Ashley R. Hodges is an associate at Hughes Hubbard & Reed, where she works out of the firm’s Paris and New York City offices. Ashley’s practice focuses on government and internal investigations and cross-border compliance, including regulatory matters related to corruption, economic sanctions, money laundering, and fraud. Ashley has represented U.S. and international clients across a variety of industries, with an emphasis on financial services, media, technology, and defense. Ashley conducts investigations and complex due diligence on third-party service providers, acquisition targets, and joint venture partners worldwide, and she assists companies with enhancing compliance programs and navigating environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters.
In addition to her regulatory compliance and investigations practice, Ashley defends clients in high-stakes civil and criminal cases in federal and state courts as well as arbitral proceedings. She has represented clients in actions initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, and New York state prosecutors. Among other engagements, Ashley has served as counsel to the Trustee in the SIPA liquidation of Lehman Brothers Inc., handling multi-million dollar unsecured general creditor claims against the estate concerning securities, contract, and employment disputes.
Ashley is committed to providing quality pro bono legal services, and she has successfully represented clients in immigration cases, administrative appeals, criminal proceedings, and family matters.
In addition to her practice, Ashley serves on the firm's Diversity Committee, Associates Committee, and Mentoring Task Force.
“Everything ESG – 2023 Trends and Updates, Part 1,” Corporate Counsel Women of Color Nineteenth Annual Career Strategies Conference, September 2023
Moderator, “Leading DEI During Times of Uncertainty,” Corporate Counsel Women of Color Nineteenth Annual Career Strategies Conference, September 2023
Moderator, “Designing an Effective Corporate Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Program,” HHR and The National Bar Association Commercial Law Section, webinar, November 2021
Moderator, "Environmental, Social & Governance Programs 101: The Nuts and Bolts of Developing an Effective Corporate ESG Program," Corporate Counsel Women of Color Seventeenth Annual Career Strategies Conference, September 2021
"Corporate Governance in the COVID-19 Era: 2020 Trends for Global Enterprises," Corporate Counsel Women of Color Sixteenth Annual Career Strategies Conference, virtual event, September 2020
"Third Party Risk Management for Financial Institutions: Best Practices and Effective Tools," The Knowledge Group, webinar, March 2019
Moderator, “Responding to Anti-Corruption Investigations in 2019,” National Bar Association Commercial Law Section Corporate Counsel Conference, January 2019
Highlighted Matters
Representation of a world-leading manufacturer in connection with investigations, risks assessments, and compliance reviews concerning anti-corruption, sanctions, export control, and anti-money laundering regulations
Representation of the Trustee in the SIPA liquidation of Lehman Brothers Inc. in numerous general creditor claims litigations
Representation of a multinational energy company in connection with a worldwide risk assessment and compliance review as part of an independent monitorship
Representation of an industry-leading U.S. government contractor in connection with multiple internal investigations and an enterprise-wide compliance assessment of information governance practices
Representation of a media company in a government investigation regarding the alleged use of fraudulent vendors
Representation of an executive in an investigation involving allegations of sanctions violations
Representation of a former derivatives trader in connection with parallel Department of Justice (DOJ) and Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) criminal and civil proceedings
Representation of a former chief financial officer of a global law firm in state criminal proceedings
Pro bono representation of a criminal defendant in a post-conviction investigation and litigation involving wrongful-conviction claims
Pro bono representation of a client seeking special immigrant juvenile status
