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Leo Tsao

Partner, Investigation & White Collar Defense

leotsao@paulhastings.com
Washington, D.C.+1 202 551 1910

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.

REPRESENTATIONS

Fintech/Cryptocurrency
  • 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.

RECOGNITIONS

  • Leading Global Investigations Lawyers

    Lawdragon

  • Assistant Attorney General’s Award, Criminal Division, Distinguished Service Award (2021)

PUBLICATIONS

  • “Artificial Intelligence in Corporate Compliance Programs: A Double-Edged Sword,” ALM, Co-Author

    March 2025

  • Corporate Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions, Aspen Publishing

    2022

ASSOCIATIONS

  • Lecturer in Law

    Corporate Criminal Investigations, Harvard Law School, 2018-present

  • Adjunct Professor

    Georgetown University Law Center, 2018-present

PAST ENGAGEMENTS

  • “Sound the Alarm: Trends and Risk Management Relating to Whistleblowers”, Paul Hastings Consumer Financial Services Webinar Series
    MAY 1, 2024
  • “Disappearing Acts: Trends in AML, BSA, and Consumer Fraud,” Paul Hastings Consumer Financial Services Webinar Series
    MARCH 6, 2024