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Stephen H. Weiss

Stephen Weiss Partner

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Washington, D.C. T +1 202 857 1722 F fax +1 202 828 3342
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Stephen Weiss is a seasoned litigator and trusted advisor to clients navigating complex government investigations, white collar criminal defense matters, and high-stakes regulatory and enforcement proceedings. Drawing on over a decade of experience in both private practice and public service, Stephen represents individuals and entities facing scrutiny from federal, state, and international authorities, including the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and state attorneys general.

Stephen has advised clients across a broad spectrum of industries—including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, commodities, and government contracting—on matters involving alleged fraud, corruption, data security breaches, export control violations, and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. His work includes defending high-profile individuals in politically sensitive cases, conducting internal investigations, and managing subpoena responses in complex cross-border matters and other government-facing enforcement actions.

Notably, Stephen has represented a former U.S. president in multiple criminal proceedings brought by both a state prosecutor and a federal special counsel.

Stephen’s practice spans every phase of litigation, from conducting internal reviews and responding to government subpoenas to preparing witnesses for testimony and managing defense strategy in enforcement and trial settings. Stephen is particularly adept at helping clients navigate the complex interplay between U.S. and international regulatory regimes.

Earlier in his career, Stephen served as a legal intern in the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, where he assisted in matters related to extradition and international cooperation in criminal enforcement. Before entering law school, he gained significant litigation support experience as a paralegal focused on patent infringement disputes in both federal courts and the U.S. International Trade Commission.

Experience

  • Represented a former U.S. president in criminal cases brought by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and Special Counsel Jack Smith in the Southern District of Florida and the District of Columbia.*
  • Defended a New York-based healthcare provider in response to an EDNY subpoena concerning alleged improper billing practices.*
  • Advised a multinational startup in an SEC investigation into alleged violations of the Exchange Act.*
  • Represented the executor of a large estate in a FINRA arbitration and related mediation.*
  • Represented an international consulting company in response to a DOJ subpoena and conducted an internal investigation into potential money laundering and FCPA violations relating to projects in Europe and Africa.*
  • Investigated a large-scale data breach and potential violations of federal privacy and security laws on behalf of a multi-state healthcare system.*
  • Advised a multinational life sciences company on a post-settlement compliance review in connection with parallel DOJ and SEC investigations, including corporate governance matters.*
  • Defended a government contractor in connection with a DOJ investigation into alleged violations of U.S. export regulations.*
  • Served as the SDNY-appointed Independent Monitor and advised a U.S.-based pharmaceutical company in connection with the resolution of financial fraud and Controlled Substances Act violations.*
  • Guided a multinational private bank in its responses to OFAC and DOJ subpoenas and conducted an internal investigation into the bank’s relationship with a Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker.*
  • Counseled a major financial institution during parallel investigations by the DOJ, SEC, and the UK’s Serious Fraud Office into money laundering allegations.*
  • Defended an executive of a global commodity trading company in connection with DOJ and SEC investigations into potential FCPA violations.*
  • Represented public research university in investigation by the SDNY U.S. Attorney’s Office into alleged bribes made to prospective student-athletes and their families, including the preparation of multiple witnesses for government interviews and trial testimony.*
  • Supported multiple public universities in connection with investigations involving allegations of ineffective internal controls and workplace culture issues.*

*Experience prior to joining McGuireWoods.