Press Releases
Hogan Lovells announces leadership changes to its global disputes practice
21 March 2019
Stephanie Yonekura
PartnerLos Angeles
Email stephanie.yonekura@hoganlovells.com
Phone +1 310 785 4668
Fax +1 310 785 4601
Practice groupLitigation, Arbitration, and Employment
Stephanie Yonekura brings a unique perspective to any internal investigation. Having served as the Acting U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles, Stephanie knows the hot-button issues that are considered in every stage of any government investigation.
As the Acting U.S. Attorney of the largest office outside of Washington, D.C., Stephanie was an active participant in the larger Department of Justice community, serving on nationwide committees on white collar fraud, cybercrime, and intellectual property. Stephanie interacted with corporations when they were under investigation as well as when they were victims of crimes.
Stephanie worked with the FBI, SEC, IRS, CFTC, and various inspectors general as a prosecutor for more than 14 years, on issues including financial institution fraud, government fraud, securities fraud, and cybercrime. She developed a strong reputation with the court, defense counsel, and investigating agencies for digging into the facts and collaborating with law enforcement agencies and victims. She was also known for her ability to streamline investigations and make fair and equitable charging and sentencing decisions. In the courtroom, Stephanie exudes confidence, knowledge, and integrity.
In private practice, Stephanie uses her extensive experience in the trenches, in the courtroom, and as the chief law enforcement officer in Los Angeles to help clients understand the key issues and investigate matters strategically and surgically.
Awards and recognitions
2017
Dispute Resolution: Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense
Legal 500 US
2016
Media, Technology, and Telecoms: Cyber Law
Legal 500 US
Education and admissions
Education
J.D., University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law, 1996
B.A. Political Science, magna cum laude, University of California, Los Angeles, 1992
Memberships
Board Member, Japanese American Bar Association, 2015-2016
Board Member, Library Foundation of Los Angeles, 2016
Bar admissions and qualifications
California
Representative experience
Represented a tech company in an FCA case and advocated for DOJ and California not to intervene. The court dismissed the case with prejudice and awarded attorney's fees.
Conducted an internal investigation for a food company involving potential FCPA violations in Thailand.
Represented casino in anti-money laundering investigation by DOJ.
Conducted an internal investigation for a Fortune 500 company involving potential FCPA violations in the UAE.
Represented Fortune 500 health care company in arbitration contract dispute. Obtained judgment in client's favor and award of attorney's fees.
Represented software developer in connection with alleged fraud scheme investigation by DOJ.
Represented university in connection with NSF-OIG and DOJ investigation relating to alleged grant fraud.
Conducted internal investigation for university relating to alleged health care fraud violations.
Represented medical device company in FDA-OIG investigation.
Represented Fortune 500 life sciences company in connection with SEC insider trading investigation.
Represented Fortune 50 health care company in connection with DOJ healthcare fraud investigation.
Represented private investment firm in connection with SEC fraud investigation.
Advised media companies on cybersecurity incident response preparation and planning.
Oversaw DOJ investigation of the hacking of one of the world's largest entertainment companies reportedly by a foreign government.
Supervised DOJ residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) investigation into a major financial institution, resulting in a record billion dollar settlement.
Oversaw DOJ investigation of a national rating agency's rating of RMBS and collateralized debt obligations leading to a multimillion dollar settlement.
Authorized every qui tam intervention decision in Los Angeles as Acting U.S. Attorney and First Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Latest thinking and events
Hogan Lovells Publications
ADG Insights: 2019 Bribery and corruption enforcement landscape ADG Insights
26 February 2019
Hogan Lovells Publications
ADG insights: Top bribery and corruption developments of ADG companies in 2018 ADG Insights
28 February 2018
