David O’Neil, the former acting head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, who helped shaped the landmark $8  billion plea deal with BNP Paribas, is joining the Washington, D.C. office of Debevoise.

“David’s long and increasingly visible tenure in government service has given him broad experience and a sterling reputation in the kinds of cases that are at the heart of our White Collar & Regulatory Defense Group,” said Bruce E. Yannett, chair of Debevoise’s White Collar & Regulatory Defense Group. “David’s front-line experience at the DOJ, including in the fields of cybersecurity and data privacy, will provide another tremendous asset to our clients and further expand our team of exceptional partners known for their expertise.”

“We are delighted to welcome David to Debevoise,” said Mary Beth Hogan, co-chair of the firm’s Litigation Department. “His impressive rise within the ranks of the Department of Justice is a testament to his superior legal judgment, work ethic and supervisory skills. David’s unique background in government enforcement will be invaluable to clients facing these critical issues.”

O’Neil has experience across a broad range of high-profile matters, including the most significant FCPA prosecutions, the LIBOR investigations and high-profile investigations of financial institutions for money laundering and Bank Secrecy Act violations.

O’Neil is a Harvard law graduate who earned his bachelor’s degree at Princeton University and clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

“I am honored to be joining Debevoise,” Mr. O’Neil said. “The firm’s unique culture and lockstep structure allow its lawyers to focus on the same goal — working together to help clients.”