Robert Ayers – Of Counsel White Collar Criminal Defense Attorney

Maryland White Collar Criminal Defense AttorneyRobert Ayers, of Counsel to Watson & Associates, LLC, is a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of experience handling complex, high-stakes matters—anchored in white collar criminal defense. His representative experience includes defending corporate executives, public officials, and in-house counsel in some of the most closely watched federal criminal cases of the past two decades, including allegations of fraud, bribery, obstruction of justice, and other financial and regulatory offenses.

Clients turn to Bob not only for his experience but for his clear, grounded, and personable approach. He understands that white collar matters don’t just threaten reputations—they disrupt lives.

Whether advising during a quiet internal investigation or preparing for indictment or trial, Bob brings focus, discretion, and a steady hand.

His practice includes:

  • Federal white collar defense (fraud, public corruption, tax, and financial crimes)
  • Grand jury and subpoena representation
  • Corporate and internal investigations
  • Parallel criminal/civil proceedings
  • Civil Investigative Demands (CID) and Subpoena Responses
  • Strategic response to government inquiries and enforcement actions

Bob partners closely with other professionals within and associated with the firm—including former prosecutors, forensic consultants, and regulatory experts—to ensure clients receive well-rounded, dependable representation. His team-based approach reflects a commitment to protecting clients from all angles and helping them move forward with confidence.

Representative Experience

  • Played a key role in developing trial strategy and managing complex fact patterns in multi-defendant, multi-firm white collar matters involving public corruption, securities fraud, and obstruction.
  • Conducted internal investigations into emissions violations, insider trading, and employee misconduct for major corporations, including global automakers, government-owned utilities, and publicly traded housing manufacturers.
  • Represented senior executives, general counsel, and high-net-worth individuals in high-stakes federal criminal proceedings involving accounting fraud, off-label marketing, bribery, and procurement fraud.
  • Advised clients and conducted mock cross-examinations to identify testimonial weaknesses and shape trial strategy.
  • Recognized in Super Lawyers – Washington, DC, for White Collar Criminal Defense (2014–2019) and as a “Rising Star” (2013).

Education

  • J.D., Western New England College School of Law, 2003
    Summa Cum Laude; No. 1 in Class; GPA 95.3/99
    Snyder Family Saint Joseph of Cupertino Ethics Award
    Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Scholarship
    Junior Staff Member, Western New England Law Review
  • B.S., Movement Science, Westfield State University, 1999

Bar Admissions

Professional Memberships

  • District of Columbia Bar (2003–Present)
  • American Bar Association (2003–Present)