“Federal law enforcement is just overwhelmed with the amount of these scams; the breadth and volume and sophistication are so high that the civil justice system is the most viable path, said George M. Padis, a partner at Sbaiti & Company who represents the plaintiff.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday reviewed whether internet service provider Cox Communications should be on the hook for up to $1 billion in copyright damages for refusing to cut off the connections for users engaged in illegal piracy.

"Always do what you say you're going to do, when you say you'll do it. Integrity, honesty—those are everything," said Smolik, who's been chief legal officer of DHL Supply Chain Americas since 2009.