- Representing multiple individuals in a DOJ investigation of potential violations of U.S. sanctions.
- Represented a state-owned foreign bank in a New York lawsuit alleging a multibillion-dollar fraud scheme.
- Represented a global consulting firm in the prosecution of former executives for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
- Defended a financial services technology company and its co-founders in civil litigation by a putative founder alleging the theft of a business idea and breach of a joint venture agreement. (S.D.N.Y.).
- Represented a major global auto manufacturer in a multidistrict products liability lawsuit.
- Represented a global financial institution in investigations by multiple state and federal agencies into allegations of insider trading by corporate executives and other Section 16 insiders, resulting in declinations in client’s favor.
- Conducted internal investigations on behalf of major financial institutions related to Bank Secrecy Act violations and allegations of market abuse.
Senior Associate,
- Phone: +1 212 905 9427
- Email: scott.obrien@alston.com
Scott’s background handling investigations allows him to offer effective strategies to his clients’ complex civil and criminal enforcement matters.
Scott O’Brien is a senior associate in Alston & Bird’s Litigation & Trial Practice Group and focuses his practice on white collar criminal defense, government investigations, and complex commercial litigation.
Scott graduated cum laude from the Duke University School of Law, where he served as the executive editor of the Duke Law Journal. Following law school, Scott served as a law clerk to the Hon. William H. Pauley III on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He received his B.A., cum laude, from Dartmouth College.
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Advisories March 3, 2025White Collar, Government & Internal Investigations Advisory | Enter the Matrix: CFTC’s New Framework for Self-Reporting, Cooperation, and RemediationOur White Collar, Government & Internal Investigations Group analyzes new enforcement guidance from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) that aims to incentivize self-reporting of potential violations.Advisories March 3, 2025White Collar, Government & Internal Investigations Advisory | Enter the Matrix: CFTC’s New Framework for Self-Reporting, Cooperation, and RemediationOur White Collar, Government & Internal Investigations Group analyzes new enforcement guidance from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) that aims to incentivize self-reporting of potential violations.
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Press Release October 7, 2024Alston & Bird Obtains Dismissal with Prejudice for Former CEO of Philips RespironicsAlston & Bird obtained a dismissal with prejudice for John Frank, the former CEO of health technology company Philips Respironics, in a securities class action in the Eastern District of New York. All claims against Frank were dismissed with prejudice after years-long litigation that culminated in argument on the motion in April.Press Release October 7, 2024Alston & Bird Obtains Dismissal with Prejudice for Former CEO of Philips RespironicsAlston & Bird obtained a dismissal with prejudice for John Frank, the former CEO of health technology company Philips Respironics, in a securities class action in the Eastern District of New York. All claims against Frank were dismissed with prejudice after years-long litigation that culminated in argument on the motion in April.
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In the News September 24, 2024Law360 | Philips Must Face Investor Suit over FDA Compliance IssuesJenny Kramer, Joseph Tully, and Scott O’Brien are noted for representing John Frank, former CEO of Koninklijke Philips.In the News September 24, 2024Law360 | Philips Must Face Investor Suit over FDA Compliance IssuesJenny Kramer, Joseph Tully, and Scott O’Brien are noted for representing John Frank, former CEO of Koninklijke Philips.
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Press Release July 25, 2024Alston & Bird Secures Complete Dismissal of Billion-Dollar Lawsuit Against Bank of BarodaAlston & Bird won the complete dismissal of an $8 billion lawsuit filed against Bank of Baroda, one of the largest banks in India. The lawsuit concerned the collapse of NMC Health Plc, the largest private health care company in the Middle East. NMC’s founder Dr. Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty and NMC affiliate Neopharma LLC filed suit in New York Supreme Court, Commercial Division alleging that Baroda conspired with NMC’s former executives and others to facilitate and conceal a multiyear financial fraud involving roundtripping, channel stuffing, and fraudulent loans and credit facilities. The plaintiffs alleged that Baroda’s New York branch was the linchpin of the fraud.Press Release July 25, 2024Alston & Bird Secures Complete Dismissal of Billion-Dollar Lawsuit Against Bank of BarodaAlston & Bird won the complete dismissal of an $8 billion lawsuit filed against Bank of Baroda, one of the largest banks in India. The lawsuit concerned the collapse of NMC Health Plc, the largest private health care company in the Middle East. NMC’s founder Dr. Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty and NMC affiliate Neopharma LLC filed suit in New York Supreme Court, Commercial Division alleging that Baroda conspired with NMC’s former executives and others to facilitate and conceal a multiyear financial fraud involving roundtripping, channel stuffing, and fraudulent loans and credit facilities. The plaintiffs alleged that Baroda’s New York branch was the linchpin of the fraud.
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Advisories October 9, 2023White Collar, Government & Internal Investigations / Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory: The Clock Is Ticking: DOJ Announces New, Department-Wide Mergers & Acquisitions Safe Harbor PolicyOur White Collar, Government & Internal Investigations and Mergers & Acquisitions Teams explain how acquiring companies can find a limited safe harbor from enforcement when they find pre-merger misconduct.Advisories October 9, 2023White Collar, Government & Internal Investigations / Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory: The Clock Is Ticking: DOJ Announces New, Department-Wide Mergers & Acquisitions Safe Harbor PolicyOur White Collar, Government & Internal Investigations and Mergers & Acquisitions Teams explain how acquiring companies can find a limited safe harbor from enforcement when they find pre-merger misconduct.
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In the News April 17, 2023Law360 | Cognizant Can Withhold Certain Docs in Bribery CaseJenny Kramer, Rachel Finkel, and the Alston & Bird legal team are noted for obtaining a favorable ruling in their representation of Cognizant.In the News April 17, 2023Law360 | Cognizant Can Withhold Certain Docs in Bribery CaseJenny Kramer, Rachel Finkel, and the Alston & Bird legal team are noted for obtaining a favorable ruling in their representation of Cognizant.
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General Publications 2016“Of Blurred Lines and Baffled Juries,” Williams v. Bridgeport Music and the Unrealized Potential of Survey Evidence in Music Copyright, GRAMMY Foundation Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Competition, 2016.General Publications 2016“Of Blurred Lines and Baffled Juries,” Williams v. Bridgeport Music and the Unrealized Potential of Survey Evidence in Music Copyright, GRAMMY Foundation Entertainment Law Initiative Writing Competition, 2016.
Bar Admissions
- New York
Education
- Duke University (J.D., 2016)
- Dartmouth College (B.A., 2012)