Squire Patton Boggs announced that former Department of Justice (DOJ) attorney and head of its Government Investigations & White Collar Practice Joe Walker has rejoined the firm. Mr. Walker spent the last four years at Orrick where he previously co-led its White Collar & Corporate Investigations practice.

“Joe is a first-class lawyer with deep institutional knowledge of our platform and a proven track record of guiding clients through complex global government enforcement actions,” said Chair and Global CEO Mark Ruehlmann. “His return further strengthens our global investigations and enforcement offering at a time of growth for our practice.”

Mr. Walker brings decades of experience representing companies and individuals in high-stakes investigations, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) matters, securities enforcement, and defense of government enforcement actions brought by the DOJ, SEC, the UK’s Serious Fraud Office and similar authorities.

He spent over a decade at Squire Patton Boggs, where he played a central role in expanding the firm’s white collar and investigations capabilities and advising on a range of sensitive international matters.

Prior to entering private practice, he served as a trial attorney in the Fraud Section of the DOJ’s Criminal Division where he was a member of several task forces, including the Securities Fraud Task Force, and acted as lead prosecutor on several high-profile matters, including the first-ever joint FCPA enforcement action between the SEC and the DOJ.

“Joe is widely respected for his strategic insight, sound judgment, and steady hand when the chips are down,” said Global Managing Partner Michele Connell. “He has long been a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues alike, and his return adds another seasoned practitioner to our disputes and investigations bench.”

Mr. Walker added, “Rejoining Squire Patton Boggs is an exciting homecoming for me both personally and professionally. The firm’s global reach, government-facing platform, and collaborative culture create a unique environment to deliver top-tier client service. I’m looking forward to working with new colleagues and many old friends.”

Squire’s Government Investigations & White Collar Practice includes a global team spanning 19 countries. In May the firm welcomed former Assistant US Attorney for the Southern Districts of New York and Ohio Megan Gaffney Painter.

This news story was originally published on the firm’s website.