Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, announces the growth of its Commercial Litigation practice with the addition of Mark Califano as partner. Califano focuses on litigation, regulatory law, compliance, privacy and information security, and is resident in the Washington, DC, office.
Previously, Califano served as Chief Legal Officer and head of business for a leading global investigations consultancy firm. In this role he led large, complex investigations for litigation, global anti-corruption, trademark, gray market, fraud, due diligence and shareholder activist matters. He also led reviews of enterprise anti–money laundering sanctions compliance programs and cyber defense/digital investigations for clients including the world’s leading financial institutions, Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 companies and law firms. Califano has experience overseeing legal and compliance operations, commercial negotiations, litigation and employment matters. Additionally, he led business development in all global markets and has played a major role in establishing legal and compliance operations across international offices.
“We are delighted to welcome Mark to our best in class litigation team,” said Dentons US CEO Mike McNamara. “He is an extremely impressive lawyer whose experience and relationships will be particularly relevant for our clients in the current business and investigative environment.”
Previously, Califano served for seven years as head of litigation at American Express, where he oversaw the defense of a range of consumer, class action and commercial claims, performed complex investigations around the globe and defended the company’s business model, including playing a central role in card fee antitrust litigation and internal investigations.
A former assistant United States attorney for the District of Connecticut for 12 years, Califano established and led a nationally renowned cyber/IP prosecution team and pursued pioneering cybercrime, IP, corruption, financial fraud and terrorism investigations. Upon graduating law school he clerked for Judge Stanley Sporkin of the US District Court for the District of Columbia. He earned his BA from Princeton University and his JD from Duke University School of Law.