Overview
Alison Donahue Kehner is a tactical thinker, trusted confidant, and tenacious advocate who positions her clients for success.
A former federal prosecutor, Alison represents companies, attorneys, and members of the C-suite caught in the crosshairs of a government investigation, enforcement action, or criminal prosecution. Alison also represents clients in a broad range of commercial litigation involving contract disputes, fraud, data privacy, financial transactions, and consumer litigation.
Alison is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer recognized for her courtroom advocacy skills and legal judgment. While an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Alison prosecuted cases involving international money laundering schemes; all manner of financial crimes; computer hacking and data breach crimes; and crimes involving public corruption, embezzlement, and bribery of federal employees. She has tried several cases to verdict in federal court and successfully handled appeals before federal courts of appeals in civil and criminal matters. While at DOJ, she also served as Counsel to the United States Attorney and was selected for a special appointment to the District of New Jersey to lead the high-profile prosecution of an individual who threatened to murder a United States District Judge in the district.
Despite her trial experience, Alison often achieves favorable results for clients in the earlier stages of litigation, including helping attorneys and other professionals navigate their internal and external reporting obligations after uncovering corporate wrongdoing, convincing prosecutors not to bring charges, and negotiating favorable outcomes once a case is underway. Alison has been on both sides of internal investigations, having conducted investigations on behalf of company leadership and represented individual employees, officers, or directors. Drawing on her prior experience in higher education, Alison also regularly helps students and their families navigate university misconduct proceedings.
Alison understands how agents and prosecutors think, how they build a case and evaluate relative culpability of those involved, and how they weigh the myriad factors that come into play in making charging decisions. Alison leverages that experience, those law enforcement relationships, and her problem-solving skills to advise her clients on the best course of action to minimize their liability and potential criminal exposure.
Alison is a member of the Penn Carey Law Inn of Court, a Lecturer in Law at Penn Carey Law School (teaching Government Enforcement Litigation), and a Trustee for the Haddonfield Educational Trust.
In her free time, Alison enjoys golfing (driving, not putting) and spending time with her husband and three teenage daughters.
The Legal Intelligencer, “Professional Excellence: Unsung Heroes” (2023)
Federal Bar Association Government Relations Committee, Member
Lawyers’ Advisory Council, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Member
NAMWOLF Compliance and Investigations Practice Area Group, Member
Women’s White Collar Defense Association, Member
Penn Law Inn of Court, Master
University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Adjunct Lecturer
Volunteer UP Legal Clinic of Southern New Jersey (criminal expungement work), Pro Bono Volunteer
Moderator, National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firms’ Driving Diversity Leadership Conference, “Compliance & Investigations PAC CLE: A Refresher on Important Aspects” (March 13, 2023)
Co-Presenter, “What In-House Attorneys Need to Know about the Attorney-Client Privilege and Dual Purpose Communications,” ACC Southwest Ohio- “Just In Time CLE” virtual program (December 2, 2022)
Experience
Represented high-level employee involved in federal bribery investigation. No criminal charges were brought against the client.
Represented start-up tech company in an SEC enforcement action involving allegations of fraud involving an initial coin offering (ICO).
Represented a consumer goods corporation in an inquiry by a state regulatory agency’s Consumer Protection Unit investigating allegations of false labeling of nutritional supplement.
Successfully defended corporation in California class action alleging false advertising on label.
Successfully defended corporation in New York class action where plaintiffs claimed that nutritional supplement made unsubstantiated claims.
Led government investigation into cyber intrusion and data privacy breach committed by former employee and obtained conviction at trial against employee and co-conspirator.
Led government investigation and prosecution of nine-defendant, multi-million securities fraud investment scam.
Credentials
Villanova University School of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, Class Valedictorian
University of Delaware, B.A., History, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa
United States Department of Justice, Counsel to the U.S. Attorney and Assistant U.S. Attorney, Criminal Division, 2018-2022
University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School Senior Lecturer, 2012-2018
Widener Law, Delaware Campus, 2003-2012
Admitted in New York and New Jersey
Federal Courts:
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
Hon. Marjorie O. Rendell
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, 2000-2001
Hon. Morton I. Greenberg
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, 1999-2000
Hon. Mary L. Cooper
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, 1997-1999
