Jake Vandelist conducts internal investigations and defends corporate and individual clients in government enforcement actions and complex civil and criminal litigation. He has represented clients in the health care, retail, energy, financial services, and professional sports industries.
Jake has helped companies navigate a wide variety of investigations on topics ranging from anticorruption (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act/FCPA) to financial and accounting fraud. He has defended companies against civil and criminal investigations brought by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and state attorneys general. He also has conducted internal investigations for Fortune 500 corporate clients on highly sensitive topics. Jake's investigations matters have covered issues in more than 10 countries across five continents.
In addition to conducting investigations, Jake represents clients in civil and criminal litigation. He has extensive experience at every stage of litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and trial. Jake has litigated various types of complex matters, including government enforcement actions, contract disputes, shareholder derivative litigation, and residential mortgage-backed securities lawsuits.
Jake maintains an active pro bono practice, which includes representing immigrants seeking asylum and criminal defendants who qualify for public defender services.
Experience
- University of Minnesota (J.D. magna cum laude 2014; Order of the Coif; Editor-in-Chief, Minnesota Law Review, Vol. 98); University of Wisconsin-Madison (B.A. in Political Science with distinction 2011)
- Minnesota and U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
- Best Lawyers in America "Ones to Watch" — commercial litigation (2021)
- Law Clerk to Judge Diana E. Murphy, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit (2015-2017)