Anthony E. DiResta
Partner

Overview
Anthony E. DiResta, co-chair of the Holland & Knight's Consumer Protection Defense and Compliance Team, is an attorney in the firm's Washington, D.C., and Miami offices.
Nationally Recognized Leader with an Exceptional Record of Success. Mr. DiResta, a former federal prosecutor and governmental official, is a nationally recognized leader in defending governmental law enforcement investigations and litigation, with more than four decades of experience. He has successfully defended companies and individuals in dozens of high-profile, "bet-the-company" investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and almost all of the state attorneys general – with many of those investigations being closed.
Crisis Management and Strategic Counsel. Mr. DiResta is recognized for his extensive knowledge and experience in crisis management, having developed comprehensive strategies for managing investigations, litigation and media relations. He has advised C-suite executives and boards of directors, guiding them through complex legal challenges and public relations crises. In addition, Mr. DiResta has served as a court-appointed receiver in federal enforcement actions and as an expert witness in federal governmental litigation.
Former Senior Government Official as FTC Director and Assistant U.S. Attorney. Mr. DiResta's leadership experience includes serving as director of the FTC's Southeast Regional Office, where he oversaw enforcement, investigative and outreach activities. Under his leadership, the office received the John Marshall Award from the U.S. Attorney General for its accomplishments. He also served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, prosecuting telemarketing fraud and financial crimes.
Comprehensive Industry Knowledge and Regulatory Experience. Mr. DiResta's practice spans several key industry sectors, including:
- financial services (from banks and lenders to debt collectors)
- healthcare (from pharmaceutical companies to nutritional supplements manufacturers and marketers)
- media (from social media platforms to television stations)
- hospitality (from major hotel brands to travel sites)
- food and beverage (from fast food restaurants to beverage brands)
- real estate (including timeshares and property developers)
- transportation (car dealerships)
- manufacturing and retail businesses
He also focuses in a wide range of substantive legal and regulatory matters, including:
- unfair, deceptive and abusive acts and practices (UDAAP)
- privacy, data security and data breaches
- false advertising
- unfair competition
- artificial intelligence (AI) regulation and compliance management
Thought Leadership and Recognition. Recognized as a leader in the consumer protection bar, Mr. DiResta has been honored in The Best Lawyers in America and named a "Regulatory Trailblazer and Pioneer" by the National Law Journal. He was also recognized as a Top Author by JD Supra for his thought leadership in compliance management. He also received the Sunshine Award from the Society of Professional Journalists for his success in the Georgia Supreme Court involving a case of first impression concerning media access to governmental proceedings and documents.
A sought-after speaker, Mr. DiResta regularly contributes to (and chairs) conferences and forums, where he shares insights on legal, regulatory and policy matters. His publications on commercial litigation, consumer protection and antitrust law are frequently cited by courts and law reviews.
Leadership, Pro Bono Commitment and Public Service. Mr. DiResta has held key leadership roles in trade associations, including being a general counsel and director of regulatory affairs for the Word of Mouth Marketing Association. He has also been active as a life member in the American Law Institute (ALI), and he has held leadership positions in the American Bar Association (ABA), Litigation Section.
In addition to his professional commitments, Mr. DiResta is deeply engaged in community service involving education and the performing arts. He was awarded the 2020 Rollins College Alumni Service Award, and he currently serves on the board of trustees for Rollins College, the Young Concert Artists and Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach.
Representative Experience
Credentials
- Florida State University College of Law, J.D.
- Harvard University, Ed.M.
- Rollins College, B.A.
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- American Law Institute, Elected Member, 1994-Present
- Restatement of Torts, Advisor
- Restatements of Privacy, Governmental Ethics and Employment Law, Consultative Group Member
- Association of Credit and Collection Professionals, Federal Affairs Committee, Current Member; Regulatory Committee, 2010-2015
- American Bar Association (ABA)
- Litigation Section, Member, 1984-2011
- Pro Bono and Public Interest Committee, Co-Chair, 2008-2009
- Antitrust Litigation Committee, Co-Chair, 2000-2003
- Host Committee Member, ABA Annual Meeting, 2002
- Government Litigation Counsel Committee, Co-Chair, 1997-1999
- Litigation News, Associate Editor, 1992-1994
- The Best Lawyers in America guide, Advertising Law, 2025
- Rollins College Alumni Service Award, 2020
- Holland & Knight Pro Bono All-Star, 2019-2022
- Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers magazine, 2017-2019
- Regulatory & Compliance Trailblazer, The National Law Journal, June 2015
- Sunshine Award, Society of Professional Journalists, 1993
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Multimedia
Publications
