Palmina Fava Email Address

Partner, Co-Head of White Collar Defense and Government Investigations

Vinson & Elkins offers clients renowned legal excellence as well as efficiency and deep market intelligence

I help companies mitigate legal and regulatory exposure by advising on regulatory requirements, conducting targeted internal and government investigations, negotiating resolutions with government agencies around the world, litigating cases in federal and state courts, and building comprehensive, yet tailored, compliance programs. I navigate global data privacy laws to collect and review information and employment laws to implement disciplinary measures; where laws prohibit certain disciplinary actions against employees or business partners, I work with companies to identify creative solutions that mitigate ongoing risk. In conducting investigations, in crafting remedial measures, and in developing compliance programs, I am sensitive to cultural and legal differences around the world and to practical business realities facing multinational companies. I often rely on my Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian proficiency in the course of my work. I also routinely advise clients on strategic ventures and M&A transactions, analyzing the compliance risks, drafting and defending representations and warranties to mitigate the risks, responding to investor queries, and implementing and executing a post-closing plan targeted to the risks identified in pre-closing diligence. I have served as lead litigation and trial counsel in dozens of matters involving intellectual property rights, privacy regulations, cybersecurity breaches, fiduciary duty, contract interpretation, fraud, negligence, product liability, off-label pharmaceutical marketing, bribery, and insurance coverage. I represent companies in bet-the-company litigation and individuals in cases where they face significant jail time, achieving positive results, including the unanimous vacature of a conviction by the U.S. Supreme Court in a highly publicized case. Not only do I lead the trial teams, but I work with communications professionals to ensure accuracy in the tenor and substance of the narrative. I focus my community involvement on improving equity in education, on ensuring veterans have the benefits they deserve, and on increasing awareness of the benefits of organ donation. I serve as a director of New Classrooms, immediate past president of the Fordham Law Alumni Association, a member of the Alumni Admissions Program for Georgetown University, a member of the Shared Decision Committee on Curriculum Enhancement in Yonkers, and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Anthony T. Fava VFW Post.