Pletcher, Joseph M.

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Noel Francisco defends companies and individuals in civil and criminal litigation involving federal and state governments including enforcement actions brought by governments, lawsuits against governments, and in congressional investigations. In addition, Noel advises clients on Exon-Florio reviews before the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and is a recognized authority on constitutional and national security law issues.

Noel is currently representing R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in a lawsuit brought by the Department of Justice against the tobacco industry under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and in lawsuits brought by nine states under the Master Settlement Agreement. He also represents the Free Enterprise Fund in a challenge to the constitutionality of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. In addition, Noel advises individuals and companies subject to congressional investigations, such as the International Coal Group in connection with the January 2, 2006 Sago Mine accident in Sago, West Virginia. He also advises clients in matters involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the Alien Tort Statute.

Noel is chair of the Firm's Government Regulation Practice. He has testified before the House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law, on Congress's authority to issue subpoenas for the testimony of senior White House officials. Noel also provides commentary to the major media on a wide range of legal issues and has appeared on ABC's Nightline, CNN's Larry King Live and Paula Zahn Now, MSNBC's Hardball with Chris Matthews, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and several National Public Radio programs.