Roscoe C. Howard

Roscoe Howard is the managing partner of the Washington, D.C., office. He focuses on white collar criminal matters, criminal and civil litigation, corporate compliance and ethics. Having tried more than 100 cases as a federal prosecutor, Roscoe delivers proven skill in handling investigations initiated by local, state, federal and international law enforcement agencies to include the DOJ, SEC, DEA and FBI.

Roscoe represents corporate and individual clients at virtually every stage of the criminal defense process, handling parallel civil and administrative litigation, grand jury subpoenas, multi-jurisdictional matters, congressional inquiries, and cases from onset through settlement, trial and appeal. He knows, from his experience as a federal prosecutor, the serious consequences that can result from criminal and regulatory investigations, and works diligently to mitigate and resolve claims at every phase of development.

Roscoe vigorously defends clients in matters involving bet-the-company sanctions and where personal freedom is on the line. A veteran advocate and trusted adviser, Roscoe brings seasoned experience to companies facing multiple investigations, whether criminal, regulatory, congressional, internal, or by other parties or commissions. His guidance can direct productive decision-making and facilitate resolution. Roscoe can provide counsel on suspension or debarment actions following indictment or conviction and can guide clients through international investigations.

When businesses and executives need help, Roscoe is personally committed to helping clients obtain the desired result either before a charge is brought or at trial. Civil and polite, yet aggressive, formidable and effective, Roscoe knows how to negotiate with government agencies and advocate both in and out of the courtroom. His extensive experience at trial on both sides of the aisle when it comes to white collar crime is enhanced by his honed people skills. A direct communicator able to grasp the big picture, Roscoe remains dedicated to assessing his client’s position accurately in order to mount the right defense.

Roscoe served as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia from 2001-2004, by appointment of President George W. Bush. During his appointment, he served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee. Roscoe was appointed as U.S. Attorney from a tenured, full professorship at the University of Kansas School of Law, where he taught from 1994 to 2001. He has twice served as associate independent counsel, and was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Columbia and in the Eastern District of Virginia in both Richmond and Alexandria.

As a federal prosecutor, Roscoe handled criminal cases involving narcotics trafficking, homicides, fraud and public corruption, as well as dozens of trials and numerous grand jury investigations. He has also argued appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and served as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force coordinator while in Richmond and chief of the task force that prosecuted cases arising from a local prison.

As charismatic speaker and author, Roscoe frequently speaks nationally at white collar crime seminars and institutes and has written articles on criminal law and procedure.