Tobin Romero is Co-Chair of Williams & Connolly’s Criminal Defense and Government Investigations practice group. Toby has been recognized for his work in white collar cases by Benchmark Litigation, Chambers USA, The Legal 500, Who’s Who Legal, Washingtonian magazine, and Super Lawyers. Chambers USA (2018) noted his “strength in handling cross-border matters,” and clients and peers have described him as “a fierce trial lawyer and a relentless advocate” (The Legal 500 (2021)) with a “well deserved reputation for excellence and quality” (Chambers USA (2023)).  

Toby has served as lead defense counsel for significant multinational corporations, corporate executives, and other entities and individuals in a wide range of domestic and cross-border investigations and prosecutions. His representations have involved various substantive areas of law, including Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, commercial bribery, securities fraud, money laundering, tax, public corruption, export controls, antitrust, and environmental; and various industry sectors, including financial services, healthcare, professional services, aerospace, technology, mining, and media. These representations have spanned the globe. Toby has handled criminal matters relating to alleged conduct in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. 

Toby’s civil practice focuses on government investigations and enforcement matters involving the Securities and Exchange Commission, Inspectors General, and other federal and state regulators. Toby also conducts internal investigations and advises companies on compliance issues.

Toby is the former Co-Chair of the ABA’s White-Collar Crime Subcommittee on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.  He previously supervised the firm's pro bono criminal defense program for indigent citizens and tried and argued the appeal for an embezzlement case in which the court dismissed the charges on remand.  Toby continues to supervise pro bono criminal appeals.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Toby grew up in Lexington, Massachusetts.  He graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University in 1993 and received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center, where he was Order of the Coif and Primary Editor, Criminal Procedure Project, Georgetown Law Journal.  He spent a year clerking for Judge Peter K. Leisure of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York before joining Williams & Connolly in 1997.

Representative Experience

Though all cases vary and none is predictive, Tobin’s experience includes:

  • Represent international sports broadcasting company in civil RICO action arising out of FIFA investigation
  • Represented financial institution in securities and bank fraud prosecution; prosecution dismissed all charges at trial and entered into civil resolution
  • Represented multinational media company in FCPA investigation relating to alleged conduct in Europe; government issued declination letter
  • Defended telecommunications executive against wire fraud and money laundering charges; prosecution dismissed all charges at trial
  • Represented multinational mining corporation in FCPA investigation relating to alleged conduct in Africa; SEC issued declination letter 
  • Served as trial counsel on behalf of former political party representative in conspiracy prosecution; jury acquitted on one count and trial court acquitted on remaining counts
  • Represented multinational media company in FCPA investigation relating to alleged conduct in India; SEC issued declination letter
  • Served as trial counsel for retail executive in securities fraud case; prosecution dismissed all charges during trial
  • Represented technology CEO in securities fraud prosecution; trial court dismissed indictment because of prosecutorial misconduct
  • Represented former political party representative in false statement prosecution; trial court dismissed all charges on the grounds of vindictive prosecution
  • Represented attorney who was target in securities and insurance fraud investigation; government issued declination letter
  • Defended hedge fund in commercial dispute; trial and appellate courts dismissed complaint
  • Defended entity in civil RICO case; trial and appellate courts dismissed complaint

Education

Clerkships

Recognitions

“White Collar Crime,” Benchmark Litigation, 2019-2024

"Government Litigation," Benchmark Litigation, 2020-2024

“Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (DC),” Chambers USA, 2016-2023

"Washington's Top Lawyers” in the categories of Criminal Defense, White Collar, Washingtonian magazine, 2020, 2022

Selected to Super Lawyers, 2013-2023

"Investigations," Who’s Who Legal, 2014-2015

"White Collar Criminal Defense," The Legal 500, 2014

Admissions

Professional Affiliations

Edward Bennett Williams American Inn of Court

Hispanic National Bar Association

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

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