Desi Hamilton

• Conducted a compliance review for a multinational financial institution regarding sanctions compliance.
• Represented a multinational semiconductor manufacturer in DOJ, SEC, and Department of Commerce inquiries regarding export controls.
• Represented the country’s largest children’s hospital in investigations conducted by the DOJ and a state attorney general related to gender affirming care.
• Contributed to the defense of a large food manufacturing company and its majority shareholders against claims of breach of fiduciary duty and oppression brought by the minority shareholders. The plaintiffs' lawsuit sought to dissolve the company and $2 billion in damages. After a two week trial, the jury returned a full defense verdict. The judgment was affirmed on appeal.
• Represented a major university in relation to multiple agency investigations, including DOJ, Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services, as well as congressional inquiries, related to compliance with Title VI and civil rights laws.
• Represented a communications company and an advertising company and its executives in investigations conducted by the DOJ and SEC into alleged FCPA violations by foreign subsidiaries.
• Represented Russia’s largest telecommunications company in connection with its DOJ-appointed compliance monitor following FCPA settlement.

Desi Hamilton’s practice focuses on white-collar criminal defense, complex government enforcement actions, and regulatory investigations. Her work encompasses the full spectrum of government enforcement matters, including criminal investigations, regulatory inquiries, and internal investigations.

Desi advises clients across a broad range of industries, with particular experience in the technology and healthcare sectors. She regularly guides clients through investigations and enforcement actions brought by the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Department of Commerce, State Attorneys General, Congress, and other federal and state authorities. She works closely with clients to develop strategic responses to government inquiries, manage parallel proceedings, prepare senior executives for testimony and interviews, and navigate fast-moving crises with practical judgment.

Desi conducts cross-border investigations involving complex, multi-jurisdictional risk and has represented clients in complex civil litigation. She also partners with companies to evaluate and strengthen their compliance programs and internal controls, helping organizations proactively address regulatory risk.

Desi is fluent in Russian and Bulgarian.

Before joining King & Spalding, Desi practiced at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in Washington, D.C.