Boston, MA. Nixon Peabody LLP has appointed partner and former federal and state prosecutor Robert Fisher to lead the firm’s renowned and nationally ranked Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice.
Rob recently represented Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor Gang Chen, whose charges were dismissed in connection with the Department of Justice’s China Initiative, and he has represented multiple clients involved in the nationwide “Varsity Blues” college admissions investigation. He is prominently featured in two recent Netflix documentaries for his commentary and legal insights, and Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker appointed Rob to the Commonwealth’s Task Force on the Preservation and Storage of Evidence.
Attorneys in Nixon Peabody’s Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice protect clients’ reputations and safeguard the future of their businesses through effective compliance programs, efficient investigations, and skillful representation in the courtroom. Likewise, Rob’s background as an assistant United States attorney (AUSA) gives his clients crucial insights into the government’s thinking on these high-stakes matters.
“Government agencies and regulators will continue taking an aggressive approach in the areas of financial fraud, money laundering, healthcare fraud, corporate or white-collar misconduct, and public and private corruption,” said Rob. “The lawyers across our practice, which includes many former federal prosecutors, know firsthand how these agencies and regulators investigate and prosecute cases, and we are well-positioned to help clients achieve positive results.”
An accomplished trial lawyer and legal strategist, Rob represents clients facing bet-the-company government investigations or charges brought by agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the various state attorneys general. He is also a member of Nixon Peabody’s Cannabis and Cryptocurrency practice teams.
While serving as an AUSA, Rob handled some of the federal district’s most complex and high-profile white-collar fraud cases. He has received numerous awards for his work as a federal prosecutor, including the U.S. Department of Justice Director’s Award.
“Rob will be a great leader for our formidable Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice,” said Anthony Barron, leader of Nixon Peabody’s Litigation Department. “He is a go-to attorney for some of the highest-profile white-collar engagements, and the recent exoneration of Professor Chen is one of many examples where Rob has guided clients to successful outcomes. Our team continues to grow with impressive hires across the country, and I know Rob will ensure we have the best talent to take on the toughest cases.”
Rob takes over the practice leadership role from David Vicinanzo, who maintains his active practice with the firm. Dave led the Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice for several years and was formerly a federal prosecutor in Washington, DC, and New England for 13 years.
Rob earned his J.D. from Boston University School of Law and his B.S., magna cum laude, from Northeastern University. Rob is active with nonprofit legal aid and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and he sits on the Board of Advisors for South Boston Neighborhood House, a social services nonprofit.
