Douglas A. Axel

DOUG AXEL is global co-leader of Sidley’s White Collar Defense and Investigations practice, which was ranked #2 in the world in 2024 by Global Investigations Review for cross-border investigations and related representations of corporations and individuals. A former federal prosecutor, Doug is a highly effective advocate who successfully defends leading companies and executives in federal court and in investigations brought by federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), other federal enforcement agencies, and state attorneys general. A trusted advisor to clients facing sensitive matters involving allegations of misconduct, Doug draws upon his 30 years of experience to provide pragmatic advice and guidance enabling his clients to successfully navigate government inquiries, internal investigations, and litigation.  

Doug has been ranked annually in Chambers USA for California Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations since 2017, and in Band 1 since 2022, with clients describing him as “the lawyer you go to to get your company through very complicated situations.” (2025). He is “highly regarded by all peers, very well respected by criminal prosecutors and . . .  the agencies” (2024) and is a lawyer who “understands [clients’] needs and objectives, and tailors his strategy effectively to these needs” (2023). 

Doug represents clients in a wide variety of industries, including telecommunications, financial services, investment funds, life sciences, transportation, manufacturing, energy, and technology. Prior to joining Sidley, Doug was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California, where he served as the Chief of that Office’s Major Frauds Section. As Chief, he supervised 40 lawyers who investigated and prosecuted a wide range of business and other white-collar crimes, including corporate fraud, healthcare fraud, securities and investment fraud, financial fraud, government procurement fraud, tax fraud and public corruption offenses. He has been lead counsel in many criminal jury trials and argued several cases before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In 2009, Doug received an Attorney General’s Award for Fraud Prevention, one of the Department of Justice’s highest honors.

Recent representations include:

• Defending a leading global tech company in criminal indictment alleging violations of RICO, trade secret theft, violating sanctions against Iran, bank fraud, and other offenses.
• Successfully defended investment firm in a DOJ investigation relating to short selling practices, resulting in no charges. 
• Obtained a trial victory on behalf of a criminal defendant charged with illegally possessing a firearm.
• Advised a multinational electronics manufacturer regarding legal and regulatory risks related to product quality issues. 
• Defended an e-commerce company in an investigation by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) involving truck and bus regulation fleet verification requirements. 
• Representing an executive at a major auto manufacturer in connection with a DOJ investigation relating to its recall practices. 
• Successfully defended Wells Fargo in resolving multiple criminal and regulatory investigations, including by the DOJ and SEC, related to Wells Fargo’s sales practices.
• Successfully defended a global nutrition company in an action brought by the Federal Trade Commission.
• Representation of a multinational banking and financial services corporation in a False Claims Act lawsuit relating to a mortgage insurance program. 
• Representation of a Fortune 100 conglomerate before the DOJ and SEC in connection with an FCPA investigation. 
• Representation of a medical device company in connection with a DOJ investigation into FDA regulatory issues. 

• Former Chair, United States District Court for the Central District of California’s Standing Committee on Discipline.
• Director, Federal Bar Association.

• From 2019 through 2024, Doug served as a Member of the Central District of California’s CJA trial panel and regularly defended indigent defendants in federal criminal matters.
• Former Deputy General Counsel to the Citizens’ Commission on Jail Violence, appointed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to review use of force issues in the jails.
• Successfully obtained release of an individual sentenced to life without parole for an offence committed while a juvenile.