“His white-collar defense practice demonstrates strength in a range of criminal tax proceedings and investigations, for which he has developed a leading reputation. He is described as ‘the dean of the tax defense practice area – he’s the go-to guy.’”
— Chambers USA
A seasoned trial attorney, recognized by Law360 as a “Legal Lion of the Week” and by AmLaw’s Litigation Daily as a “Litigator of the Week,” Carlos Ortiz focuses his practice on high-risk tax controversies, anti-corruption (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and Foreign Extortion Protection Act (FEPA)), offshore tax issues, anti-money laundering, e-commerce fraud and healthcare fraud, as well as allegations of fraud against government agencies and financial institutions. He has extensive experience representing U.S.- and foreign-based corporations and individuals in the pharmaceutical, financial services, healthcare, aerospace, energy and telecommunications industries in connection with matters before enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and various state attorneys general. Over his career in private practice, he has secured the declination of criminal charges for corporate and individual clients. On several occasions, he has prevented the referral of charges for the target of criminal tax investigations.
Carlos advises corporations, their boards of directors and their committees regarding corporate governance and compliance matters. He also negotiates settlements, implements remedial measures and assists them in efficiently responding to subpoenas so as to minimize the disruptions to their normal business operations.
Before entering private practice, Carlos held posts at the Department of Justice Tax Division and at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, where he served as Deputy and Acting Chief of the Criminal Division. Responsible for conceptualizing and leading a global financial investigation that resulted in the breakup of an international network of Internet-based commercial money laundering and child pornography rings, he was honored at the White House and received an award from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at a congressional breakfast for his leadership role.
Carlos speaks frequently on tax enforcement and virtual currency, the FCPA/FEPA, internal investigations and trial advocacy in the U.S., South America, Europe and Asia. He has been recognized by Chambers USA and both New Jersey and New York Super Lawyers for White-Collar Crime.