Eric Sussman, a former federal prosecutor with a strong pharmaceutical and medical-device focus, has joined Paul Hastings as a partner in Chicago.

Sussman was previously with Kaye Scholer, where he served as co-chair of the white collar litigation and internal investigations practice.

“Paul Hastings continues to invest in top white collar, FCPA, compliance and enforcement-defense talent, including several former federal prosecutors, each of whom possesses substantial courtroom as well as boardroom experience,” said Barry Sher, chair of Paul Hastings litigation practice. “We have strong momentum in building the firm’s global capabilities in this strategic growth area,” he added.

“Eric’s strong law enforcement background and reputation as a highly effective lawyer with substantial exposure to the life sciences industry, first as a prosecutor and then with notable clients, positions him to help us offer our clients yet another layer of expertise and experience,” said Ken Breen, chair of Paul Hastings white collar defense practice. “He will be a great complement to our existing team, which includes recent hire Gary Giampetruzzi, who joined us from Pfizer.”

Sussman’s arrival at Paul Hastings follows several recent additions to the investigations and white dollar defense practice, including the arrival of Michael Levy, Michael Spafford and Amy Carpenter-Holmes who joined the firm in the Washington, DC office from Bingham McCutchen and John Nowak, a former prosecutor who joined the firm in New York.