Matthew J. Jacobs

In California's dynamic business and regulatory environment, individuals and corporations often face complex legal challenges that demand sophisticated and experienced representation. When these challenges involve government investigations, white collar criminal defense, or high-stakes civil litigation, the need for a seasoned and strategic legal advocate becomes paramount. This is precisely the realm where Matthew J. Jacobs excels, offering unparalleled expertise and a formidable track record from his base in San Francisco.

Matthew J. Jacobs is a distinguished attorney, widely recognized for his extensive experience as a former federal prosecutor and his successful career on the defense side. He serves as the Chair of the litigation practice in California for Baker Botts L.L.P., a leading international law firm. His practice is deeply focused on representing public company boards, audit committees, companies, and executives in anti-corruption, fraud, and related internal and government investigations. He also provides critical advice on due diligence and compliance, helping clients proactively navigate and resolve issues that could threaten their reputation and business operations.

Known for his practical and strategic advice, and his tenacious advocacy, Matthew J. Jacobs is particularly adept at handling high-profile and politically sensitive cases. His unique background, which includes successfully co-leading the prosecutions of Enron's energy traders during his time at the U.S. Department of Justice, provides him with an invaluable "insider" perspective on prosecutorial strategies. This dual understanding—from both the prosecution and defense standpoints—equips him with a well-rounded approach to guide clients through the most challenging investigations and litigation. For any individual or entity in California facing serious legal scrutiny, Matthew J. Jacobs offers a powerful combination of experience, insight, and dedication.

Matthew J. Jacobs practices from the San Francisco office of Baker Botts, which is strategically located at 525 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA. This address places the firm in the bustling heart of San Francisco's financial and legal districts, ensuring exceptional accessibility for clients throughout the California Bay Area and beyond.

The office's prime location on Market Street ensures that it is easily reachable via a multitude of transportation options. For those utilizing public transit, the firm is just a short walk from major BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and Muni (San Francisco Municipal Railway) stations, providing seamless connections from various neighborhoods, cities, and commuter lines. This makes it particularly convenient for clients to schedule and attend appointments without the common challenges of urban traffic or parking scarcity. The central proximity to public transport significantly enhances convenience for local and regional clients alike.

While public transit is highly recommended due to the firm's central location, for clients who may need to drive, there are numerous parking garages and lots available in the immediate vicinity. However, it is always advisable to factor in potential parking costs and availability in a dense downtown setting. The professional and sophisticated environment of the office building also provides a discreet and comfortable setting for discussing sensitive and confidential legal matters, ensuring client privacy and convenience. This strategic location underscores Matthew J. Jacobs' ability to serve his diverse client base with ease and efficiency.

Matthew J. Jacobs offers specialized legal services primarily focused on complex litigation, government investigations, and white collar criminal defense. His practice areas are geared towards protecting the interests of companies, boards, and executives facing significant legal and regulatory challenges.

• White Collar Crime & Government Investigations: This is a core area of his practice. He represents clients in:
  • Anti-corruption investigations (including Foreign Corrupt Practices Act - FCPA).
  • Financial fraud investigations (including securities, healthcare, insurance, energy, and technology sectors).
  • Whistleblower allegations.
  • Internal investigations for public company boards and audit committees.
  • Responding to inquiries from the Department of Justice (DOJ), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and other federal and state agencies.
  • Cross-border investigations.
• Complex Civil Litigation: He is an experienced trial lawyer handling high-stakes civil disputes, which can include:
  • Antitrust (cartel) matters before U.S. and foreign antitrust authorities.
  • Commercial disputes.
  • Securities litigation.
  • "Bet-the-company" cases where the outcome is critical to the client's survival or reputation.
• Compliance and Due Diligence: Providing proactive advice and counsel to clients on compliance matters to help them navigate regulatory environments and mitigate future risks. This includes due diligence related to transactions and ongoing business operations.
• Reputation and Business Threat Management: Advising clients on how to manage and navigate issues that could severely threaten their reputations and business operations, particularly in high-profile and politically sensitive cases.
• Appellate Advocacy: While his profile emphasizes trial work and investigations, his experience as a seasoned advocate suggests capabilities in handling appeals for his clients.

Matthew J. Jacobs stands out as a preeminent attorney in California due to a distinguished set of features and highlights that underscore his exceptional expertise, strategic acumen, and formidable reputation in complex legal matters.

• Former Federal Prosecutor with "Insider" Perspective: A significant highlight is his extensive background as a former federal prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice. This includes successfully co-leading the prosecutions of Enron's energy traders, earning him an FBI Director's Award. This experience provides him with a unique and invaluable understanding of how government investigations are conducted and how prosecutors build their cases, offering a significant advantage to his defense clients.
• Consistently Ranked by Top Legal Directories: Matthew J. Jacobs has been consistently ranked by prestigious legal directories such as Chambers (2015-2024) and The Legal 500 (2015-2024) for antitrust, dispute resolution, corporate defense, and white collar criminal defense. He has also been listed by Super Lawyers for many years (e.g., 2006-2019, 2025) and ranked among the top 100 by the National Trial Lawyers (2020). These recognitions are powerful testaments to his high degree of professional achievement and peer recognition.
• Chair of Litigation Practice in California for Baker Botts: His role as the Chair of the litigation practice in California for Baker Botts, a leading international law firm, speaks to his leadership capabilities and the trust placed in him by a globally respected institution. This position ensures clients benefit from the resources of a major firm coupled with his focused expertise.
• Expertise in High-Profile and Politically Sensitive Cases: Matthew J. Jacobs is particularly effective in dealing with high-profile and politically sensitive cases. His experience includes representing clients in some of the most consequential white-collar and cross-border cases, demonstrating his ability to manage intense scrutiny and significant stakes.
• Strategic and Practical Advice: Clients consistently praise him for providing practical and strategic advice. He is known for his ability to help clients navigate "around and through issues that threaten their reputations and their business," focusing on actionable solutions that protect their interests effectively.
• Extensive Trial Experience: As an experienced trial lawyer, he has tried more than a dozen criminal and civil cases to verdict, including "bet-the-company" cases. This extensive courtroom experience is critical for clients who need strong advocacy and a lawyer capable of taking a case to trial if necessary.
• Broad Industry Sector Experience: He has a proven track record defending companies in a wide range of sectors, including technology, financial services, health care, energy, and heavy industry. This diverse industry exposure allows him to understand the specific regulatory and business challenges faced by various clients.

While specific, time-limited "promotional offers" are not typically advertised by a high-profile white collar defense and litigation attorney like Matthew J. Jacobs, the value he provides is inherent in his extensive experience and strategic approach to complex legal matters.

As a partner and Chair of the litigation practice at an international firm like Baker Botts, Matthew J. Jacobs would generally engage clients under a professional services agreement. However, for initial inquiries and to determine the scope of a potential engagement, it is highly probable that he offers an initial consultation. This crucial first step allows prospective clients—whether public company boards, executives, or other entities—to discuss their specific legal challenges, receive a preliminary assessment of their situation, and understand how his expertise aligns with their needs. This initial discussion provides immense value, offering strategic insights and clarity without an immediate financial commitment for the introductory meeting.

His background as a former federal prosecutor and his deep understanding of government investigations also represent an invaluable "special offer" in terms of insight and strategic advantage for clients facing scrutiny from regulatory bodies. This unique perspective helps clients navigate complex situations more effectively. It is always recommended to contact his office directly to inquire about their specific consultation policies and fee structures for complex white collar defense and litigation matters, ensuring transparency and alignment with client expectations.

For those in California seeking highly experienced legal representation in white collar defense, government investigations, and complex civil litigation, connecting with Matthew J. Jacobs is straightforward.

• Address: 525 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA
• Phone: (415) 979-6990
• Mobile Phone: +1 415-979-6990

The office's prime location in the bustling financial district of San Francisco ensures easy access for clients traveling from various parts of the city and the wider Bay Area. Both the landline and mobile phone numbers provide direct lines to connect with his team, allowing you to inquire about his services, discuss your specific legal needs, or schedule a consultation. Given the often critical and time-sensitive nature of the legal challenges he handles, reaching out promptly is always recommended to ensure timely and effective assistance.

For locals in the California region, particularly executives, corporate boards, and companies operating within San Francisco and the broader Bay Area, Matthew J. Jacobs is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice for navigating complex legal challenges. His suitability is firmly rooted in his unparalleled expertise, a distinguished background, and a strategic approach to high-stakes legal matters.

Firstly, his dual background as a former federal prosecutor and a leading defense attorney provides an invaluable advantage. For Californian businesses and individuals facing government investigations, white collar criminal charges, or complex civil litigation, having an attorney who intimately understands the strategies and tactics of both the prosecution and defense sides is critical. This "insider" perspective allows for more sophisticated and proactive defense strategies, which is paramount in a state with active regulatory bodies and a dynamic legal landscape.

Secondly, Matthew J. Jacobs' consistent recognition by prestigious legal rankings like Chambers and Super Lawyers underscores his top-tier capabilities and standing among his peers. For locals seeking representation in high-stakes cases that could significantly impact their reputation or business, this level of verified excellence provides immense confidence. His experience across various sectors, including technology, financial services, and healthcare, also means he can adeptly handle the specific industry nuances prevalent in California.

Finally, his role as Chair of the litigation practice in California for an international firm like Baker Botts ensures that clients benefit from both his specialized expertise and the extensive resources of a global legal powerhouse. This, combined with the convenient and accessible location in downtown San Francisco, makes Matthew J. Jacobs an ideal and highly trusted partner for Californians facing their most challenging and sensitive legal battles.