Jan Lawrence Handzlik

Practice areas

Criminal Defense: White Collar, International, Appellate, Business Litigation

Focus areas

Appeals, Criminal Law – Federal, White Collar Crime

Jan Handzlik is a highly accomplished lawyer known for his expertise in investigations and trial work, both domestically and internationally. He adeptly represents individuals and businesses in a diverse array of legal matters, encompassing criminal investigations, complex civil litigation, and regulatory inquiries. With extensive trial experience, Jan has successfully conducted over 100 jury trials and numerous bench trials in both federal and state courts within the United States.

Jan is recognized on a national scale as a leading authority in financial fraud investigations, regulatory violations, and transnational criminal cases. His specialties encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from civil and criminal securities fraud, money laundering, and tax fraud to bank fraud, commercial bribery, and public corruption. His deep grasp also extends to violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), such as bribery and violations related to corporate records. Jan’s client portfolio covers both American and foreign entities, and he addresses a broad array of investigative and prosecutorial concerns.

Prior to his private practice, Jan served as a federal prosecutor in the Major Fraud & Special Prosecutions Section of the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. During this tenure, he closely collaborated with federal law enforcement agencies, directed grand jury investigations, and prosecuted fraudulent cases at trial and on appeal. His significant legal experience also includes being one of the initial independent law compliance monitors under the FCPA, where he evaluated the adherence of a Swiss multinational corporation to a deferred prosecution agreement. Jan’s exceptional legal career also involves successfully defending a corporation and its CEO in a major FCPA trial in federal court, U.S. v. Lindsey Manufacturing Company, et al.

Jan’s exceptional background, notable achievements, and esteemed reputation in the legal community collectively grant him profound insights into matters of civil and criminal justice on both state and federal levels. These attributes enable him to formulate and execute the most effective defense strategies for his clients. Over time, Jan has consistently secured favorable outcomes for clients during investigations and trials, reinforcing his track record of success.

Jan’s contributions have been acknowledged by numerous esteemed national and international publications. He has featured in all 28 editions of Best Lawyers in America-US News & World Report from 1983 to 2022, a renowned peer review publication in the legal realm. Jan has also received recognition from publications like Who’s Who Legal and Global Investigations Review, which have identified him as a Who’s Who Legal Thought Leader and a Global Leader in Business Crime Defense and Investigations. Euromoney’s Expert Guides, The Daily Journal, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) are among the entities that have acknowledged Jan’s remarkable legal acumen.

Furthermore, Jan has been extensively involved in professional organizations and committees, such as the American Bar Association (ABA) and the International Bar Association (IBA), where he has held leadership roles and organized conferences. A graduate of the University of Southern California and UCLA School of Law, Jan is admitted to practice in various U.S. District Courts, U.S. Courts of Appeal, and the U.S. Supreme Court. His legal journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to justice and an exceptional record of achievement.