In the course of representing Searby PLLC’s client, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (Ward 8), at trial last month, a positive development for federal birbery law came about from our motion practice. In a pre-trial order on September 5th, 2026, Judge Contreras granted our motion in limine to limit the government’s use of violations of the D.C. Council’s Code of Conduct as evidence of a “quo” in quid pro quo. Judge Contreras agreed with us that violating local ethics provisions simply by accepting a gift does not itself satisfy the quid pro quo requirement in the federal bribery statute. Judge Contreras criticized the government’s novel legal theories for their “circularity” and “vagueness.” His opinion can be read in its entirety on Westlaw and is attached below.
Searby PLLC Helps Secure Mistrial for Ward 8 DC Councilmember Trayon White
Searby PLLC is proud to have helped secure a mistrial for our client, DC Councilmember Trayon White (Ward 8), who was charged with the federal offense of bribery in an FBI undercover sting operation. After more than three days of deliberations, the jury deadlocked. The Washington Post has reported it was 9 to 3 for acquittal. Thank you to co-counsel Gary Kohlman and the whole Searby PLLC team for their herculean efforts.
DC Circuit Rules in Favor of Searby PLLC Client
This past Friday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in our client’s favor in a precedent-setting case about the proper handling by defense counsel of mental health issues at a federal criminal sentencing. The D.C. Circuit remanded the case to the district judge as we requested. We can now pursue an expert psychological evaluation -- a step overlooked by his prior counsel -- that may ultimately favor lessening his sentence. See the opinion below.
Bruce Searby and Searby PLLC Recognized in Chambers USA 2026 for Excellence in White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
Bruce Searby, founder of Searby PLLC, has been ranked in the 2026 Chambers USA Guide in the category of Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations (District of Columbia), earning a Band 5 ranking for the fifth consecutive year.
Searby PLLC has also been ranked in the 2026 Chambers USA Guide in the category of Litigation: Specialist Firms in White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (District of Columbia), achieving a Band 2 ranking for the second consecutive year.
Chambers Editorial on Bruce Searby:
“Bruce is sharp, knowledgeable and a delight to engage with.”
“Bruce is an experienced defense attorney who does very good work and is a talented lawyer.”
“He has a helpful demeanor and an exceptional ability to translate complex concepts to plain language.”
Chambers and Partners is a leading independent research organization that identifies and ranks the most outstanding lawyers and law firms in over 200 jurisdictions, based on comprehensive research and client feedback.
Bruce Searby and Searby PLLC Recognized in Chambers USA 2025 for Excellence in White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
Bruce Searby, founder of Searby PLLC, has been ranked in the 2025 Chambers USA Guide in the category of Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (District of Columbia), earning a Band 5 ranking for the fourth consecutive year.
In a significant milestone, Searby PLLC has also been recognized for the first time in the 2025 Chambers USA Guide as a firm in the category of Litigation: Specialist Firms in White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (District of Columbia), achieving a Band 2 ranking.
Chambers Editorial on Bruce Searby:
“Bruce Searby of Searby PLLC is well regarded for his expertise in white-collar criminal defense. He offers particular experience in matters concerning environmental crimes, as well as allegations of fraud.”
Client Testimonials:
“His strategic insights and dedication to effectively addressing complex issues have made navigating legal matters much smoother.”
“Bruce is great to work with.”
Chambers and Partners is a leading independent research organization that identifies and ranks the most outstanding lawyers and law firms in over 200 jurisdictions, based on comprehensive research and client feedback.
"Some Will Rob You with a Fountain Pen" Bruce Searby at the World Bank Partnerships for Anticorruption Global Forum
On April 8-9, 2025, Bruce Searby participated in the prestigious Partnerships for Anticorruption Global Forum in Washington, D.C., an event hosted by the World Bank Group’s AC4D Program and the International Corruption Hunters Alliance (ICHA).
During his session, titled "Selling Secrecy: Tackling the Infrastructure that Enables Corruption," Bruce shared his expertise on the critical role that lawyers, accountants, corporate service firms, and wealth advisors play in both enabling and hindering financial transparency and accountability. He powerfully referenced a quote from American folk singer Woody Guthrie:
"Some will rob you with a six-gun,
And some with a fountain pen."
Bruce's thought-provoking insights on how corruption takes root in the legal profession resonated deeply with attendees, emphasizing the need for ethical practices across all industries, especially those that handle sensitive legal matters.
Bruce was joined by an esteemed group of experts, including Maira Martini from Transparency International, Brooke Harrington from Dartmouth College, and Ashish Kumar from the FATF Secretariat, among others, in what proved to be a highly engaging and impactful discussion.
Bruce Searby Speaks at OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum in Paris
Searby PLLC is proud to announce that Bruce Searby, also Founder and CEO of Good Ground, served as a featured speaker at the OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum, held in Paris.
Mr. Searby participated in the panel discussion, “Combating Transnational Bribery as a Driver of Environmental Crime,” on Tuesday, March 25, from 11:30 to 13:00. The session brought together leading voices to address how transnational bribery enables environmental crimes—including illegal logging, fisheries offenses, land clearing, and waste trafficking—and to explore strategies for enforcement, international cooperation, and private sector engagement.
Mr. Searby joined a panel of distinguished experts:
Juliana Daniel, Partner, Berardo Advogados
Juhani Grossmann, Director, Green Corruption, Basel Institute on Governance
Richard Morgan, Head of Government & International Relations, Anglo American, EITI Board Member
Sara Nicoletti, Anti-Corruption Coordinator, Resource Matters
The session was moderated by France Chain, Senior Legal Analyst, Anti-Corruption Division, OECD.
The OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum is a premier international platform for advancing anti-corruption policy and promoting integrity across sectors and borders. Searby PLLC is honored to contribute to these critical conversations at the global level.
Learn more about the forum here
Searby Law Successfully Defends Environmental Defender from Endangering Website Content
Searby Law is pleased to share its successful intervention on behalf of an award-winning environmental defender. Inciteful language promoted by a social media website posed a threat to the safety of the defender and his/her family. Searby Law's anticipated legal action under California law against the social media company led to the removal of the content. This matter highlights the real-world dangers faced by those who work to protect natural resources and combat corruption, and Searby Law's advocacy for these front-line individuals, leveraging legal strategies to safeguard their security and continued efforts.
Searby Law Joins U.S.-Ukraine Business Council Membership
Searby Law is pleased to announce our membership in the U.S.- Ukraine Business Council (USUBC), an organization dedicated to advancing U.S. trade and investment interests in Ukraine’s emerging market. Since its founding, the USUBC has worked to improve conditions for bilateral trade, promote strong U.S.-Ukraine ties, and advocate for the U.S. business perspective within Ukrainian public and private sectors. As a member, Searby Law looks forward to supporting the Council’s mission and its members. Our firm is committed to contributing to Ukraine’s market growth and business development by providing legal support in high-stakes litigation, guidance on compliance with US domestic law and sanctions, advice on anti-corruption matters, and immigration.
Searby Law Organizes “The Politicization of Criminal Justice: A Non-Partisan Forum" at the Cosmos Club
We were honored to organize “The Politicization of Criminal Justice: A Non-Partisan Forum,” held last month at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C. The event brought together distinguished speakers to discuss specific cases and to examine the existing guardrails—or lack thereof—intended to prevent potential abuses of prosecutorial and judicial power. Distinguished speakers included counsel for President Biden, Hunter Biden, the Office of White House Counsel, former President Trump, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and the U.S. House of Representatives January 6th Committee, as well as leading journalists and a federal district judge.
The sponsors of the event were Searby PLLC, Schertler Onorato, Mead & Sears LLP, Winston & Strawn LLP, and Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP. The discussion addressed both the genuine risks of prosecutorial abuses as well as false narratives of such abuses occurring. The panel fostered an impartial, informed dialogue on these critical issues.
Please see some of the event highlights in the photos below.
