Reed Smith Adds Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Marrah and Adria Perez as White-Collar Defense Partners in Atlanta

Michael Lowell,

Reed Smith Adds Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Marrah and Adria Perez as White-Collar Defense Partners in Atlanta

Reed Smith LLP has announced the addition of Scott L. Marrah and Adria L. Perez as partners in its Global Regulatory Enforcement Group in the firm’s rapidly expanding Atlanta office. Both attorneys previously practiced at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP, where Marrah co-led the Government Enforcement & Investigations Team and Perez served as co-lead of the firm’s ESG practice.

Since opening in January, Reed Smith’s Atlanta office has grown to over 40 lawyers. This strategic move enhances the firm’s national white-collar and regulatory enforcement capabilities, particularly in high-stakes government and cross-border investigations.

Both Marrah and Perez are ranked by Chambers USA and bring two decades of experience in handling complex commercial litigation and enforcement matters involving the DOJ, SEC, and other regulatory agencies. Their practice spans internal investigations, independent monitorships, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and False Claims Act litigation.

Michael Lowell, Chair of Reed Smith’s Global Regulatory Enforcement Group, said,

“The addition of two highly experienced white-collar attorneys to our regulatory enforcement team builds on our strong foundation of leading practitioners and former federal prosecutors at Reed Smith and truly reflects the momentum we have in Atlanta and across our global platform.”

Julie Hardin, Managing Partner for the Americas, said,

“Adding experienced lawyers like Scott and Adria strengthens our already impressive bench and enhances our capabilities at a time when the regulatory landscape in Washington is rapidly evolving.”

Among their recent notable matters, Marrah served as Deputy Monitor for Volkswagen AG under Larry D. Thompson, overseeing compliance under a consent decree following major criminal and civil investigations—an effort in which Perez played a senior leadership role.

Scott Marrah said,

“We wanted to join a firm that is ambitious and strategic in its approach, while bringing our clients practical and creative solutions. We’re excited to be part of the firm’s growth in Atlanta—especially within the Global Regulatory Enforcement team.”

Adria Perez said,

“Regulatory compliance is a complex, multi-dimensional undertaking, and we know that the strength of Reed Smith’s practices and global footprint will be a significant asset for our clients.”

Marrah earned his J.D. from Ohio State University’s Moritz College of Law and clerked for Judge Alice M. Batchelder of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Perez holds a J.D. from Columbia University and a B.A. from Florida State University.

Rizwan (Rizzy) Qureshi, Partner in the Global Regulatory Enforcement Group said, 

"Really excited to welcome my new partners Scott Marrah and Adria Perez who bring a wealth of white collar and investigations experience to our growing global team." 

Chris Maxwell, M&A, Private Equity and Venture Capital Attorney said, 

"Let’s go! Welcome aboard Scott Marrah and Adria Perez."

Mark Bini, Partner said,

"Pardon my French, but this is what some presidents would call a BFD. Excited to add Scott and Adria to our team!"

Nicholas Roecker, Partner at Reed Smith- Financial Industry Group said,

"Excited for Scott and Adria to join the team!"

Daniel Ahn, Partner at Reed Smith, Global Regulatory Enforcement and Investigations, said, 

"A major pickup for our global white-collar team. Scott Marrah and Adria Perez are exceptionally talented and deeply experienced practitioners. Upward and onward."

Rafael Szmid, Counsel, Latin America ⇄ U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia said, 

"We continue to expand and enhance our white-collar and investigations practice as part of the global solutions we offer our clients. With the recent creation of our Atlanta office, we have reached 20 offices in the US and 33 globally, with an even more qualified team"

Reed Smith’s Atlanta office initially launched with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A, and finance, and has continued expanding with key hires in employment and white-collar defense.

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