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“[Jesse Barrett] is one of the top white-collar lawyers in the country.”
—Client | Chambers USA Guide 2025About Jesse
Jesse is a trial lawyer who focuses on white-collar criminal defense, internal investigations, and corporate compliance around the country. Jesse founded SouthBank Legal’s white-collar practice and has tried dozens of federal cases to jury verdict. Jesse represents clients at all stages of investigation and litigation, including multiple Fortune 500 companies and corporate executives.
In 2024, Chambers ranked Jesse among the top bands for Indiana Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations and quoted various sources as saying: “Jesse is outstanding in all criteria we consider important when choosing outside counsel.” “Jesse was phenomenal. He’s easy to work with, professional and knowledgeable.” “Jesse is an exceptionally detailed, thoughtful and strategic attorney.” “In the actual trial he is unmatched.”
Previously, Jesse practiced at Am Law 100 firms in Indiana and Washington, D.C., and as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Indiana. During his 13 years as a federal prosecutor, Jesse led investigations into a wide variety of white-collar cases, including commercial fraud, complex tax violations, fraud involving Reports of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBARs), tax-preparer fraud, securities fraud, student loan fraud, insurance fraud, mail and wire fraud, bankruptcy fraud, fraud by government contractors, and public corruption. Jesse held a Top Secret security clearance and received awards for his service from multiple federal agencies.
Jesse has served as an adjunct professor at the Notre Dame Law School, where he has taught in the areas of trial skills and criminal law. He also has coached high school mock trial, and his teams have won state tournaments and competed in the national competition. Jesse is a member of the Edward Bennett Williams American Inn of Court, an invitation-only professional organization focusing on white-collar practice.
Experience
CORPORATE INVESTIGATIONS & WHITE COLLAR DEFENSE
- Represented a Fortune 500 company in a dispute regarding contracts for broadcasting international sports competitions following a federal bribery investigation.
- Conducted internal investigations for a Fortune 500 company regarding allegations of conflicts of interest and misconduct by various high-level employees.
- Conducted multiple compliance-review projects for a Fortune 500 company, including implementing systems for compliance review of sensitive transactions and enhancing global compliance monitoring.
- Represented a Fortune 500 company in compliance and diligence efforts regarding its acquisition of an international corporation, including review for FCPA, tax, and other compliance issues.
- Defended two Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies in federal and state investigations concerning alleged violations of anti-kickback and other statutes. The companies successfully avoided any charges or administrative sanction.
- Represented a Fortune 500 media company in connection with a prosecution involving rights for international athletic tournaments.
- Represented a Fortune 10 company in a high-stakes internal investigation regarding employment issues, determined the appropriate response, and spearheaded remediation in conjunction with an Am Law 10 firm and an employment consulting company.
- Conducted multiple internal investigations for a major sports broadcasting company regarding employee misconduct and internal policies, and interfaced with federal law enforcement concerning the relevant findings.
- Conducted an investigation for the board of directors of a Fortune 500 automotive company concerning the alleged conduct of a member of its board.
- Defended a Fortune 25 financial services company against government efforts to obtain its records through subpoenas.
- Assisted a Fortune 50 company in recovering funds stolen internationally. This required coordination with, and cooperation from, law enforcement agencies and international financial institutions.
- Counseled a Fortune 500 healthcare company in internal audits and external investigations regarding manufacturing practices.
- Represented a healthcare provider in a dispute over the confidentiality of records, including successfully arguing the appeal before the Indiana Supreme Court.
- Counseled healthcare companies in responding to multiple grand jury subpoenas, including structuring productions to avoid follow-up requests and further dedication of corporate resources.
WHITE COLLAR DEFENSE OF INDIVIDUALS
- Represented a key employee of a Fortune 100 company in a high profile, federal grand jury investigation of GMP issues.
- Represented employees of Fortune 500 financial services company in a high-profile SEC investigation.
- Obtained a probationary sentence, with few travel restrictions, for an executive convicted of tax fraud related to failure to report income from international sales of industrial and military equipment. The Sentencing Guidelines range was 12-18 months.
- Defended a C-suite executive in a month-long federal trial concerning allegations of financial crimes and election fraud. The convictions in the case were ultimately reversed on appeal.
- Represented a former elected official in a federal investigation involving alleged bribery in return for political favors.
- Represented an executive of a Fortune 500 financial services company in a high-profile SEC investigation.
- Represented a DOJ employee in a congressional investigation regarding alleged leaks of confidential information concerning national security.
- Represented an executive of a military contractor in a federal investigation regarding alleged bribery in obtaining government contracts.
- Represented the general counsel of a financial services company in matters related to syndication of conservation easements.
- Represented a senior government employee in connection with a grand jury investigation of an elected government official.
- Obtained the dismissal of a federal indictment charging international parental kidnapping. This enabled the client to avoid charges, travel internationally, and maintain custody of children without any public disclosure of the criminal charges.
- Served as an expert witness on behalf of an Am Law 100 firm regarding claims of attorney misconduct in a federal criminal prosecution. The claims were ultimately rejected and the attorney was vindicated.
- Represented a prominent federal employee in an OIG investigation into alleged financial improprieties. The investigation was closed with no enforcement action.
- Represented a defendant charged in a SIM-swapping conspiracy involving alleged losses over $100 million.
- Convinced authorities to decline charges against the owner of an athletic organization in an embezzlement investigation.
- Represented a board member and the president of an international sporting organization relating to an investigation and potential testimony in an international bribery prosecution.
- Convinced the IRS to abandon a grand jury investigation into alleged underpayment of taxes by founders of a nonprofit advocacy organization.
- Convinced the DOJ to terminate the investigation of an individual concerning alleged violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. This matter involved the sale of military and industrial equipment in a foreign country.
- Led the team defending a former company president in multiple civil and criminal matters regarding the alleged misappropriation of over $100 million. This case involved negotiations with multiple financial institutions to obtain payment of hundreds of millions of dollars in payroll and other expenses.
- Represented the lead corporate auditor of a Fortune 500 company in connection with a complex criminal prosecution.
- Represented a former executive of a Fortune 100 medical company in civil and potential criminal matters, including alleged perjury. The client was never charged or otherwise sanctioned.
- Represented a doctor at sentencing following a conviction for a $150 million scheme to dispense unnecessary opioids in one of the largest federal opioid prosecutions.
COMPLEX COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
- Obtained complete dismissal, at the Rule 12(b)(6) stage, of a defamation lawsuit against a Fortune 500 company.
- Represented a Fortune 100 company regarding the impact on its business of environmental hazards from an industrial site.
- Defended the former president of a publicly traded company against tort and contract claims brought by a previous employer. The case involved extensive discovery, including a three-day Rule 30(b)(6) deposition and hundreds of millions of dollars in claimed damages.
- Represented individuals and entities in disputes, litigation, and administrative proceedings regarding the financing, development, and operation of a $300 million casino complex.
- Defended a Berkshire Hathaway company in an employment discrimination trial in federal court, obtaining a complete jury verdict for the defense.
- Represented an event promoter against claims of fraud by former business partners.
- Represented an advertiser asserting constitutional claims against a municipality for restrictions on its business.
- Advised a Fortune 25 petroleum producer in a regulatory proceeding concerning the allocation of proceeds from the Alaskan oil pipeline.
- Represented a national railroad in a multimillion-dollar contract dispute with a customer.
- Counseled a trade group in a dispute with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, including a potential constitutional challenge to certain actions of the PTO.
PRO BONO
- Provided pro bono representation to African American farmers who alleged that the United States discriminated against them in the provision of farm loans. This class action was among the largest civil rights suits in American history and led to the recovery of over $1 billion.
Education
- Notre Dame Law School, J.D., magna cum laude
- Editor in Chief, Notre Dame Law Review
- University of Notre Dame, B.A., magna cum laude
- Member, Phi Beta Kappa
Admissions
- Indiana
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
- U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (including Trial Bar)
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
- U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
“Jesse Barrett is a tremendous litigator in courtroom trials and hearings. He is probably among the smartest people I know. He has great judgment and is well-rounded. He genuinely cares about our company's well-being and what we are looking for. He is proactive in suggesting practical options. He, more than anything, is candid. His integrity is impeccable. Jesse Barrett is an incredible resource, especially in white-collar criminal defense.”
—Client | Chambers USA Guide 2025“[Jesse] is one of the top white collar lawyers in the country.”
—Client | Chambers USA Guide 2025“Jesse has exceptional legal acumen and insight. He has an impressive depth of knowledge in various areas of the law and has an incredible grasp of legal intricacies, particularly in white-collar and government investigations matters.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2024“Jesse Barrett is an exceptional lawyer.... He has a great ability to see around the corners.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2025“I had a really good experience with Jesse Barrett. What stands out is his high thoroughness and preparation.... His candor with clients and making potentially hard decisions that could better move the client’s case forward was something that I noted.”
—Client | Chambers USA Guide 2025“Jesse is very even keeled and can distill a complex problem to the core issues.... He is really able to say the prosecution has a better argument and knows when we need to address it more seriously.... He inspired a great deal of confidence.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2025“He is an outstanding lawyer. He exemplifies a great deal of compassion for clients to get them through difficult situations. I have never worked with a lawyer more prepared than him. He is a ten out of ten at handling complex work.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2024“Jesse Barrett and his team are very competent and have excellent judgment. The depth and breadth of their team is very strong. They have highly experienced criminal and civil litigators with a depth of experience in former government positions. Their service levels and responsiveness are very strong. They are highly responsive and available for their clients.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2024“Jesse Barrett is held in very high regard. With his former experiences, his firm offers high value, providing District of Columbia and New York quality.... He is excellent, smart and hardworking, as well as being detail-oriented and well-spoken. Clients like him a lot.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2025“I found Jesse Barrett to be a very thoughtful, skilled and tenacious lawyer for his clients. He has made good tactical decisions for his clients’ interests. He is a good tactician and strategist and is easy to work and collaborate with.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2025“Jesse Barrett and Nathaniel Pollock are involved in several high-profile matters. They are top tier and are among the best.... They are fantastic lawyers.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2025“Jesse is a lawyer’s lawyer and consistently demonstrates the highest skills of the profession.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2025“When you talk to an attorney, it is not usually your best day. But when I talk to Jesse, it is a welcome conversation. For me, the work seems complex, but it seems like a no-brainer for Jesse. He is an expert in his craft, and he can stitch things together pretty easily.”
—Client | Chambers USA Guide 2024“Both Jesse Barrett and Jon Heintz went above and beyond by conducting multiple preparation sessions and always being available and responsive by email and phone. They provided detailed insights about what to expect on [the matter] and everything I needed to consider.”
—Client | Chambers USA Guide 2025“Jesse has been very good at looking at [matters] and navigating how to mitigate risk. Jesse’s work product is perfect; it always is, and he’s gotten great results for us.”
—Client | Chambers USA Guide 2025“Jesse Barrett is extremely responsive and provides the highest quality of service to clients.”
—Client | Chambers USA Guide 2025“For the more challenging aspects of corporate litigation, thanks to Jesse and the firm's attention to detail, they will find the answer and discuss them with the team and the client. Jesse is an exceptionally detailed, thoughtful and strategic attorney. His strength lies in his attention to detail and his comfort level pretrial. In the actual trial he is unmatched.”
—Client | Chambers USA Guide 2024“We worked with Jesse Barrett on a [complex issue]. I was very impressed with Jesse; he is very organized, and he gets things done in a very no-nonsense manner. He is very effective in negotiations and very thoughtful in planning.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2025“[Jesse] is extremely knowledgeable, very responsive and thoughtful in his approach. He is a consummate professional, carries himself very well and is an excellent communicator. He holds himself with a high degree of honesty and integrity.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2024“My experience with Jesse was excellent. Jesse has exceptional legal acumen and insight. He has an impressive depth of knowledge in various areas of the law and has an incredible grasp of legal intricacies, particularly in white-collar and government investigations matters.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2024“Jesse Barrett and Nathaniel Pollock at SouthBank Legal are involved in high-profile disputes. They are top tier, among the best and very good counsel. They are team-oriented and focus on the client’s best interest. They are fantastic lawyers.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2025“Jesse picks up the phone no matter what; he could be at the beach or hiking; he is always available. Jesse always answers.”
—Client | Chambers USA Guide 2025“Jesse is brilliant. He is fantastic. Clients like working with him. He is very methodical and detail-oriented. He is very thorough and looks through every angle.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2024“Jesse Barrett has done terrific work in high stakes matters. He is smart, careful and responsive.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2025“[Jesse] has terrific judgment, and he is practical, with great strategic advice. He is very thoughtful and diligent in helping witnesses prepare. He did an outstanding job. In the complex matters he handled and in the tense moments, he was calm and practical and kept people focused in order to make sound and calm decisions. I rate him very highly here.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2024“Jesse Barrett and Jon Heintz at SouthBank Legal were involved in a high value case and I am not sure how complicated it was for them, but it was unusual for us. They were very knowledgeable, sharp and had great expertise. They know people, knew the process and all the ins and outs.”
—Client | Chambers USA Guide 2025“When you work with him, you know you are working with a real pro.... [C]lients respond well to him.... He’s an outstanding lawyer.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2025“[A]n extraordinarily thoughtful attorney ... as good as anybody in the country at doing complex work. I work with the best in the country. He is at the top.”
—Third Party | Chambers USA Guide 2024“I was confident about SouthBank Legal’s abilities. Jesse is obviously an experienced lawyer. He is calm in complex situations. He has a great command of facts and details.”
—Client | Chambers USA Guide 2025