Early Retention of Financial Experts in White Collar Proceedings with Anchin
By Jeff Grant
We are thrilled to have Anthony Bracco and Brian Sanvidge of Anchin Accountants & Consultants as our February 2026 Tuesday Night Speaker Series presenters to discuss Early Retention of Financial Experts in White Collar Proceedings.
Anchin is a nationally recognized accounting firm with a dedicated forensic and litigation support practice. Anthony Bracco and Brian Sanvidge bring decades of experience working alongside defense counsel in white collar criminal matters.
Their presentation will cover why early retention of financial experts -- before or immediately after an indictment -- can be decisive for the defense, and what those experts actually do from the earliest stages of a case through trial and sentencing.
One of the most important roles a forensic accountant plays is challenging the government's loss calculations. In federal white collar cases, the calculated loss amount is one of the primary drivers of the sentencing guidelines range. Even small differences in how loss is defined and measured can translate into significant differences in recommended sentence length. Anthony and Brian will discuss how forensic accountants identify errors, alternative methodologies, and mitigating factors in the government's financial analysis -- work that can materially change the outcome at sentencing.
Beyond loss calculations, forensic accountants help defense teams understand the financial story of a case. White collar matters often involve thousands of transactions, complex corporate structures, and accounting standards that are open to interpretation. A skilled forensic accountant can translate that complexity for judges and juries, identify transactions that support the defense's theory, and prepare exhibits that make financial data accessible and persuasive.
The "early retention" theme is particularly important. When financial experts are brought in after an indictment has already been handed down and the government has had months or years to build its case, the defense is playing catch-up. Early engagement allows the forensic team to assist during the investigation phase, help shape the defense strategy from the outset, and ensure that critical financial documents are preserved and analyzed before they become harder to obtain.
For members of the white collar justice community -- whether currently facing charges, supporting a loved one through the process, or reflecting on their own experience -- understanding the role of financial experts is essential. This presentation offers practical insight into one of the most consequential and least understood aspects of white collar defense.
