Phillips Lytle Establishes Internal Investigations Practice Team with Longstanding Experience in High-Stakes Cases

Newly launched practice team will meet sharp uptick in client requests for guidance through investigations into complex, sensitive matters

BUFFALO, N.Y., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Phillips Lytle LLP announced the firm has structured its decades of investigations experience into a dedicated Internal Investigations Practice Team. Co-led by Partner James R. O'Connor and Special Counsel Scott L. Sroka, the practice team will draw on the firm's expertise across labor and employment, health care, regulatory matters, government investigations, cybersecurity, higher education, Inspectors General investigations, white-collar criminal investigations and more. Together, this team will guide clients through internal, federal and international investigations into highly complex and sensitive situations.

Mr. Sroka, a former First Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Department of Justice, brings firsthand perspective on government enforcement priorities and investigative processes, while Mr. O'Connor provides leadership in labor, employment and workplace issues. The remainder of the 15-attorney team rounds out the practice's expertise, creating a comprehensive, full-service and independent investigations solution for in-house counsel and company executives.

"Organizations today are navigating an increasingly complex investigative environment, where an internal matter can quickly escalate into significant legal, operational and reputational challenges," said Mr. O'Connor. "By formalizing our Internal Investigations Team, we are bringing together attorneys with deep experience across a range of industries and legal disciplines to provide clients with coordinated, practical counsel when they need it most. Our goal is to help clients understand the issues, address them effectively and navigate the process with confidence."

"Internal investigations require more than simply determining what happened; they require a thoughtful understanding of the legal and business implications that can follow," said Mr. Sroka. "Our team brings exceptional insight into government-enforced priorities and processes with a perspective that allows us to tailor our approach to each matter and provide clients with comprehensive guidance as circumstances evolve."

As regulatory requirements and government enforcement priorities evolve, organizations may face investigations arising from a range of internal matters, as well as inquiries from government agencies and other external parties. Phillips Lytle helps clients assess potential concerns and respond to investigative demands while considering the broader legal and business issues that may emerge throughout the process.

In addition to Mr. Sroka and Mr. O'Connor, the Internal Investigations Practice Team will be a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including:

• Sharon Prize Azurin, Partner
• Anna Mercado Clark, Partner, Chief Information Security Officer
• Ryan A. Lema, Partner
• Jacob Lewis, Associate
• Amanda L. Lowe, Partner
• Kevin J. Mulvehill, Partner
• Paula P. Plaza, Senior Associate
• Linda T. Prestegaard, Partner
• Louis Q. Reynolds, Associate
• John G. Schmidt Jr., Partner
• Tyler J. Skretny, Associate
• Lisa L. Smith, Partner
• James Kevin Wholey, Special Counsel

The Internal Investigations Practice Team's broader capabilities include corporate and internal investigations, crisis response and management, data privacy and cybersecurity, False Claims Act matters, health care investigations, higher education, government investigations and subpoenas, international business, labor and employment, legislative and congressional investigations, regulatory investigations and enforcement actions, theft of intellectual property and business loss investigations. The team works across these areas to address related legal and business considerations that are surfaced throughout the course of an investigation.

"Phillips Lytle has a long history of bringing together deep legal experience to address the most complex challenges facing our clients," said Phillips Lytle Managing Partner Douglas W. Dimitroff. "The launch of our Internal Investigations Practice Team reflects our continued investment in strategic capabilities that respond to evolving client needs. We are well positioned to help organizations navigate sensitive matters with the judgment, responsiveness and precision they expect from Phillips Lytle."

To learn more about Phillips Lytle's Internal Investigations Practice Team, visit 
https://phillipslytle.com/internal-investigations/.

Phillips Lytle LLP is a preeminent law firm that is recognized nationally for its legal excellence. With offices across New York State and in Chicago, IL, Washington, D.C. and Canada, our attorneys serve a multinational client base, including Fortune 500 companies, global and regional financial institutions, not-for-profit organizations, middle-market companies, startups, entrepreneurs and individuals on important matters affecting their businesses and personal wealth. For more information, visit www.phillipslytle.com.

Contact:
Tracey Mancini
Communications Manager
716-847-8340
[email protected]

SOURCE Phillips Lytle LLP