Peter V. B. Unger

Partner
Peter is a partner in the litigation group.
Peter Unger, Partner, Washington, DC at Arent Fox

Peter concentrates his practice on defending clients in governmental investigations, including actions before the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Department of Justice (DOJ), Congress, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and state securities regulators. He also conducts and defends internal investigations and independent reviews involving the antifraud and other provisions of the federal securities laws, defends securities litigation, and advises on ethics and compliance matters, crisis management, and corporate governance. In addition, Peter defends Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations, provides FCPA compliance advice, and conducts FCPA due diligence of third parties worldwide.

Peter also has served as counsel to both SEC and DOJ corporate monitors and as an independent compliance monitor of large multinational corporations pursuant to settlements of World Bank Group debarment proceedings.

Client Work

Peter represents multinational companies and senior executives in high profile matters. Clients typically include public companies, boards and audit committees, directors and officers, broker dealers, and other financial institutions. His client base includes oil services, transportation, power generation, financial services, and pharmaceutical industries.

Previous Work

Prior to joining ArentFox Schiff, Peter was a partner in the litigation department of an international law firm located in Washington, DC. Peter began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Norman C. Roettger Jr., former Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. He also served as an attorney in the SEC’s Division of Enforcement.

Professional Activities

Peter is an active member of the American Bar Association (ABA) Business Law Section’s Federal Regulation of Securities Committee and its Civil Litigation and SEC Enforcement Matters Subcommittee. He is also a member of the ABA Litigation Section’s Securities Litigation Committee. Additionally, Peter is a member of the Corporation, Finance, and Securities Law Section of the District of Columbia Bar Association and previously served as an elected member of its Steering Committee.

Publications, Presentations & Recognitions

Peter has been listed in Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who in the World. In August 2010, Peter was quoted in The Washington Post discussing Whistleblower Provision in the Dodd-Frank Financial Reform Overhaul and several Law360 articles including “Fueling FCPA Enforcement” and “China Tops List of FCPA Hot Spots.” His recent speaking engagements, publications, and press coverage include:

  • Moderator, “World Bribery & Corruption Compliance Forum,” 2013, 2011, 2010, London, England
  • “FCPA Due Diligence: How Much is Enough,” Law 360, February 22, 2010, (co-author)
  • Panelist, along with the director of Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) Enforcement Branch and the director of the US SEC Division of Enforcement “Comparing Enforcement Approaches: Does a Border Make a Difference?” Ontario Securities Commission Seminar, (November 27, 2007).
  • Panelist, “Hot Topics in Corporate Governance,” 2007 Legal Council Fall Seminar
  • DOJ Issues Second FCPA Opinion Procedure Release of 2010, July 2010
  • Fueling the FCPA Fire: The Dodd-Frank Act Whistleblower Provisions, July 2010
  • DOJ Issues First FCPA Opinion Procedure Release of 2010, April 2010

Life Beyond the Law

When not working, Peter enjoys spending time with his wife and their two daughters.

Awards

Awards

The Legal 500 - The Clients Guide to Law Firms