RJO White-Collar Criminal Defense Group Defeats 65-Count Debarment Against Collective Impact

Rogers Joseph O’Donnell shareholders Lauren Kramer Sujeeth and Gregory P. Rosen, along with associate S. Amber Lee, successfully defended community-based nonprofit Collective Impact against debarment by defeating 65 counts of willful misconduct. 

Collective Impact provides after-school and summer programming for low-income youth, workforce development and literacy programs in San Francisco. It receives grants from several City agencies, and was the recipient of significant funding under Mayor Breed’s Dream Keepers Initiative program.

The San Francisco City Attorney sought a 5-year debarment of Collective Impact in a 65-count charging document in March 2025. After four days of testimony and argument, followed by a written briefing, Hearing Officer Andrea McGary vindicated the nonprofit in her Oct. 8 ruling that debarment is not warranted. 

“We’re thrilled with this ruling so that Collective Impact can continue in its community-building mission,” Sujeeth said. “The evidence in this case never showed willful misconduct, and we’re pleased that the ruling confirmed that.”

Chair of RJO’s White-Collar Criminal Defense Practice Group and member of the Government Contracts Practice Group, Sujeeth is a seasoned trial lawyer who represents companies and individuals facing regulatory investigations or state and federal criminal charges, focusing on public corruption and fraud. She also aids government contractors with compliance, protests and claims.

Rosen, a member of RJO’s White-Collar Criminal Defense and Government Contracts Practice Groups, is a former senior federal prosecutor and has handled more than 50 jury trials, thousands of criminal prosecutions and hundreds of grand jury proceedings. He represents companies and individuals facing criminal, civil or administrative investigations across the United States.

Lee litigates a variety of matters involving attorney liability and conduct, white-collar criminal defense, complex commercial litigation and civil rights issues in state and federal courts.