Washington, DC — Wiley is pleased to announce that Peter Rechter has joined the firm's White Collar Defense & Government Investigations Practice as a partner. Rechter brings extensive experience leading congressional investigations, coordinating federal agency responses to oversight matters, and preparing senior Executive branch officials to testify at high-profile hearings. His experience in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, White House, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) translates into a comprehensive understanding across the congressional oversight and government enforcement processes.
Rechter joins Wiley from the office of the Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where he served as Senior Counsel and lead Democratic advisor on oversight and investigations. In that role, he directed the committee's investigative strategy and advised committee leadership on complex inquiries.
“Congressional investigations increasingly present legal, regulatory, and reputational challenges simultaneously,” said Wiley Managing Partner Peter D. Shields. “Peter’s experience across Congress and the Executive branch enables him to help clients anticipate investigative priorities, respond strategically, and manage scrutiny at every stage.”
Prior to his work in the Senate, Rechter held investigative roles in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he led investigations involving the health care, technology, biopharmaceutical, government contracting, and private equity sectors; advised committee leadership on oversight strategy and subpoenas; and planned and executed closely watched congressional hearings.
Rechter also served in the White House Counsel’s Office, where he advised federal agencies and senior White House officials on congressional oversight and investigations. As Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation at HHS, he directed the Department’s strategy for responding to congressional investigations and prepared Cabinet and other senior officials for challenging oversight hearings.
“Peter not only understands the strategic decisions that shape government oversight – from investigative agenda-setting and target selection to the scope and trajectory of an investigation – but also how government decision-makers evaluate responses, apply pressure, and pursue resolutions that satisfy competing institutional priorities,” said Ralph J. Caccia, chair of Wiley’s White Collar Defense & Government Investigations Practice. “That rare insight enables him to help clients anticipate pressure points, manage legal and reputational risk, and preserve credibility with investigators, regulators, and other key stakeholders.”
Rechter’s arrival follows Wiley’s additions of Diana R. Shaw, former Acting Inspector General of the U.S. Department of State, and Jason McCullough, a former federal prosecutor. Together, they expand Wiley’s deep bench of former Assistant U.S. Attorneys, senior government officials, and experienced investigations lawyers, further strengthening the firm’s ability to assist clients confronting congressional investigations, committee subpoenas, and other complex congressional oversight matters.
“Wiley has assembled an exceptional team of lawyers and advisors with deep government experience,” said Rechter. “Congressional inquiries present unique legal and practical risks – and Wiley knows how to navigate Washington, DC. The firm’s collaborative platform and strength in investigations, litigation, and regulatory matters create a powerful combination for clients facing complex challenges. I am excited to join the team and help clients confronting congressional scrutiny and other high-profile oversight matters.”
Wiley’s White Collar Defense & Government Investigations Practice advises companies and individuals facing complex criminal, civil, regulatory, and congressional investigations, enforcement actions, and compliance challenges. The team includes former federal prosecutors, senior congressional counsel, Inspectors General, and senior government officials whose firsthand experience in conducting investigations and congressional oversight gives clients a strategic advantage in anticipating risk and responding strategically to government scrutiny.