RICO is no longer confined to the prosecution of organized crime—it has become one of the most powerful tools in modern civil and criminal litigation. This dynamic CLE program explores the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act from its origins in combating the Mafia to its expanded role in addressing complex business and insurance fraud schemes. Participants will gain a clear understanding of RICO’s statutory framework, prohibited conduct, and the strategic differences between criminal prosecutions and civil actions, all presented in a practical, accessible format.
Designed for attorneys who want to strengthen their litigation and enforcement strategies, the course breaks down the essential elements of a RICO case, including enterprise theory, racketeering activity, predicate acts, pattern requirements, and standing. Through discussion of landmark federal and Supreme Court decisions, attendees will see how courts have shaped RICO’s reach, clarified conspiracy liability, defined mail and wire fraud predicates, and expanded the scope of recoverable injuries. Key statute of limitations issues and accrual rules are also addressed, providing critical guidance for both plaintiffs and defendants.
The program concludes with a focused examination of how RICO is used in today’s insurance and business fraud landscape. Attendees will learn why certain coordinated schemes—particularly those involving construction, labor law exposure, and claims activity—are well suited for RICO analysis. The course highlights the tactical advantages of RICO, including federal jurisdiction, aggregation of misconduct, treble damages, and attorney’s fees, and equips participants with practical insights for evaluating, pursuing, or defending against RICO claims in real world practice.
