Corporate Compliance
Led by attorneys with senior-level investigative and legal experience from the Attorney General’s Office and the State Comptroller’s Office, this practice provides strategic guidance to public and private clients navigating regulatory scrutiny, government investigations, and corporate matters. We help organizations anticipate risk, respond effectively, and maintain compliance with complex legal and regulatory requirements. We actively engage clients in reviewing their internal controls to preemptively minimize risks and advise clients as a result of an event. Warranting our services.
Key areas of focus include:
Key areas of focus include:
- Compliance and Governance Programs – Advising private businesses and public entities on the design and implementation of compliance structures addressing procurement law, internal controls, ethics obligations, and regulatory requirements, including the development of policies, approval protocols, and monitoring systems to promote transparency, accountability, and defensible decision-making.
- Internal Controls, Procurement Compliance, and Governance Assessments – Conducting comprehensive reviews of policies, institutional practices, and oversight structures to identify risk areas and develop defensible internal compliance systems designed to protect against procurement irregularities, regulatory noncompliance, audit findings, and other operational or reputational risks.
- Internal Investigations and Fact-Finding Reviews – Leading independent investigations into allegations of workplace misconduct and complaints, procurement irregularities, or regulatory noncompliance, including document review, witness interviews, and preparation of investigative reports.
- Regulatory Investigations and Oversight Proceedings – Representing public and private entities in matters involving state and federal regulatory agencies—including audits, investigations, and enforcement inquiries—and guiding clients through every stage of the process. This includes responding to oversight bodies such as the Office of the State Comptroller, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Labor, and other regulatory authorities, as well as assisting clients in implementing corrective measures and compliance reforms arising from investigative findings or audit recommendations.
- Implementation and Integrity Monitoring – Assisting organizations in operationalizing compliance programs through the development of monitoring protocols, reporting systems, training initiatives, and policy implementation designed to ensure adherence to legal and ethical obligations.
- Government Investigations – Representing individuals and organizations in government investigations and enforcement matters involving allegations of fraud, procurement irregularities, financial misconduct, or other regulatory violations.
Featured Attorneys
Michael R. DeCotiis
Managing Partner
Michael R. DeCotiis
Managing Partner
Biography
Michael R. DeCotiis is a Managing Partner of the firm. In that role, Mr. DeCotiis develops and implements firm strategy and manages the day-to-day operations of the firm. He presently represents numerous public and private clients, real estate and business transactions including redevelopment of blighted properties, brownfields, transit oriented development, opportunity zones, and waterfront development. Mr. DeCotiis regularly oversees complex business transactions including corporate organizations, Financing, contract negotiations, Leasing and strategic business advice. Mr. DeCotiis has a blend of public and private transactional experience having served in various high level capacities in state and local, and regional government entities. Mr. DeCotiis has also served as general and special counsel to various utility agencies throughout the state, including North Jersey District Water Supply Authority, Joint Meeting of Essex and Union Counties, Edgewater Municipal Utilities Authority and Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority. This unique experience allows Mr. DeCotiis to provide both substantive and public policy to his Firm clients where government and business interests routinely intersect. Mr. DeCotiis is routinely listed as one of the most influential attorneys in the State of New Jersey, including over 15 Top 100 Power Rankings.From May 2002 to March 2003, Mr. DeCotiis served as Deputy Executive Director to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey where he oversaw the administration of the New York/New Jersey regions 3 airports, seaports, tunnels and bridges, and the PATH commuter train system. From March 2003 to September 2004, Mr. DeCotiis served as Chief Counsel to the Governor of New Jersey providing legal advice on numerous aspects of state government and the legislative process, and oversight of over 40 Independent Agencies, Boards and Commissions of the state.
He served as a member of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority from November, 2004 through August, 2010.
Prior to May 2002, Mr. DeCotiis practiced law, focusing on Environmental Law, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Public Procurement and Contracting. He has participated in planning and obtaining various regulatory approvals, including environmental permits for manufacturing facilities, solid waste and recycling facilities and wastewater and sludge treatment facilities. He has also provided counsel and participated in negotiations on matters concerning wastewater discharge, water quality, sludge treatment handling, air emissions, underground storage tanks, and property transfer, development and remediation.
Mr. DeCotiis also provided counsel to public sector clients on various matters including open public meetings, local public contracts law, redevelopment and housing law, municipal utility authorities law and local lands and building law. He also served on numerous transition teams as both chair and a committee member for both local and state government transitions. Since 2013, Mr. DeCotiis was the primary person responsible for compiling information and drafting transition team reports for 3 large New Jersey cities.
Mr. DeCotiis also is a founder of the Dearheart Charitable Foundation, Inc. - a charitable organization that assists cancer patients as they undergo treatment and recovery and serving the under privileged with their needs that many take for granted such as clothing, holiday food and gifts.
Mr. DeCotiis received his B.A. from Clarion University in 1988 and his J.D. from Seton Hall University Law School in 1991.
Education
Seton Hall University School of Law, Newark, New Jersey- J.D. - 1991
- B.A. - 1988
Bar Admissions
- New Jersey, 1991
- Pennsylvania, 1991
Past Positions
- Governor of New Jersey, Chief Counsel, 2002 to 2003
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Deputy Executive Director
Professional Associations
- New Jersey Bar Association
- Bergen County Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Bar Association (Inactive)
Ratings
- Martindale Hubbel, Preeminent Rating
Practice Areas
- Redevelopment
- Government and Regulatory Affairs
- Public Procurement and Contracting
- Corporate Law
Contact
Email: mdecotiis@decotiisdoyle.comOffice: (973) 582-9002
Direct Dial: (973) 582-9005
Scott J. MacDougall
Partner
Scott J. MacDougall
Partner
Biography
Scott J. MacDougall is Partner at DeCotiis Doyle. He is a member of the firm's Regulatory Compliance, Investigations & Corporate Criminal Defense, and Litigation practice groups.His practice primarily focuses on assisting private businesses, governmental entities, and institutions of higher education in navigating complex regulatory, compliance, and litigation matters. With extensive experience in investigations and litigation, Mr. MacDougall provides strategic counsel to address governance and operational challenges effectively.
Most recently, Mr. MacDougall served as the Director of the Investigations Division within the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller. In this role, he conducted inquiries that led to improvements in oversight and governance practices across public institutions. His work contributed to legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing fiscal accountability in higher education, refining the state’s open public records law, and strengthening operational frameworks within governmental agencies.
Mr. MacDougall’s accomplishments include efforts to improve fiscal management at various public universities and creation of accountability measures within governmental agencies, including various state agencies. He has also contributed to streamlining public records adjudication processes and addressing operational inefficiencies at the county level.
Prior to his public service, Mr. MacDougall practiced at a boutique law firm specializing in insurance coverage and fraud matters. He served as lead trial counsel for a major insurer in litigation arising from Superstorm Sandy, successfully resolving complex legal challenges while advising on coverage obligations and indemnity disputes. This experience further highlights his ability to provide practical solutions in high-stakes litigation.
Mr. MacDougall’s combined expertise in investigations, litigation, and regulatory frameworks enables him to offer tailored guidance to clients facing multifaceted challenges.
Education
Widener University School of Law - Wilmington, DE- J.D. - 2008
- B.A. - 2005
- Major: Political Science
Bar Admissions
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
Practice Areas
- Institutional Integrity and Investigations
- Government and Regulatory Affairs
- Litigation
Contact
Email: esmacdougall@decotiisdoyle.comOffice: (973) 582-9002
Direct: (973) 582-9015
Suzanne Davies
Partner
Suzanne Davies
Partner
Biography
Suzanne Davies is a Partner at DeCotiis Doyle. She is a member of the firm’s Regulatory Compliance, Investigations, and Litigation Practice Groups.Suzanne specializes in Government Investigations and Compliance. Her practice focuses on guiding organizations and public entities through internal and external investigations, regulatory enforcement, and compliance challenges. Suzanne brings more than a decade of experience in litigation, investigations, and compliance across multiple areas of public service, and a deep understanding of government law and regulatory enforcement to her practice at DeCotiis Doyle LLP.
Before joining DeCotiis Doyle LLP, Suzanne served as Assistant Director of the Investigations Division at the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller. In that role, she directed and oversaw investigations, compliance reviews, and examinations into waste, fraud, abuse, and inefficiencies within state agencies and public programs.
Suzanne also served as a Deputy Attorney General in the New Jersey Division of Law, Litigation Practice Group. She represented the New Jersey State Police, Department of Corrections, and State Parole Board in state and federal litigation, as well as advising on policy and regulatory compliance. Suzanne developed a particular expertise in matters arising under the Open Public Records Act, where she defended agency decisions and appeared as amicus curiae on behalf of the New Jersey Attorney General before both the Appellate Division and the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Suzanne began her career as a law clerk to Associate Justice Lee A. Solomon of the New Jersey Supreme Court. She earned her J.D. from Widener University Delaware Law School, where she was awarded Dean’s Honors and served as Articles Editor for the Widener Law Review. She received her B.A. in Law and Justice Studies from Rowan University. Suzanne is admitted to practice law in New Jersey.
Education
Widener University Delaware Law School – Wilmington, DE- J.D. 2013
- Dean’s Honors
- Widener Law Review, Articles Editor
- B.A. 2008
- Major: Law and Justice Studies
Bar Admissions
- New Jersey
Practice Areas
- Institutional Integrity and Investigations
- Litigation
Contact
Email: sdavies@decotiisdoyle.comOffice: (973) 582-9002
Direct Dial: (973) 582-9013
Michelle W. DeCotiis
Associate
Michelle W. DeCotiis
Associate
Biography
Michelle DeCotiis is an associate at DeCotiis Doyle. She is a member of the and Regulatory Compliance, Investigations and Litigation Practice Groups.Michelle represents local government agencies throughout New Jersey where she counsels clients in Government Compliance and Litigation, with experience handling Tax Appeals. Prior to joining the firm as an attorney, Michelle served as an intern at the New Jersey’s office of the Public Defender in 2021 and at the Office of the Corrections Ombudsperson in 2022. She gained experience observing numerous court proceedings, drafted legal documents, and conducted in depth research surrounding prisoner’s rights. From 2023 to 2024, Michelle embarked on a sixteen-month long clerkship at the Superior Court of Monmouth County for the Honorable Scott C. Arnette and the Honorable Christie L. Bevacqua. There, she further expanded her understanding of the intricacies of the N.J. court system, conducted legal research in both the criminal and family divisions, prepared expansive court documents, and conducted many small claims and family court mediations.
In 2019, Michelle obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Delaware. In 2023, Michelle graduated, Cum Laude, from Elizabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. During her time at Pace Law School, Michelle was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity. She is also a member of the Bergen and Monmouth County Bar Associations.
Education
Elizabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, White Plains, New York- J.D., 2023
- B.A. in Criminal Justice, 2019
Bar Admissions
- State of New Jersey
Practice Areas
- Institutional Integrity and Investigations
- Litigation
- Redevelopment
Contact
Email: midecotiis@decotiisdoyle.comOffice: (973) 582-9002
Direct Dial: (973) 582-9011
Adrien A. Moncur
Partner
Adrien A. Moncur
Partner
Biography
Adrien Moncur is a Partner at Decotiis Doyle LLP. He is a member of the firm’s Litigation Group.Adrien Moncur represents public and private clients across a broad spectrum of general liability matters. His practice spans civil litigation, criminal defense, and white-collar crime investigations, with a particular emphasis on complex, high-exposure disputes. Adrien’s ability having navigated over 50 jury trials in both civil and criminal arenas, makes him a versatile and formidable advocate for his clients.
Adrien is a seasoned, highly skilled trial lawyer with a record of successfully defending clients in both state and federal courts, as well as before the Office of Administrative Law. Known for his courtroom presence, strategic judgment, zealous advocacy and sharp preparation, he has built a reputation for delivering strong, results-driven representation in even the most challenging matters.
Adrien is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Criminal Trial Attorney—an honor reserved for a select group of practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional experience, skill, and proficiency in criminal trial practice. He also serves as a Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel Attorney for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, where he is appointed to represent individuals in federal criminal proceedings.
Across his career, Adrien has earned the trust of municipalities, State agencies, corporations, religious institutions, and individuals by providing strategic counsel, clear communication, and unwavering advocacy. His breadth of experience and commitment to excellence are central to the firm’s litigation practice and continue to drive successful outcomes for his clients.
Education
Rutgers Law School, Newark, NJ- JD – 2007
- BA – 2002
- Major: Political Science
Bar Admissions
- New Jersey
- United States District Court of New Jersey
- New York
Certifications
- Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as Criminal Trial Attorney
Advanced Trainings
- National Criminal Defense College
- Trial Practice Institute, July 2012
- Advanced Cross Examination, January 2014
Memberships
- NJ Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- C. Wilfred Heckel, Inn of Court, Rutgers Law School, Newark
Contact
Email: amoncur@decotiisdoyle.comOffice: (973) 582-9002
Direct Dial: (973) 582-9008
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DeCotiis Doyle is committed to integrity, honesty, and transparency.