Scharn Robinson

At SECIL, Scharn’s practice focuses on the representation of corporate clients and individuals in white-collar trials and investigations, AI washing and misrepresentation cases, SEC disclosure and offering frauds actions, and SEC Rule 102(e) investigations, suspensions, and reinstatements. She also advises on regulatory compliance issues, and enforcement risk counseling. Scharn defends complex white-collar cases with a unique understanding of both the government’s perspective and the practical considerations facing companies and the financial and reputational pressures facing individuals facing prosecution.

Scharn began her legal career at O’Melveny & Myers LLC and, later, Paul Hastings LLC in Washington, D.C. where she practiced white-collar criminal defense, represented corporate clients and individuals in DOJ and SEC investigations and enforcement matters. She then joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia prosecuting federal and local crimes—trying tens of cases and bringing hundreds matters before federal and local grand juries. At the SEC, Scharn spent several years as Special Trial Counsel and was a trusted adviser to Division of Enforcement managers and staff regarding the factual and legal sufficiency of enforcement cases alleging individual and corporate federal securities law violations. She served as lead trial counsel on complex high-profile SEC civil litigations, enforcement cases, and SEC attorney fraud and ethical misconduct matters. Her work at the SEC included preparing SEC staff for testimony in federal criminal trials. In the area of administrative law, Scharn developed significant experience with Commission Rule of Practice, Rule 102(e), investigating, bringing actions against, suspending, and reinstating attorneys accused of federal securities law violations, fraud, criminal conduct, or improper professional or unethical conduct while appearing or practicing before the SEC.

Scharn has significant experience in alternative dispute resolution. She is a Supreme Court of Virginia certified mediator, arbitrator, and an active member of the Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals, where she serves on the AI Initiative and Professional Standards Committees.

Scharn also focuses on emerging white-collar issues involving AI-related representations and “AI washing,” including the regulatory risks associated with a company’s technology, products, or capabilities. She has taught a course on Artificial Intelligence and the Law and recently served as a panelist on AI ethics issues facing litigators at the Academy of Court-Appointed Neutrals Annual Meeting. Her wide range of legal and settlement experience provides an informed perspective on evaluating complex disputes, assessing potential risks, and identifying effective paths toward resolution.