BKLW is excited to announce that Pamela Naughton and Rebecca Roberts have joined the firm’s Partnership. The move adds a powerhouse government and internal investigations team to BKLW’s roster and leverages Pamela and Rebecca’s extensive experience in complex civil, criminal, and administrative cases. With a combined more than 55 years of experience, Pamela and Rebecca have represented companies, public entities, non-profits, and individuals in civil and criminal litigation, administrative proceedings, and internal investigations involving fraud, false claims, kickbacks, public integrity, and more.

“Pam and Rebecca are a huge boost to our growing internal investigations practice,” said Managing Partner John Littrell. “They are exceptional lawyers, and we are overjoyed they have chosen to join us.”

Pamela and Rebecca’s approach to government and internal investigations helps entities and companies mitigate exposure by quickly investigating the potential wrongdoing, assessing liabilities, formulating strategy, and recommending specific remedial and preventative measures. Notably, Pamela and Rebecca represented the California Public Utilities Commission in a four-year investigation into undisclosed communications between the Commissioners and utility company representatives that resulted in no charges being filed. They also represented San Diego city officials as witnesses in investigations by the SEC and U.S. Attorney’s Office and in parallel civil litigation. 

“Pam and Rebecca have built a stellar reputation as sophisticated litigators with deep institutional knowledge and connections in San Diego,” said Partner Whitney Bernstein. “They bring unparalleled experience, leadership, and depth to our growing firm.”

Pamela joins BKLW with more than 35 years of experience and having tried more than 30 jury trials. She served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Fraud Unit and as counsel to both the United States House Judiciary Committee and the United States House of Representatives Select Committee to Investigate Covert Arms Transactions in Iran. She recently conducted internal investigations on behalf of a public-school entity into improper fundraising and false claims of a school official, a scientific research company regarding the reporting of clinical study results, and the board of trustees of a large public pension fund investigating whistleblower claims against its CEO.

“We came to BKLW because of the wealth of actual trial experience of its lawyers. It is this experience and perspective that allows the lawyers here to anticipate the options and efficiently get to the goal line,” said Pamela Naughton. “We are so impressed with the capabilities of the firm’s attorneys, staff, and resources, and the ‘can do’ team spirit of everyone here. Our clients will get first class service with personal attention to their situation.”

Rebecca has more than 20 years of experience practicing in civil and criminal investigations and litigation. She recently assisted the board of trustees of a popular start-up company concerning investor disclosure and government compliance issues. In her civil practice, Rebecca has assisted private school administrators in a high-profile negligence case and represented a family trust in high-value bankruptcy proceedings. She also recently obtained a temporary restraining order against a major public entity enjoining administrative proceedings against her clients.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be joining the incredibly bright, talented, and savvy BKLW team,” said Rebecca Roberts. “We look forward to expanding our practice on a leaner, more flexible firm model.”