James brings the perspective of a former federal prosecutor to his defense of companies and individuals involved in criminal and other government investigations and related white-collar/civil litigation. An experienced trial lawyer skilled in leading complex investigations, his practice focuses on representing clients in a wide variety of white-collar criminal matters, False Claims Act (FCA) and qui tam litigation, matters under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA), and Anti-Kickback statute, as well as other federal/state investigations brought by prosecutors, state attorneys general, and regulators.
James’ practice focuses on representing companies and organizations, boards of directors, internal committees, officers, corporate management, and other individuals across industry sectors including healthcare, pharma, technology, telecom, manufacturing, and financial services.
While with the Justice Department, James first-chaired over sixty trials to verdict, led the investigation and prosecution of over 250 criminal cases, briefed over fifteen appeals on behalf of the United States, and successfully argued five appeals – including two before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and three before the D.C. Court of Appeals. He was responsible for all aspects of strategy and litigation in complex matters involving corporate fraud, money laundering, tax crimes, mail/wire fraud schemes, bank fraud, cybercrime, RICO, and identity theft. In recognition of his service, James received two Special Achievement Awards from the Justice Department, and was formally recognized by the Director of the FBI in 2017 for outstanding work in a criminal prosecution.
Reed Smith’s Global Regulatory Enforcement practice has added depth and strengthened its capabilities in recent months, including bringing on board Edward B. “Ed” Schwartz as the Co-Chair of its Antitrust & Competition Team in May and Lewis Zirogiannis, former Executive Counsel for Litigation & Investigations, and Chief Compliance Officer for GE Digital in April, as partners in Washington D.C. and San Francisco, respectively.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global law firm dedicated to providing quality business solutions, not just legal answers. Our belief is that by doing things differently, with a greater focus on innovation, and by delivering smarter and more creative and efficient legal services, we will not only enrich our clients’ experiences with us, but also support them in achieving their own business goals.
With long-standing relationships, an international outlook, and collaborative structure, Reed Smith is a strategic partner in the resolution of complex disputes, transactions, and regulatory matters.
For further information, please visit reedsmith.com.
