#United States #Washington, D.C. #Morrison Foerster #Congressional Investigations #Carlos Felipe Uriarte

Morrison Foerster, a prominent global law firm, has announced an exciting new addition to its team: Carlos Felipe Uriarte joins as a partner and co-chair of the Congressional Investigations Group, based in the firm's Washington, D.C. office. With nearly twenty years of experience in the intricacies of government relations and compliance, Uriarte's arrival is set to enhance the firm's capabilities in navigating complex legal landscapes.

Prior to joining Morrison Foerster, Uriarte served as the Senate-confirmed Assistant Attorney General for Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). In this influential role, he acted as a vital advisor, managing relationships with congressional leaders and overseeing strategy related to legislative objectives. Uriarte's tenure at the DOJ has provided him with a wealth of direct experience in handling congressional inquiries, making him a strategic asset for the firm and its clients.

David Newman, co-chair of the National Security and Crisis Management Groups at Morrison Foerster, emphasized the unmatched skillset that Uriarte brings. He noted how Uriarte's dual experience in congressional investigations and his prior senior roles in compliance positions allows him to provide sophisticated guidance to clients grappling with high-stakes government investigations. This arrival comes on the heels of other strategic appointments within the firm, including that of former national security official David Newman and Margot Benedict, former Senior Counselor to the Attorney General, whose experiences further bolster Morrison Foerster's crisis management and government investigations teams.

Uriarte's rich career includes significant contributions to several high-profile congressional inquiries. While working in the U.S. Congress, he held pivotal roles such as Chief Counsel for Investigations on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. He has also provided counsel on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and acted as judiciary oversight counsel. In addition, his executive experience at the DOJ included positions such as Associate Deputy Attorney General and Senior Counsel in the Office of the Secretary of the Interior.

His previous endeavors in the private sector include a senior compliance role at a Fortune 100 financial company and leading a legal regulatory team at an innovative healthcare technology firm. This diverse background has given him insight into the regulatory challenges that many corporations face, making him uniquely qualified to represent clients during critical government investigations.

Uriarte commented on his eagerness to leverage his past experiences, stating, "I am excited to help corporations navigate the complexities of inquiries raised by Congress and the executive branch effectively. I chose Morrison Foerster for its strong reputation in government investigations and its impressive team of seasoned lawyers who tackle cutting-edge legal issues."

The Congressional Investigations Practice at Morrison Foerster will benefit greatly from Uriarte's expertise, supported by a cross-disciplinary team experienced in managing clients’ responses to congressional inquiries. Alongside Uriarte, Newman, and Benedict, the practice includes other notable talent such as Joe Folio, former Chief Counsel of the Senate's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee; Brandon Van Grack, who served as Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for National Security; and Robert Litt, former General Counsel for the Director of National Intelligence.

Morrison Foerster’s commitment to providing clients with sophisticated, strategic legal guidance in navigating the often turbulent waters of government investigations is further strengthened by this addition. The firm is excited to see how Uriarte's skills and insights will enhance the firm's capacity to serve its clients in confronting the complexities of federal investigations.