Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer is continuing its push in Chicago by launching a dedicated white-collar defense and investigations practice in the city. To head the practice, the D.C.-founded firm has brought on former prosecutor Valarie Hays, arriving from Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila.

Hays was an assistant U.S. attorney in Chicago before practicing at Schiff Hardin for eight years and then Riley Safer for more than five years. She starts at Arnold & Porter on Monday.