Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP announced today that prominent white collar litigator David Kettel has joined its Litigation Practice in Los Angeles. With significant experience in SEC and white collar defense, commercial litigation and internal investigations, Mr. Kettel has investigated, prosecuted and defended such diverse cases as bankruptcy, bank, HUD and visa fraud, narcotics trafficking (including “doctor diversion” cases) and identity theft. He is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Central District of California and was a member of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.

In 2010, Mr. Kettel successfully represented a wealthy Italian national in a foreign extradition matter, In the Matter of Extradition of Massimiliano Lanzani, wherein the Spanish government sought the client’s extradition for alleged VAT tax fraud. After five months in custody in Los Angeles, the client was released and allowed to return home to Italy. And in the spring of 2011, Mr. Kettel joined the defense team in the U.S. v. Lindsey Manufacturing et al. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act case, which in December 2011 was dismissed due to government misconduct. 

A noted authority in his field, Mr. Kettel has taught federal prosecutors and investigators how to conduct financial investigations, seize and forfeit assets, and charge targets criminally. He has spoken on behalf of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, offering strategies for strengthening legal cooperation in the Caucasus region. Similarly, he has spoken at high-profile events on issues of prosecutorial misconduct, anti-corruption enforcement and new developments in internal investigations. He also has contributed to meetings with judges and prosecutors from that region, including Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and Armenia.

“David’s strong leadership and diverse background will broaden the national reach of our white collar litigation practice,” said Katten’s National Managing Partner Vincent A. F. Sergi. “His extensive experience in international investigations will strongly enhance the services we provide to our corporate clients.”

Mr. Kettel received his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of California at Davis in 1982 and his Juris Doctor degree from Tulane University Law School in 1985, where he was a Maritime Scholar.