
Daniel R. Alonso
Partner
Biography
Daniel R. Alonso is a Partner in the New York office of Buckley LLP. His practice focuses on white collar representation of corporations and individuals, internal investigations, complex civil litigation, and monitorships. Mr. Alonso also advises clients on compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the U.S. sanctions regimes administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), and anti-money laundering under the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), among other matters. He has represented public and private companies, audit committees, corporate executives, and government agencies, and has led numerous investigations and compliance reviews in Latin America, as well as in the United Kingdom and Asia.
Mr. Alonso has more than 30 years of criminal, civil, and compliance experience. He served in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for nearly a decade, including three years as Chief of the Criminal Division, and was later the Chief Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. In between, Mr. Alonso was a litigation partner at an Am Law 100 firm, and just prior to joining Buckley he served as Managing Director and General Counsel at global compliance firm Exiger.
Over many years of public service, Mr. Alonso received numerous awards, including the New York City Bar Association’s Henry L. Stimson Medal, given to outstanding Assistant U.S. Attorneys; the District Attorneys Association of the State of New York’s Robert M. Morgenthau Award; and the Fund for Modern Courts’ John J. McCloy Award, for his contributions to improving the judicial system. He is also a four-time recipient of the Justice Department’s Director’s Award for Superior Performance as an Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Mr. Alonso currently serves on the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Standards of Attorney Conduct, and until recently was a member of the Attorney Grievance Committee for New York’s First Judicial Department. He is also a member of the 2020 and 2021 Integrity & Compliance Taskforce of the B20, the G20’s dialogue with the global business community. Previously, Mr. Alonso was a gubernatorial appointee to the New York State Commission on Public Integrity, and in 2009 was appointed Special Counsel to a New York State Senate Select Committee that investigated, and recommended the expulsion of, a senator convicted of domestic violence. He is a former co-chair of the New York State White Collar Crime Task Force, and the former chair of the Council on Criminal Justice of the New York City Bar Association.
A prolific writer, speaker, and commentator, Mr. Alonso’s articles have been published by Foreign Policy, Business Crimes Bulletin, the New York Law Journal, CFO Magazine, FCPA Blog, the New York Daily News, and Argentina’s La Nación, and he is on the editorial board of the Journal of Financial Compliance. He recently published a chapter entitled “Initiative” in a new anthology about investigative techniques, The Art of Investigation (CRC Press 2020). Mr. Alonso has appeared on national and international news networks including CNN, MSNBC, Fox, Telemundo, Univision, and France24, and has been quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Financial Times, The Guardian, Reuters, Vanity Fair, Daily Beast, Newsweek, New York Law Journal, and Variety. He is a native speaker of Spanish and a conversational Portuguese speaker, and has been invited to speak in both languages on corruption enforcement, compliance, independent monitorships, and anti-money laundering, in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Spain, Chile, and Costa Rica.
Mr. Alonso has substantial experience in corporate monitorships and similar independent roles, reviews, and investigations, including:
- Primary integrity monitor for a $3 billion construction project for New York City (New York City Department of Investigation)
- Independent monitor of Sanitation Salvage Corp. (appointed by New York City Business Integrity Commission)
- Court-appointed receiver in CFTC v. Rolando, et al. (appointed by U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut)
- Independent disciplinary authority for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (appointed by U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona)
- Special Counsel to a New York State Senate Select Committee charged with investigating a sitting Senator to determine whether he should be expelled from the Legislature following a criminal conviction
- Adviser to two different Mexican states on public safety and crime reduction
Mr. Alonso received his J.D. from New York University School of Law in 1990, and his B.A. from Cornell University (with distinction) in 1987. From 1995-1996, he served as law clerk to Judge Joseph W. Bellacosa of the New York Court of Appeals.
In The News
Daniel R. Alonso quoted in CNN article, “Trump is facing probes from 5 independently elected investigators”
Daniel R. Alonso was quoted in the CNN article, “Trump is facing probes from 5 independently elected investigators,” which reported that elected officials from multiple states are investigating the former president on a variety of issues. Alonso, who was a top deputy to Manhattan District Attorney...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in New York Times article, “Manhattan D.A. now has Trump's tax returns”
Daniel R. Alonso weighed in on the daunting task facing the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office as it investigates Trump’s tax records in the New York Times article, “Manhattan D.A. now has Trump's tax returns.” Alonso noted, “In an office that’s handled many, many high profile cases over many...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in New York Times article, “One question for Manhattan D.A. candidates: Will you prosecute Trump?”
Daniel R. Alonso discussed in the New York Times article, “One question for Manhattan D.A. candidates: Will you prosecute Trump?” how the incoming district attorney will experience an “uphill battle” in a potential case against Trump. Alonso noted, “You can’t have a D.A. who doesn’t have the...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso extensively quoted in Financial Times article, “‘Here is Cyrus Vance’s moment’: Donald Trump’s new legal nemesis”
In this Financial Times article, Daniel R. Alonso — former Chief Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office — discussed the scrutiny Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance will receive regardless of whether he chooses to prosecute Donald Trump. Alonso noted, “I’m positive whatever...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in Wall Street Journal article, “Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance unlikely to run for fourth term”
Daniel R. Alonso — a former federal prosecutor who also served as chief assistant DA under Cyrus Vance — commented on Vance’s decade of service in the Wall Street Journal article, “Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance unlikely to run for fourth term.” Alonso noted, “He has continued to focus...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso extensively quoted in The Telegraph article, “Donald Trump faces avalanche of legal cases as he becomes private citizen”
The Telegraph article “Donald Trump faces avalanche of legal cases as he becomes private citizen,” took a look at the many different suits — from potential tax fraud to debt repayment — that Trump is facing and if there is enough evidence to support these cases. Daniel R. Alonso commented...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso extensively quoted in Law360 article, "'Hole' in Bannon's pardon may leave room for new charges”
The Law360 article, “'Hole' in Bannon's pardon may leave room for new charges,” discussed the pardon former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon received and the opportunities it left open for local prosecutors to charge him with allegedly defrauding local residents through his “We Build The...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in Reuters article, “With no self-pardon in hand, private citizen Trump faces uncertain legal future”
In the Reuters article, “With no self-pardon in hand, private citizen Trump faces uncertain legal future,” Daniel R. Alonso explored the question of whether Trump could have pardoned himself and others in secret? “ It’s possible. Pardons are usually made public. But the Constitution does not...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in Reuters article, “Trump pardons ex-aide Bannon but not himself or family”
Daniel R. Alonso noted in the Reuters article, “Trump pardons ex-aide Bannon but not himself or family,” that “Bannon can still be charged with fraud by New York state prosecutors. Fraud prosecutions are frequently brought by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.” Click here to read the full...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in Associated Press article, "New law cracks down on shell companies to combat corruption"
In an Associated Press article, Daniel R. Alonso noted that the recently passed Corporate Transparency Act “is a game changer in some serious ways,” after discussing the many difficulties that have traditionally been encountered when trying to locate and expose criminal activity with anonymously...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in New York Times article, “As soon as Trump leaves office, he faces greater risk of prosecution”
Daniel R. Alonso was quoted on November 13, 2020 in a New York Times article, “As soon as Trump leaves office, he faces greater risk of prosecution,” which discussed how President Trump will be more vulnerable to an investigation into his business practices and taxes after he leaves office as he...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in Law360 article, “The sealed indictment: How Trump could be secretly charged”
Daniel R. Alonso was quoted on August 13, 2020, in a Law360 article, “The sealed indictment: How Trump could be secretly charged,” which explored mechanisms in which Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. could secretly secure an indictment and even an arrest warrant for the president, beating...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in New York Times article, “Trump’s bank was subpoenaed by N.Y. prosecutors in criminal inquiry”
Daniel R. Alonso was quoted on August 5, 2020, in a New York Times article, “Trump’s bank was subpoenaed by N.Y. prosecutors in criminal inquiry,” which discussed the Manhattan district attorney’s office’s subpoena for President Trump’s financial records — including tax returns — for possible...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in Spectrum News article, “What’s next after the Supreme Court’s rulings on Trump’s tax returns?”
Daniel R. Alonso was quoted on July 9, 2020 in a Spectrum News article, “What’s next after the Supreme Court’s rulings on Trump’s tax returns?” which discussed Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr.’s right to subpoena financial records from a sitting president. Alonso noted, “It’s a very big...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso extensively quoted in Anti-Corruption Report article, “Novartis and subsidiaries settle FCPA cases for $346M, avoiding a monitor despite recidivism”
Daniel R. Alonso was extensively quoted on July 8, 2020 in an Anti-Corruption Report article, “Novartis and subsidiaries settle FCPA cases for $346M, avoiding a monitor despite recidivism,” which discussed Swiss pharmaceutical and healthcare company Novartis AG and its subsidiaries’ $346 million...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in New York Times article, “Case against Amy Cooper lacks key element: Victim’s cooperation”
Daniel R. Alonso was quoted on July 7, 2020 in a New York Times article, “Case against Amy Cooper lacks key element: Victim’s cooperation,” which discussed the Manhattan district attorney’s decision to charge a white woman, Amy Cooper, with filing a false police report against a Black man,...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in The Guardian article, “What's next for Ghislaine Maxwell – and will she cooperate with prosecutors?”
Daniel R. Alonso was quoted on July 6, 2020 in an article in The Guardian , “What's next for Ghislaine Maxwell – and will she cooperate with prosecutors?” which explored how the case against Jeffrey Epstein’s accomplice might progress and whether the perjury charge against her could affect her...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in Latin Lawyer article, “Prepare for coronavirus-linked corruption probes, say lawyers”
Daniel R. Alonso was quoted on June 25, 2020 in a Latin Lawyer article, “Prepare for coronavirus-linked corruption probes, say lawyers,” which discussed Latin American corruption triggered by Covid-19, as well as the U.S. Paycheck Protection Program that was created to combat the economic struggles...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in Law360 article, “Feds float added charge against ex-Theranos CEO”
Daniel R. Alonso was quoted on May 11, 2020 in a Law360 article, “Feds float added charge against ex-Theranos CEO,” which discussed the addition of new wire fraud charges in the case against Theranos’ former CEO and COO. Alonso noted, "If prosecutors supersede an indictment to add or substitute new...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in Global Investigations Review article, “Bank settles with DOJ over scheme to launder bribes”
Daniel R. Alonso was quoted on May 1, 2020 in a Global Investigations Review article, “Bank settles with DOJ over scheme to launder bribes,” which discussed Bank Hapoalim’s $30 million settlement to resolve money laundering allegations for its part in a bribery scandal involving the Fédération...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso quoted in Wall Street Journal article, “Coronavirus disrupts U.S. court system”
Daniel R. Alonso was quoted on March 17, 2020 in a Wall Street Journal article, “Coronavirus disrupts U.S. court system,” which discussed decisions across the country to delay trials and limit public access to courthouses, including no new empaneling of grand juries in New York specifically. Alonso...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso profiled in Latin Lawyer article, “Buckley hires LatAm-focused litigator”
Daniel R. Alonso was profiled on March 3, 2020 in a Latin Lawyer article, “Buckley hires LatAm-focused litigator,” which discussed Alonso’s move to Buckley and the experience he brings to the firm. Alonso said, “Buckley has an FCPA (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) practice in Washington, DC, but...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso profiled in Global Investigations Review article, "Buckley nets former compliance consultant”
Daniel R. Alonso was profiled on February 26, 2020 in a Global Investigations Review article, "Buckley nets former compliance consultant,” which discussed Alonso’s recent move to the firm. Alonso said, “It’s pretty exciting from my point of view to help companies that do business in Latin America...
In The NewsBuckley names Daniel R. Alonso partner in New York
WASHINGTON, DC (Feb. 19, 2020) – Buckley LLP , a premier national law firm focused on financial services, white collar defense, and complex civil litigation, announced that Daniel R. Alonso has joined the firm as a partner in its New York office. Alonso brings more than 25 years of white collar...
Press ReleasesDaniel R. Alonso profiled in Law.com article, “Buckley hires ex-Vance deputy from consulting firm”
Daniel R. Alonso was profiled on February 19, 2020 in a Law.com article, “Buckley hires ex-Vance deputy from consulting firm,” which reported on Alonso joining the firm and his background. Alonso, who joined Buckley from the consulting firm Exiger, noted that the work there was exciting but that he...
In The NewsDaniel R. Alonso profiled in Reuters article, "Ex-EDNY prosecutor leaves HSBC monitor firm for Buckley"
Daniel R. Alonso was profiled in a Reuters article, "Ex-EDNY prosecutor leaves HSBC monitor firm for Buckley," which reported on Alonso joining the firm and his prior experience, including Exiger. Alonso said, "Exiger was a fantastic experience but I had a yearning to go back to private law...
In The News
Publications
"The Bannon pardon: When is someone really off the hook?" co-authored by Daniel R. Alonso (National Law Journal)
Anyone under federal indictment would want a presidential pardon. Facing a criminal trial and even the possibility of going to jail is enough reason to accept one—even if it might be taken as an admission of sorts by the recipient of the pardon that he has, indeed, committed the crime for which he...
Articles"Opinion: How Trump's pardons could get even more bizarre" by Daniel R. Alonso (CNN)
President Donald Trump announced a wave of pardons on Tuesday for people ranging from Republican allies to two men who pleaded guilty in Robert Mueller's Russia investigation . Meanwhile, speculation grows about whether President Trump will pardon three of his adult children, his son-in-law, or...
Articles"Op-ed: What would Manhattan DA candidates do about violent crime?" by Daniel R. Alonso (Daily News)
In an era of unrest and cries for social justice, the eight declared candidates for Manhattan district attorney have, to varying degrees, embraced progressive prosecutorial agendas — aiming to reduce the focus on incarceration in favor of more lenient alternatives, social services, and greater...
Articles"Cross-border internal investigations in Spain" co-authored by Daniel R. Alonso (Anti-Corruption Report)
In recent years, more and more U.S. investigations have touched Spain and various countries within Latin America, in particular Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Loosely speaking, these countries have cultural, language and regional affinities and similarities that make them useful to study...
Articles"A referendum on criminal justice reform" by Daniel R. Alonso (Daily News)
New Yorkers of different stripes came together this month to help elect Joe Biden president. Now that that is over, our focus will begin to turn to the key races in the next election. In New York City, the most important of those is the 2021 mayoral race, followed closely by the historic race for...
Articles"How to tackle coronavirus corruption" co-authored by Daniel R. Alonso (Foreign Policy)
Latin America as a region has long had a problem with public corruption, and the coronavirus pandemic has made things worse. As governments shovel public funds to fight the pandemic and its economic fallout, public officials are swindling millions, including in the graft-prone public health sector...
Articles"Resisting temptation in a crisis: Making sure ethics and compliance don’t get diluted under financial strain" co-authored by Daniel R. Alonso (Compliance & Enforcement)
As the pandemic crisis begins its long process of receding, near the top of mind in companies of all sizes is how to thrive, or even survive, with the economy in turmoil. With such pressures, it would be easy for business executives to let compliance issues drop down on their list of priorities...
Articles"Building effective internal communication channels" by Daniel R. Alonso, Andrew P. Pennacchia, Benjamin W. Hutten, Norma Ramirez-Marin (from The Guide to Corporate Compliance)
Daniel R. Alonso, Andrew P. Pennacchia, Benjamin W. Hutten, and Norma Ramirez-Marin wrote “Building effective internal communication channels,” a chapter in The Guide to Corporate Compliance, published by Latin Lawyer Insight and designed to assist key corporate decision makers and...
Books"CARES Act puts inspectors general back in the spotlight" by Daniel R. Alonso, Preston Burton, & Meredith Leeson (New York Law Journal)
Federal Inspectors General—the nation’s watchdogs over government agencies and government programs—are back in the news. First, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act , received close attention not only for its $2 trillion infusion of taxpayer dollars into the U.S. economy, but also...
Articles"Op-ed: Prepare for the coronavirus scams: Learning from post-9/11 fraud" by Daniel R. Alonso (Daily News)
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Beatrice Kaufman sat in her Hamptons house watching the Twin Towers collapse. Although she lived and worked in Manhattan, her 6,000-square-foot apartment was being renovated, so she stayed at her country home instead. But that did not stop her from filing papers...
Articles"CARES Act increases oversight and criminal investigations" by Daniel R. Alonso (Bloomberg Law)
The CARES Act will infuse more than $2 trillion into the U.S. economy — the largest such action in history. But if history is any guide, wherever there is a big pot of money, some people will look to steal it. Some desperate individuals might misrepresent their eligibility for unemployment benefits...
Articles"Guide to monitorships is essential because of lack of statutes, court precedent" co-authored by Daniel R. Alonso (Law.com)
With some regularity over the past 25 years, government actions against corporate actors have resulted in the imposition of independent monitors. “Monitor” can have multiple meanings, but is usually understood to be an independent third party appointed to ensure compliance with regulatory or court-...
Articles“Local businessmen could be targeted by U.S. justice,” by Daniel R. Alonso (La Nación)
Los argentinos que han estado leyendo sobre el escándalo de los cuadernos pueden haberse sorprendido al leer recientemente que las autoridades de Estados Unidos se han interesado en investigar el asunto. ¿Los ejecutivos de negocios argentinos podrían ser interrogados por el FBI la próxima vez que...
Articles"Only criminals can clean up Argentina’s corruption" co-authored by Daniel R. Alonso (Foreign Policy)
In August, Argentina’s leading newspaper, La Nación , published an explosive report on public corruption. The newspaper obtained notebooks from a former government chauffeur that detailed tens of millions of dollars in bribes the driver delivered over a decade. Bribery was an open secret during the...
Articles“Independent monitor: An alternative for corporate oversight” co-authored by Daniel R. Alonso (La Nación)
En poco tiempo volverá a debatirse en la Cámara de Diputados el proyecto de ley que establece la responsabilidad penal de las personas jurídicas por hechos de corrupción, que contiene previsiones importantes para incentivar a las empresas a ser parte de la solución y no parte del problema. Pero un...
Articles"How Clayton’s SEC is likely to view the FCPA" by Daniel R. Alonso (The FCPA Blog)
In the days following President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement of his intention to nominate Sullivan & Cromwell partner Jay Clayton as Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, countless observers have opined on how the SEC’s priorities may change in the upcoming administration. One...
Articles"What does it mean to be a monitor?" by Daniel R. Alonso (Compliance & Enforcement)
In a post on this site last fall, Prof. Veronica Root asked “What Does It Mean to be a Monitor?” The point of her piece was to explain how the term “monitor” describes a number of activities and assignments that can be quite different from one another. Prof. Root’s post faithfully described...
Articles"FinTech: The emerging financial crime compliance minefield" co-authored by Daniel R. Alonso (Business Crimes Bulletin)
More than ever, the intersection of technology and financial crime compliance (FCC) for financial institutions is dynamic terrain. At the same time, technology continues to improve, and sometimes disrupt the way in which consumers and businesses participate in the financial services industry. The...
Articles
Awards and Recognitions
Awards & Recognitions
- Henry L. Stimson Medal, New York City Bar Association
- Director's Award for Superior Performance as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice (Four-time recipient)
- John J. McCloy Award, Fund for Modern Courts
- Robert M. Morgenthau Award, District Attorneys Association of the State of New York
- AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
- Super Lawyers Criminal Defense: White Collar
Practice Areas
- Appellate
- Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering & Sanctions
- Enforcement Actions & Investigations
- Colleges & Universities
- Complex Civil Litigation
- Foreign Corrupt Practices Act & Anti-Corruption
- Inspector General Investigations
- Internal Investigations
- Monitorships
- Pandemic Relief Investigations, Enforcement & Litigation
- White Collar
- Securities Enforcement
Education
- J.D., New York University School of Law, 1990
- B.A., Cornell University, 1987
Admissions
- New York
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
- U.S. Tax Court
Government Service
- Assistant U.S. Attorney and Chief of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York
- Chief Assistant District Attorney at the New York County District Attorney’s Office
- Member of the New York State Commission on Public Integrity
- Law Clerk, Hon. Joseph W. Bellacosa, New York Court of Appeals