LEADING

Anne Cortina Perry Paves the Way Toward a Brighter Future for Organizations

At Jenner, Anne Cortina Perry investigates some of the most highly sensitive culture and compliance risks companies face. As co-founder and co-chair of the firm’s Culture Risk and Sensitive Investigations Practice, she helps clients navigate government investigations, address compliance gaps, and transform their organizational culture with her thorough assessments and pragmatic advice.

A graduate of Yale Law School, Anne decided that she wanted to study law while enrolled as a dual undergraduate and master’s student at Stanford University. During a course on gender and higher education, she was especially inspired by one of the class readings, Becoming Gentlemen: Women, Law School, and Institutional Change by Lani Guinier, Michelle Fine, and Jane Balin.

"The contrarian in me read that description of a particularly challenging environment for women and immediately wanted to apply to law school," shared Anne.

While she originally thought she’d be a law professor, Anne realized she immensely enjoyed practicing as a lawyer. Early in her career, Anne tried out a variety of practices including tax work, employment litigation, investigations, and even worked on some Supreme Court briefs. She also aspired to do a clerkship, which she then secured with the Honorable Carol Bagley Amon in the Eastern District of New York. Anne became fascinated by criminal law cases and went on to focus on white collar criminal defense at a boutique firm before joining Jenner.

Anne came to Jenner as a fifth-year associate, knowing that she wanted to do investigations work, and eventually made partner in the Investigations, Compliance and Defense Practice. Her work has included leading high-stakes investigations brought by the DOJ, SEC, FINRA, and FinCEN as well as state and local law enforcement. Anne also co-founded the Culture Risk and Sensitive Investigations Practice, making Jenner one of the first and only firms with a dedicated practice in this area.

“After increased public focus on the ‘MeToo’ movement in 2017, we saw more and more clients looking to law firms for advice and investigations into workplace misconduct—including potential sexual misconduct or assault—which required a nuanced and sensitive investigative style,” Anne explained. “We observed over the ensuing years the commonalities between workplaces with toxic cultures and those prone to potential compliance issues. That insight, and the investigative techniques we've honed for these particular kinds of investigations, set us apart in terms of our approach and experience."

As co-founder and co-chair of the practice, Anne guides clients through issues from isolated incidents to systemic company or industry-wide problems, and identifies potential risks for a variety of stakeholders and potential mitigation. Her guidance empowers companies, universities, and religious institutions to investigate and understand the scope of allegations, which involve issues ranging from sexual and racial harassment, discrimination, and gender-based assault, to financial crimes including money laundering, bribery, and corruption.

“When clients come to Anne, they are often navigating highly stressful and sensitive situations,” said Co-Managing Partner Katya Jestin. “Anne’s exceptional ability to lead them through crises while fostering cultural improvements sets her apart. Both her clients and our firm value her insight and creativity, which she brings to every challenge and opportunity.”

Anne also pursues work and volunteer opportunities to promote workplace equity and advancement through mentorship and role modeling. In her active pro bono practice, she represents underserved women, including survivors of sexual violence, in state and federal courts.

In summation, Anne’s work helps clients anticipate risk while facilitating needed change, ultimately helping them move toward a brighter future.