Joseph M. Bargnesi

Joseph M. Bargnesi is a business lawyer and partner at Latham & Watkins LLP, who focuses on white collar defense, investigations, and complex regulatory matters. He advises corporations, private equity firms, boards of directors, and individuals facing significant legal challenges. His practice covers bribery, corruption, money laundering, securities issues, healthcare matters, sanctions, export controls, and fraud investigations. He regularly works with agencies such as the DOJ and SEC while helping clients respond to government inquiries, manage risk, and address sensitive disputes across domestic and international business operations effectively.

Joseph earned a B.A. from the State University of New York, Geneseo, with high honors before completing a J.D. from William & Mary Law School, magna cum laude. His academic background helped build strong research, writing, and analytical skills that continue to support complex investigations. During his early legal training, he gained experience through clerkship roles connected to federal courts and government offices. Those opportunities strengthened his understanding of litigation, procedure, enforcement processes, and professional responsibility standards for clients consistently.

Joseph has represented companies and individuals in investigations involving anti corruption laws, accounting concerns, insider trading issues, and other regulatory matters. He has assisted clients during internal reviews and government investigations, including matters that concluded without enforcement action. His work has involved multinational organizations operating across several regions of the world. He also advises boards, audit committees, and special committees when allegations of misconduct arise, helping them evaluate facts, make informed decisions, and respond appropriately during legal and business pressures.

Joseph M. Bargnesi also helps organizations strengthen compliance programs and reduce enforcement risks before problems develop. He works with clients to improve policies, conduct risk assessments, enhance investigations processes, and create training programs. In addition, he advises on compliance issues connected to mergers, acquisitions, financing matters, and capital markets transactions. His combination of investigative, compliance, and litigation experience allows him to guide clients through challenging situations with practical advice. Joseph is recognized for delivering counsel on legal matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Latham & Watkins LLP
• Member, Bar Association of the District of Columbia
• Member, New York State Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• New York

Education

• William & Mary Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• State University of New York
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges