A. Scott Bolden is one of the most prominent defense attorneys in Washington, D.C., known for his legal acumen, courtroom presence, and ability to handle high-stakes cases. As a partner and former managing partner of the Washington, D.C. office of Reed Smith LLP, Bolden has built a career marked by success in defending clients in complex criminal and civil matters. With decades of experience, he is widely recognized for his work in white-collar criminal defense, political and regulatory investigations, and high-profile civil litigation.
Bolden’s reputation as a formidable litigator has made him a go-to lawyer for clients facing serious legal challenges. His ability to navigate both the courtroom and the media spotlight has earned him a position as one of Washington’s most sought-after defense attorneys, particularly in cases involving public figures, corporations, and business leaders.
Expertise in White-Collar Criminal Defense
A. Scott Bolden is best known for his expertise in white-collar criminal defense. This area of law involves representing individuals and corporations accused of non-violent, financially motivated crimes, such as fraud, embezzlement, bribery, insider trading, and regulatory violations. These cases often involve complex financial transactions, significant legal risks, and potential reputational damage, making Bolden’s strategic approach critical to his clients’ success.
Some key aspects of Bolden’s white-collar criminal defense practice include:
- Government Investigations: Bolden has extensive experience defending clients in investigations conducted by federal agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He works with clients to navigate these investigations, protect their rights, and minimize exposure to criminal charges.
- Political Corruption: Given his deep ties to Washington, D.C., Bolden frequently represents public officials, politicians, and government employees accused of corruption, bribery, and other forms of misconduct. These cases are often highly publicized, requiring a delicate balance of legal defense and public relations management.
- Fraud and Financial Crimes: Bolden has successfully defended clients accused of various forms of fraud, including securities fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, and mortgage fraud. His ability to dissect complex financial information and challenge the prosecution’s evidence has led to favorable outcomes in many of these cases.
- Regulatory and Compliance Violations: Bolden advises corporations and executives facing allegations of regulatory violations, including breaches of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), antitrust laws, and other federal and state regulations. His team works to mitigate penalties, negotiate settlements, and defend clients in court when necessary.
- Corporate Criminal Defense: Representing corporations in criminal matters requires a comprehensive understanding of both legal and business principles. Bolden’s experience in corporate defense allows him to provide strategic counsel to businesses facing investigations, indictments, or regulatory actions.
High-Profile Representation and Media Savvy
In addition to his courtroom prowess, A. Scott Bolden is known for his ability to handle high-profile cases that attract media attention. His clients often include politicians, public figures, and corporate executives whose cases are scrutinized by the press and the public. Bolden’s experience in managing the media aspect of these cases is invaluable, as public perception can play a significant role in the outcome of a legal battle.
Bolden understands the importance of shaping the narrative and protecting his clients’ reputations during legal proceedings. He works closely with public relations professionals and uses his own media experience—he frequently appears as a legal analyst on national television networks—to ensure that his clients’ stories are accurately portrayed.
This media-savvy approach is particularly crucial in political corruption cases, where the court of public opinion can have as much influence as the courtroom itself. Bolden’s ability to navigate both spheres simultaneously has earned him a reputation as a top lawyer for public figures under fire.
Civil Litigation and Crisis Management
In addition to his work in criminal defense, A. Scott Bolden has an impressive track record in civil litigation. He represents clients in high-stakes lawsuits involving business disputes, defamation, breach of contract, and other civil matters. His clients range from large corporations to individuals, and he is known for his aggressive and effective advocacy in court.
Bolden also specializes in crisis management, providing legal and strategic counsel to clients facing potentially damaging legal or public relations crises. His work in this area often involves advising clients on how to respond to sudden legal challenges, such as regulatory investigations, whistleblower claims, or civil lawsuits, while protecting their reputations and mitigating financial losses.
Leadership and Mentorship
Beyond his practice, A. Scott Bolden is a leader within the legal community and a mentor to young lawyers. As a former managing partner of Reed Smith LLP’s Washington, D.C. office, Bolden played a key role in shaping the firm’s strategy and growth. Under his leadership, the firm expanded its presence in D.C. and continued to build its reputation as one of the leading law firms in the country.
Bolden is also committed to advancing diversity in the legal profession. He has been a vocal advocate for increasing opportunities for minority attorneys and has mentored countless young lawyers throughout his career. His work in this area has earned him numerous awards and recognition from legal organizations and community groups.
A Career of Notable Successes
A. Scott Bolden’s career is filled with notable successes in both criminal and civil cases. He has secured favorable outcomes for clients facing some of the most serious charges, from financial crimes to political scandals. His ability to craft compelling legal arguments, combined with his deep understanding of the law, has allowed him to achieve dismissals, acquittals, and reduced sentences for many of his clients.
In civil litigation, Bolden has successfully represented clients in multi-million-dollar lawsuits, winning significant settlements and verdicts. His work in both criminal defense and civil litigation has made him one of the most respected attorneys in Washington, D.C.
Conclusion
A. Scott Bolden is a leading defense lawyer in Washington, D.C., known for his expertise in white-collar criminal defense, civil litigation, and crisis management. His ability to handle high-stakes cases, particularly those involving public figures and complex financial matters, has made him one of the most sought-after attorneys in the region.
Bolden’s combination of legal skill, media savvy, and leadership within the legal profession has cemented his reputation as a top defense attorney. Whether defending clients in court or managing legal crises, A. Scott Bolden’s strategic approach and dedication to his clients have made him a standout figure in Washington’s legal community.
