General counsel, boards of directors and audit committees rely upon Jess Heim to advise on their most high-stakes and challenging legal issues. With proven experience that is both broad and deep, Jess advises on matters that range from internal and government investigations, criminal price-fixing and violations of securities laws; to whistle blower complaints and compliance design challenges; to theft of trade secrets, data privacy initiatives and cybersecurity matters. Jess is appreciated by everyone around her for her pragmatism, consistently good instincts and smart solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems.
On every matter, every day, Jess remains steadfastly dedicated to delivering the strongest and most compelling legal arguments, analyzing and streamlining complex legal issues, investigating intricate factual circumstances in a manner that conserves client time and resources, and interfacing productively with regulators and agency representatives. At the same time, clients value that Jess can instantly step into a stressful situation and take control of deescalating the heightened emotion surrounding government oversight and conflict.
Jess draws upon her multitude of experience when working closely with and advocating for both US and foreign clients. Her varied representations range from parties in the Bernard Madoff case, one of the largest investment scandals of the century, to the Audit Committee of Juniper Networks, a global technology company. For the Audit Committee, Jess conducted independent investigations of FCPA matters in Russia, China, Hong Kong, India and other countries, as well as represented the client in parallel Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) investigations.
Jess is markedly effectual when working with all levels and types of government entities, which is a critical skill for realizing the right result. In addition to the DOJ and SEC, she has successfully interfaced with state Attorneys General, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Commerce Department, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and international agencies such as the UK Serious Fraud Office, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Dutch Public Prosecutors to resolve even the most serious client issues.
Jess believes whole-heartedly in advising clients on proactive compliance policies and procedures. She tailors each compliance program to her client’s specific needs while also taking into consideration the position that regulators will take if an infraction might occur. As a result, Jess delivers creative and bespoke compliance programs that parallel each client’s distinct culture, size, industry and operational imperatives.
As accelerated competition and new technologies continue to expand at lightning speed, Jess stays fluent regarding the many legal contradictions, disparate rules in jurisdictions around the world\ and greater potential for mishandling digital information and triggering trade secrets, privacy and cybersecurity issues. Jess has represented companies regarding complex issues such as HIPAA obligations, protection of source codes and alleged theft of trade secrets. A Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), Jess is an active member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals. A charismatic speaker and educator, Jess is frequently called upon to make presentations on various topics within her area of practice to corporate directors and trade associations alike.