The Editor interviews John F. Sopko , Partner in Akin Gump's Washington, DC, office, who has 20 years of experience in conducting congressional investigations in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives.

Editor: Can trade secrets be protected? What about the attorney-client privilege?

Sopko: The courts have ruled that Congress does not have to recognize these privileges, but they can be protected, particularly if you know how to negotiate with the committee members and their staff. Most congressional members and staff with whom I've dealt recognize the importance of those privileges and do not want to harm a company by needlessly releasing trade secrets. However, as in most matters with congressional oversight, these things must be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

To read the complete article from The Metropolitan Corporate Counsil, click here.