Matthew J. Smith is a founding partner in the law firm of Tauler Smith LLP. His practice focuses on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) internal investigations and white-collar defense matters, including government enforcement proceedings, class actions, and shareholder derivative actions. Mr. Smith has extensive experience with the FCPA and international compliance. He has conducted over 100 FCPA investigations throughout Asia, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea and Vietnam. His FCPA practice also includes developing anticorruption compliance programs and consulting clients on FCPA and international compliance issues.
In addition to assisting clients with FCPA cases, Mr. Smith also handles a wide variety of matters involving all aspects of complex litigation, including the areas of securities litigation, trademark, unfair competition, and white-collar criminal defense. His extensive trial experience includes work on a high-profile matter involving the largest financial restatement ever issued, a case in which he helped to secure the dismissal of both criminal charges and a related SEC action pending against his client.
Background
Prior to forming Tauler Smith LLP, Mr. Smith served as a Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School and as an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center, where he taught courses on negotiation and dispute resolution. He was also a Fellow with the Harvard Negotiation & Mediation Clinical Program, working with clients on projects focused on conflict management and consensus building. Mr. Smith has also served as a professional negotiation and communication trainer, as well as a consultant for a broad range of corporate and legal clients.
Bar Admissions
Mr. Smith is active in the Los Angeles community, and he has served on the Recent Graduates Council of the Harvard Law School Association. He is admitted to practice in the State of California.
Representative Experience
- International FCPA Investigations: Represented a major oil services provider in FCPA investigation of sales agents throughout Asia.
- White-Collar & Securities Defense: Represented the founder of a leading semiconductor company in a shareholder derivative action, in a securities class action, and in criminal proceedings arising from stock option accounting practices.
- Attorney-Client Privilege Consulting: Advised foreign government entity regarding complex international attorney-client privilege issues.