
Leo TsaoLeoTsao
Partner, Investigation & White Collar Defense
Leo Tsao is a partner in the Investigations & White Collar Defense and Fintech practices at Paul Hastings and is based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. Leo’s practice focuses on defending companies and individuals in criminal and regulatory enforcement matters, conducting internal investigations and counseling companies on compliance issues related to money laundering, anti-corruption and economic sanctions. Notably, the Department of Justice recently selected Leo to serve as the independent compliance monitor as part of a deferred prosecution agreement with a pharmaceutical company.
A multinational financial institution in investigations by DOJ and other agencies involving alleged violations of U.S. sanctions laws.
A multinational communications company in investigations by DOJ and SEC involving allegations of FCPA violations.
- Leading Global Investigations Lawyers
Lawdragon
- Assistant Attorney General’s Award, Criminal Division, Distinguished Service Award (2021)
“Artificial Intelligence in Corporate Compliance Programs: A Double-Edged Sword,” ALM, Co-Author
March 2025
Corporate Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions, Aspen Publishing
2022
DOJ Cryptocurrency Enforcement Framework, Task Force Contributor
October 2020
“Money Moves: Following the Money Beyond the Banking System,” 67 Journal of Federal Law and Practice 95
September 2019
Lecturer in Law
Corporate Criminal Investigations, Harvard Law School, 2018-present
Adjunct Professor
Georgetown University Law Center, 2018-present
- “Sound the Alarm: Trends and Risk Management Relating to Whistleblowers”, Paul Hastings Consumer Financial Services Webinar SeriesMAY 1, 2024
- “Disappearing Acts: Trends in AML, BSA, and Consumer Fraud,” Paul Hastings Consumer Financial Services Webinar SeriesMARCH 6, 2024