When Congress Calls, Pt. 1: Navigating Legal and Reputational Risks in Congressional Investigations of Your Company (On Demand)
Recorded On: 09/16/2026
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Surviving the Subpoena: A Playbook for Congressional Investigations
Congressional investigations don't play by the rules companies are used to. Some parts feel familiar — document productions, witness prep. Others catch even seasoned corporate counsel off guard, like preparing a CEO for live, nationally broadcast testimony before Congress on a matter of days' notice.
And the clock is ticking. The upcoming midterm elections are expected to trigger a new wave of investigations — and the companies best positioned to weather them are already getting ready.
In this panel discussion, two leaders from Covington & Burling's nationally ranked congressional investigations practice, joined by a crisis communications specialist from nationally ranked Trident GMG, will break down what it really takes to navigate a congressional investigation — legally, strategically, and publicly.
This session will cover:
- What triggers a congressional investigation, and how to recognize the early warning signs
- The document production process — and where companies most often stumble
- How to prepare executives for high-stakes, televised testimony under intense scrutiny
- Aligning legal, communications, and government affairs teams before Congress calls
- How the midterms could reshape which industries and issues face investigation next
- Real strategies for protecting your company's legal position and public reputation simultaneously
Attendees will walk away with:
- A clear understanding of how congressional investigations differ from traditional legal proceedings
- Practical tools for preparing executives and teams before an investigation begins
- Insight into what to expect if your company is contacted by Congress
- A framework for coordinating legal, communications, and political strategy under pressure
- A head start on what may be coming after the midterms
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Designed for senior in-house counsel and legal executives who want to be ready — not reactive.
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Generously Sponsored by Covington & Burling LLP & Trident GMG
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Robert K. Kelner
Partner
Covington & Burling
Robert Kelner is the chair of Covington & Burling’s nationally recognized election and political law practice and a leader in the firm’s congressional investigations practice. He is nationally ranked in Band 1 by Chambers in both practices. Mr. Kelner has extensive experience representing companies, boards, and senior executives in high-stakes congressional inquiries and parallel government investigations, including preparing many CEOs and corporate executives for testimony before congressional investigation panels.
Brian D. Smith
Partner
Covington & Burling
Brian Smith is a leader of Covington & Burling’s congressional investigations practice. Ranked Band 1 by Chambers for congressional investigations, he represents companies and individuals facing high-profile and high-risk congressional investigations and hearings. He has extensive experience preparing CEOs and other senior executives to testify before challenging congressional oversight hearings.
Angelle Baugh (Moderator)
Of Counsel
Covington & Burling
Angelle Baugh is a core member of Covington & Burling’s congressional investigations practice. She has been individually ranked by Chambers for congressional investigations for three consecutive years. Ms. Baugh represents major corporations in high-profile oversight matters, advising on investigative strategy, witness preparation, and engagement with congressional staff.
Adam Goldberg
Founding Partner
Trident GMG
Adam Goldberg is one of the nation’s leading advisors helping organizations and individuals manage crises, execute litigation and investigation communications, and maximize stakeholder relations. He specializes in complex matters at the intersection of communications, law, and politics. Chambers has recognized Adam as top-ranking in its guide for crisis communications and highly ranking in its guide for litigation and investigation communications.
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LockedThis program originally aired on September 16, 2026. Please note that the on-demand format of this program is NOT eligible for CLE/CPD credit.
