Scott L. Marrah

"I think Scott is one of the best lawyers in the country. He has incredible judgment, gives advice of the highest quality and I would trust him with the most serious of matters."
Chambers USA, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, client

"He is at the top of this field and sought after to handle the most complex matters. He has excellent judgment and can help clients navigate situations that carry substantial risk. He has the experience to handle matters of any size, depth or breadth. He provides leadership and confidence that clients can trust."
Chambers USA, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, client

"One of the most well-rounded lawyers I've had the privilege to work with, his insight and strategic thinking are prudent and effective. His respect and inclusivity of his team is an exceptional model."
Chambers USA, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations client

"Scott has this calmness in dealing with really complex and stressful things. He's done a lot, seen a lot and won't overreact. He's a steady hand who gives great guidance."
Chambers USA, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations client

"Scott is so calm in face of difficult issues and a pleasure to work with."
Chambers USA, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations client

"He's very well respected and one of the top lawyers in the market."
Chambers USA, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations client

A member of Reed Smith’s Regulatory & Investigations Group, Scott is a former federal prosecutor with extensive experience representing clients across industries in white-collar criminal defense matters and a wide range of investigations matters, including internal, criminal, congressional, board of directors, and cross-border investigations. Scott has been recognized in Chambers USA as “a fantastic lawyer with a keen understanding of how to handle complex government investigations.” His experience extends to complex commercial litigation and independent corporate monitorships. He has significant trial and appellate experience as both a federal prosecutor and a defense attorney in private practice.

Scott assists clients with a wide range of government enforcement issues, including the False Claims Act (government contracting, health care, financial institutions, and tax matters), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), civil investigative demands, securities fraud allegations, criminal environmental and antitrust issues, export enforcement, and grand jury and administrative subpoena compliance. He regularly represents clients in matters with the Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. attorney’s offices, the SEC, state attorneys general, offices of inspector general, and a variety of other federal enforcement agencies. Scott has successfully guided clients through challenging congressional investigations, helping them manage responses to document and information requests, and prepare witnesses for congressional testimony. He has also represented financial institutions in connection with DOJ, FDIC, and OCC investigations.

Scott previously served as the Deputy Monitor for Anti-Fraud, Ethics and Compliance for Larry D. Thompson, the Independent Compliance Monitor and Auditor for Volkswagen AG. The team oversaw VW AG’s compliance with plea agreement and consent decree obligations arising from parallel criminal and civil cases concerning the company’s diesel-powered cars sold in the United States. In this role, Scott led the team of attorneys, auditors, and consultants that reviewed, audited, and tested the design and operating effectiveness of the company’s anti-fraud and ethics remedial measures and compliance program improvements.

Scott also served in the DOJ as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where he successfully investigated and prosecuted a wide array of federal offenses in the areas of securities fraud, RICO, white-collar crime, money laundering, terrorism and national security, export control violations, organized crime, trademark infringement, counterfeiting, and mail, wire, and bank fraud. While in this role, Scott had numerous jury trials, bench trials, and hearings in federal court, and briefed and argued appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Scott has been recognized as a leader in the government investigations field by top legal directories. He has been listed in Chambers USA as one of America’s Leading Lawyers for Business in the area of White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations Litigation since 2021 and has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® in several categories, including White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Corporate Compliance Law, White-Collar Criminal Defense, and Regulatory Enforcement Litigation (SEC, Telecom, and Energy).

Experience

Representative matters

Conducted an internal investigation for Fortune 100 company involving allegations of employee criminal activity utilizing artificial intelligence and assist with related civil litigation.

Obtained a complete declination by the DOJ and SEC of an FCPA matter for a public company client. Conducted a multinational FCPA investigation and provided a voluntary disclosure to DOJ and SEC on behalf of an Audit Committee. Also assisted with training and instituting compliance improvements.

Represented financial institution in DOJ and FDIC investigation regarding whistleblower allegations of incomplete or misleading representations to regulators. Led internal investigation, subpoena compliance and successful negotiations with DOJ.

Experience

Conducted an internal investigation for Fortune 100 company involving allegations of employee criminal activity utilizing artificial intelligence and assist with related civil litigation.

Performed an internal investigation for a special committee of a board of trustees of an academic and research institution into allegations of alleged fraud and False Claims Act violations.

Represented numerous financial institutions in responding to SDNY subpoenas and investigations.

Convinced DOJ not to intervene in False Claims act matters involving healthcare system.

Conducted an internal investigation in the United States, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, and Dubai into anti-corruption issues for a Fortune 100 company in response to a government inquiry. Assisted the company with government disclosures to DOJ.

Led internal investigation for Special Committee of Board of Directors of financial institution arising from whistleblower claims related to alleged misconduct by CEO and senior management regarding financial controls, expenses, regulatory compliance, and other issues.

Convinced DOJ Antitrust Division not to pursue criminal charges against government contractor in years-long investigation into bribery and bid-rigging.

Represented financial institution in responding to investigation by EDNY and subpoenas related to alleged improper actions of former CEO. Led internal investigation and convinced DOJ that bank was a witness in the investigation that ultimately resulted in CEO’s conviction.

Represented healthcare company in False Claims Act investigation and led favorable DOJ resolution.

Represented hedge fund and founder in investigation by SEC and DOJ and convinced both of their status as a witness, including an executive testifying in a criminal trial in SDNY.

Performed an internal investigation in India concerning potential crimes and advised the public company’s Audit Committee on next steps and remedial measures.

Represented company in DOJ Antitrust criminal investigation of no-poach violation allegations.

Represented construction contractor in a DOJ Antitrust Division criminal investigation involving alleged collusion, and bribery and bid-rigging.

Conducted a cross-border internal investigation on behalf of the Audit Committee of a European company into potential breaches of FDA regulations, the False Claims Act, and corporate policies.

Convinced the Civil Division of the DOJ, in less than four months, that a whistleblower’s claims against a company did not merit the government’s intervention into a sealed qui tam litigation. Soon after, the whistleblower voluntarily dismissed her litigation.

Represented a former White House official in congressional and Department of Justice criminal investigation. Assisted client with congressional inquiries and responses, including preparation for testimony.

Represented several publicly traded companies in defense of shareholder class actions alleging violations of the Securities Exchange Act and shareholder-related derivative suits.

Conducted internal investigation for a Fortune 100 company involving an employee kickback scheme.

Represented hospital system in successful resolution of DOJ and Office of Inspector General investigation.

Represented a company in criminal tax matter, resulting in DOJ declination of prosecution.

Represented large international law firm in SEC investigation related to insider trading allegations.

Assisted corporate clients with subpoenas and investigations by the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

Assisted large American retail company in investigating and pursuing trademark infringement in Asia, including potential criminal and civil remedies.

Conducted an internal investigation into FCPA issues in the Caribbean for a public company and later provided extensive training to executive officers, the legal department, and employees.

Represented a medical group in an investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. Department of Health & Human Services concerning medical billing, which resulted in a favorable settlement.

Represented the Audit Committee of a medical diagnostic company in conducting an internal investigation involving compliance and assisting with related government disclosure and resolution.

Performed an internal investigation in China concerning potential crimes and breaches of internal policies and procedures and advised the public company’s Audit Committee on next steps and remedial measures.

Recognitions

Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® (Commercial Litigation; Corporate Compliance Law; Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)), 2020–2027; “Lawyer of the Year” for Corporate Compliance Law in Atlanta, 2025 and 2027
Ranked in Chambers USA for Georgia White-Collar Crime and Government Investigations Litigation (Band 1), 2021-2026
Super Lawyers, Georgia: Criminal Law, 2018