Lauren Goddard is a partner in Akerman’s White Collar Criminal Defense & Government Investigations and Litigation Practices and an experienced former federal prosecutor. Clients turn to Lauren to develop creative strategies for responding to — and where possible, preventing — government investigations and enforcement proceedings. Her practice focuses on defending companies, executives, and boards in high-stakes criminal and civil enforcement matters, conducting sensitive internal investigations, and providing strategic counsel on regulatory and compliance challenges across a broad range of industries, including healthcare and financial services.

Before joining Akerman, Lauren served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, a Trial Attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division, and an Assistant State’s Attorney in Cook County, Illinois. As a federal prosecutor, she handled hundreds of investigations and prosecutions involving fraud, public corruption, money laundering, obstruction of justice, and terrorism-related matters. At the DOJ’s National Security Division, she served as a subject-matter resource on counterterrorism prosecutions and trained and advised federal prosecutors nationwide. Lauren brings firsthand knowledge of how government enforcement agencies operate, enabling her to pursue advocacy strategies designed to minimize clients’ legal, financial, and reputational exposure.

Lauren represents clients in criminal and regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Securities and Exchange Commission, state attorneys general, and other federal and state agencies. She regularly defends clients facing allegations involving securities fraud, accounting fraud, healthcare fraud, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), sanctions and export controls, money laundering, wire and mail fraud, false statements, conspiracy, and False Claims Act exposure.

Lauren has tried more than 30 jury trials to verdict — an exceptional record among white collar practitioners. She has litigated matters in U.S. district courts nationwide, conducted and led complex internal investigations for corporate clients and boards of directors, and represented clients in securities and consumer class actions. She advises boards of directors, audit committees, and special committees on governance, compliance, and risk mitigation strategies when organizations face allegations of misconduct.

Drawing on her government enforcement background, Lauren helps clients anticipate regulatory and enforcement risks before they escalate. She understands that avoiding indictment or enforcement action altogether is often the best possible outcome, and she has an extraordinary record of persuading prosecutors and regulators not to pursue charges against her clients through compelling advocacy. When resolution through negotiation serves the client’s interests, she is adept at securing favorable terms. Her approach emphasizes strategic problem-solving, credibility with enforcement authorities, and efficient resolution of complex disputes.

Lauren represents public and private companies, boards of directors and audit committees, financial services and healthcare organizations, and individuals — including corporate executives and public officials — facing criminal, regulatory, or civil enforcement actions.