Profile
Cuneyt A. Akay is an anti-corruption lawyer focused on helping clients comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the UK Bribery Act. Cuneyt designs, builds, and implements effective compliance programs for clients around the world. Cuneyt’s experience includes conducting internal investigations, performing compliance risk assessments, handling pre-and post-acquisition compliance due diligence, training staff and third parties on compliance requirements, and assisting in the monitoring and auditing of anti-corruption programs.
Cuneyt also represents clients in complex civil litigation, class actions, and appellate proceedings in both state and federal courts throughout the country. In addition, he advises clients on governmental matters, including election law issues, ballot initiatives, campaign finance, and administrative proceedings.
Concentrations
- FCPA and anti-corruption compliance
- Corporate internal investigations
- M&A compliance due diligence
- Complex commercial litigation
- Government litigation and election law
Capabilities
Experience
- Designed and built global anti-corruption compliance program, including drafting policies and procedures, for a Fortune 50 company with operations in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, North America, and South America.
- Advised a Fortune 50 company in implementation of anti-corruption financial controls.
- Conducted internal investigation for a Fortune 100 company in connection with potential violations of the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws in Europe.
- Assisted a Fortune 500 company in an internal investigation involving potential FCPA violations in the Caribbean.
- Conducted FCPA risk assessment for telecommunications client in connection with post-acquisition due diligence in Caribbean and Latin America.
- Conducted in-country anti-corruption risk assessments and compliance program enhancements in China, India, Mexico, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey, UK, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados.
- Advised client on execution and reporting of anti-corruption compliance program audits in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
- Conducted Anti-Money Laundering (AML) due diligence for a Fortune 50 financial services provider.
- Advised retail client on scope of post-acquisition due diligence and integration of anti-corruption compliance program.
- Conducted over 100 live training sessions on corruption risks and anti-corruption laws in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
- Represented Fortune 50 company in defense of numerous complex commercial and employment class actions in state and federal courts across the United States.
- Represented natural gas provider in complex commercial litigation involving deceptive trade practices, unfair competition, fraud, and contractual claims.
- Represented nonprofit and business organizations challenging voter-approved Colorado constitutional amendments.
- Counsel for Colorado Bar Association, League of Women Voters, and University of Denver in campaign finance complaint brought by Clear the Bench.
- Intern, Office of the Solicitor General, United States Department of Justice, 2007
- Intern, Office of International Affairs, Criminal Division, United States Department of Justice, 2005
- Law Clerk, Zuvin Law Offices, Istanbul, Turkey, 2004
Recognition & Leadership
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Recipient, 40 under 40, Denver Business Journal, 2016
- Participant, Colorado General Counsel Group, 2017-2018
- Graduate, Leadership Denver, Class of 2016
- Member, Board of Directors, Colorado I Have A Dream Foundation, 2014-Present
- Member, Board of Trustees, University Preparatory School, 2011-Present
- Member, DenverForward (Mayor-elect Hancock) City Attorney Search Committee, 2011
- Volunteer, Colorado Close Up, 2008-Present
- Member, Board of Directors, Ballpark Neighborhood Association, 2014-2016
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Colorado Bar Association
- Member, Denver Bar Association
- Member, International Bar Association
Credentials
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J.D., The George Washington University Law School, 2007
- Runner-up, Best Overall Competitor, Van Vleck Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition
- Member, Moot Court Board
-
B.A., Government, Cornell University, 2001
- College of Arts and Sciences Dean's List
- Colorado
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
- Turkish