Introduction

Spencer advises clients in highly confidential investigations, government enforcement actions, corporate compliance reviews, and complex litigation.

Spencer Gottlieb represents clients in the technology, financial services, food and beverage, energy, life sciences, healthcare, sports and entertainment, education, and consumer products industries. He advises companies exposed to significant criminal and civil liability before the DOJ, SEC, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state attorneys general, and other authorities.  

His recent work includes representing entities in federal grand jury investigations involving allegations of embezzlement, workplace harassment, kickbacks, and theft of government funds. He conducts investigations for companies and their boards of directors involving issues such as alleged disclosure of proprietary information, professional and personal misconduct, whistleblower Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations, and third-party vendor fraud. Additionally, he has advised companies on developing anti-corruption and other internal policies, training directors and officers on global anti-corruption statutes, and managing compliance issues. 

Spencer's civil litigation experience includes representing a startup company's founders against a former adviser, achieving a victory for solar energy customers seeking compensation for grid exports, and defeating proposed emergency relief in the Illinois Supreme Court.  

Spencer maintains an active and varied pro bono practice. He recently assisted the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission's homicide confession review unit and co-drafted a U.S. Supreme Court amicus brief on the constitutionality of judicial appointments. 

Education & credentials

  • University of Michigan Law School, J.D., cum laude, Editor, Michigan Law Review, 2015
  • Georgetown University, B.S., Finance and International Business, magna cum laude, 2010
  • Illinois
  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
  • Selendy & Gay PLLC, New York, NY, Associate, 2019-2021
  • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, New York, NY, Associate, 2015-2018
  • Hon. Eric N. VitalianoU.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Professional recognition

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

  • Selected as a "Rising Star" in Super Lawyers Magazine, 2021, 2024-2026

  • *The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and no certificate, award or recognition is a requirement to practice law in Illinois.

  • Representing entities in various federal grand jury investigations involving allegations of embezzlement, workplace harassment, kickbacks, and theft of government funds.
  • Investigating the China-based subsidiary of a U.S. manufacturer on whistleblower Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations, including purchase order skimming, tax fraud, and ghost payrolls.
  • Investigating a multinational company in the education industry relating to potential third-party vendor misconduct in the Middle East.
  • Investigating alleged decades-long sexual and financial misconduct by the CEO of a multinational corporation.
  • Revising an international gaming corporation's anti-corruption policy and training its directors and officers on global anti-corruption statutes.
  • Advising various corporations on political laws and regulations governing contributions, lobbying, and political action committee (PAC) reporting and registration requirements.