legal environment. Beyond his legal acumen, Mr. Berger's deep involvement as a "founding father" in the local Jewish community and his commitment to mentorship underscore a standard of community engagement and ethical leadership. For D.C. locals seeking legal representation in the complex domains of white-collar crime, securities enforcement, and corporate compliance, understanding the benchmark set by professionals like Paul S. Berger ensures they seek out firms and attorneys who possess a similar blend of deep expertise, strategic insight, and a commitment to both legal excellence and broader community well-being, readily available within the District's vibrant legal landscape.