Brett Ruff

OVERVIEW

Brett Ruff advises clients on complex regulatory issues and counsels companies in all stages of civil litigation and white-collar criminal proceedings.

In particular, Brett has extensive experience conducting internal investigations and counseling clients with respect to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and other laws and regulations affecting companies that do business internationally. Brett also conducts compliance program reviews and has substantial experience representing companies under investigation by federal and state agencies.

Before joining Holland & Hart, Brett worked as an associate at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP in San Francisco, California. He served as a law clerk to Judge Gloria M. Navarro of the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada before entering private practice.

EXPERIENCE

Experience

Internal Investigations & Regulatory Work

Brett works with companies in a variety of industries, including defense, financial services, and technology, to conduct internal investigations related to potential violations of statutes, regulations, or internal policies. As appropriate, Brett presents reports to boards of directors, prepares voluntary disclosures to the appropriate regulators, answers regulatory inquiries, conducts compliance program reviews, and represents his clients in investigations by regulators.

Complex Civil Litigation

Brett represents clients in all stages of complex civil litigation matters, including appeals and pre-litigation negotiations, in federal and state courts across the country.
Brett has particularly strong experience representing financial services institutions in complex litigation related to mortgage-backed securities and alleged market manipulation.

PRACTICES

Practices

Commercial Litigation

Government Investigations and White Collar Defense

Securities Enforcement and Shareholder Litigation

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Anti-Corruption

Export Control (ITAR/EAR) and Trade Sanctions (OFAC)

Class Actions

Compliance Systems, Audits, and Disclosures

International Trade and Compliance

Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)

NEWS AND INSIGHTS

Publications

"OFAC Redefines the Term "Significant Transnational Criminal Organization," Broadening Its Reach," International Compliance Blog, Co-Author, 10/09/2019

"Export Control Laws Not a Blank Check to Exclude Job Applicants," Holland & Hart News Update, Co-Author, 02/21/2019

"Post-Brexit-Vote Legal Considerations for Idaho Exporters," Idaho Business Review, July 2016

Speaking Engagements

"Overview of the EAR & ITAR," Presenter, U.S. Export Controls Seminar, U.S. Commercial Service, May 2018

"FCPA, UK Bribery Act & Anti-Corruption Compliance," In-House CLE for Micron Technology, Inc., Co-presenter, May 2017

"Trade Sanctions/Export Controls: The International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR)," Idaho Association of Paralegals 2017 Spring Educational Seminar, Boise, ID, April 2017

"Doing Business in China: Some Export Controls and Trade Sanctions Considerations," Association of Corporate Counsel, Mountain West Chapter, In-House Review, Boise, ID, Spring 2017

"Internal Investigations: Best Practices and Traps for the Unwary," Association of Corporate Counsel Best Practices Club, Presenter, September 2016

"Export Control Reform Initiative Update," Presenter, U.S. Export Controls Seminar, U.S. Commercial Service, May 2016

EDUCATION AND ADMISSIONS

Education

Georgetown University Law Center
J.D., 2010

Yale University
B.A., 2007

Bar Admissions

Idaho

California

PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC AFFILIATIONS

Professional and Civic Affiliations

American Red Cross of Greater Idaho, Board of Directors