Introduction

Emily represents individuals and corporate clients in regulatory and white-collar proceedings, internal investigations, and complex commercial disputes.

Emily Drinkwater advises clients in the financial services and technology industries in investigations and other matters brought by the DOJ, SEC, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, state attorneys general, and other government and self-regulatory bodies. She also counsels clients on the design and implementation of compliance policies, procedures, and training, and conducts internal investigations on behalf of public and private companies. Emily defends companies in complex product liability and commercial disputes in both state and federal courts. 

Emily is committed to pro bono work and represents clients in connection with immigration and civil rights matters and litigation concerning gun safety.

Education & credentials

  • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., cum laude, Executive Editor, American Criminal Law Review, 2019
  • Hamilton College, B.A., World Politics and Hispanic Studies, magna cum laude, 2014
  • New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, New York, NY, Associate, Litigation Department, 2019-2022

Professional recognition

  • Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation, 2024-2026; Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2026

  • Represented numerous individuals in internal investigations and investigations by regulators relating to the use of personal devices to send business-related text messages.
  • Represented international manufacturing company in connection with allegations regarding the company’s third-party payment practices.
  • Conducted internal investigation for multinational technology company in connection with Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations and violations of company policies.
  • Represented individual in connection with allegations of market manipulation brought by various regulators.
  • Represented cryptocurrency company in connection with enforcement action by the SEC relating to alleged unregistered offerings of securities.
  • Represented inter-dealer brokers and affiliates in the defense of antitrust, RICO, and Commodity Exchange Act claims alleging manipulation of financial benchmarks, including Swiss LIBOR.