Profile

Eric Cottrell focuses his law practice on representing companies that are the subject of government inquiries and conducting internal investigations into allegations of corporate misconduct. He has particular experience in managing complex Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations and advising companies on FCPA compliance matters. Mr. Cottrell also has significant experience advising companies how to comply with U.S. export control laws and investigating and disclosing violations to federal authorities. Mr. Cottrell has conducted dozens of internal investigations involving alleged violations of the ITAR, EAR, AECA, IEEPA and OFAC regulations, including alleged exports to Sudan, Iraq and Afghanistan. He has also conducted an internal investigation into allegations of accounting irregularities and routinely assists clients in responding to government requests for information.

Mr. Cottrell’s commercial litigation practice includes representation of financial institutions, manufacturers, professional service firms and health care providers in commercial contract disputes, financial services litigation, securities litigation, trade secret litigation, and product liability defense. Mr. Cottrell has extensive jury trial experience (lead counsel in more than 90 jury trials) as well as experience in electronic discovery matters.

Prior to joining Parker Poe, Mr. Cottrell practiced with the international law firm Mayer Brown LLP, where he was a partner. Before entering private practice, Mr. Cottrell served as an Assistant District Attorney for Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

Mr. Cottrell is admitted to the United States District Court for the Western, Middle and Eastern Districts of North Carolina.

Experience Highlights

• Represented defense contractor in comprehensive export enforcement action conducted by multiple federal agencies
• Represented defense contractor in FCPA investigation
• Conducted internal investigation into alleged accounting irregularities on behalf of audit committee of public corporation
• Represented defense contractor in inquiry by U.S. Senate Committee
• Represented major chemical manufacturer in a multi-million dollar commercial dispute
• Represented financial institution in the Enron securities litigation
• Represented top manufacturer of construction equipment in a multi-million dollar dispute with first-tier supplier
• Served as trial counsel for large health care provider in the federal trial of a case involving alleged breach of commercial contract; the trial resulted in the defeat of a $26 million claim against the client and findings of liability against the opposing party
• Represented a real estate developer in a lawsuit against the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
• Represented the estate of majority stockholder in closely held corporation regarding dispute with minority stockholder

News

• Payments Extorted by Foreign Officials
  Anti-Corruption Alert
  December 12, 2011
• UK Bribery Act Could Have Major Impact on Domestic Companies' Business Overseas
  Anti-Corruption Alert
  September 6, 2011
• 69 Parker Poe Attorneys Recognized as Best Lawyers® for 2012
  September 6, 2011
• Department of Justice Announces "New Era" of FCPA Enforcement in 2010, Increases Actions by Record 85%
  FCPA Alert
  February 9, 2011
• Business North Carolina Names 13 Attorneys to 2011 Legal Elite
  Firm Partner Catharine Biggs Arrowood “Top Vote-Getter” for Antitrust
  January 21, 2011
• Parker Poe Adds Three Attorneys to Internal Investigations Group
  Partner, Special Counsel and Associate Join the Firm
  October 8, 2010
• Pharmaceutical Industry Targeted for Overseas Violations of Anti-Bribery Law
  FCPA Alert
  September 28, 2010

Events & Speaking Engagements

• Doing Business Under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
  June 28, 2011
  
• When the Government Comes Knocking on Your Door: Responding to Government Investigations
  March 2011
  Presenter, Association of Corporate Counsel - Charlotte Chapter
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Seminar: Know Your Risks and Limit Your Exposure
  December 2010
  Durham and Charlotte, NC
• Navigating the Minefield: Doing Business under the FCPA and Export Control Laws
  November 18, 2010
  Presenter, Parker Poe Fall 2010 Public Company Forum