Since 2012, Ahn was an AUSA and served as senior litigation counsel in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. In that capacity, he directed the prosecution of complex fraud, organized crime, RICO, and public corruption cases, including cases involving health care fraud, COVID-19 fraud, bankruptcy fraud, securities fraud, tax fraud, procurement fraud, money laundering, FCPA and FLSA violations, cybercrime, bribery, and kickbacks. Most recently, Ahn led a high-profile political corruption probe in Southern California, leading to the resignation of the mayor of Anaheim and a top official of a major political party, and the conviction of a Chamber of Commerce president. Prior to that role, Ahn was deputy chief and acting chief of the Orange County office.
“Daniel is a cornerstone who broadens and deepens our government prosecutorial capabilities on the West Coast. He also brings experience in crypto-related enforcement, government procurement fraud, and money laundering – all of which are ‘hot button’ areas for clients in financial services and other industries,” said Mike Lowell, chair of Reed Smith’s global regulatory and investigations practice. “His lengthy and distinguished government experience will be of particular interest to clients caught in the crosshairs of a government investigation and those in need of internal investigations.”
In his career, Ahn has participated in 21 trials and has served as appellate counsel in approximately 30 matters before the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts of appeals, with four arguments before the Ninth Circuit. In addition, he provided litigation-oriented training to Criminal Division prosecutors.
“Reed Smith is truly a perfect fit for my return to private practice,” Ahn said. “The trifecta of an incredible culture and exceedingly collegial working environment, an active and flourishing white-collar practice, and an extensive Asia platform will allow me to maximize my capabilities and leverage my network in LA, DC, and Asia, including South Korea and China, to service the firm’s current clients and bring in new ones. I’m thrilled to be joining the Reed Smith family.”
Leading an office of 40 prosecutors and professional staff in all aspects of investigations and litigation while serving as acting chief, Ahn received numerous DOJ, FBI, IRS, and DOL awards for his success in prosecuting health care fraud, tax fraud, and public corruption. He brings to Reed Smith significant insight about how federal prosecutors investigate and pursue complex white-collar matters.
During Ahn’s time at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he conducted multiple trainings for judges and prosecutors in Korea and has strong relationships with high-ranking law enforcement officials in Seoul. Immediately before joining the firm, Ahn was handling a number of criminal matters in coordination with law enforcement authorities in Korea.
Ahn will assist Reed Smith clients in cross-border white-collar and regulatory enforcement matters where U.S. and international authorities, such as regulators in Korea, are investigating the same matter because the alleged offense conduct took place in multiple jurisdictions. He can conduct large-scale internal investigations for Korean companies doing business in the U.S. and U.S. companies doing business in Korea, as well as represent Korean companies in U.S. civil litigation.
Ahn is the third AUSA to join Reed Smith’s global regulatory and investigations practice in the past year. Julia Nestor joined in New York in November 2021, and Mark Bini joined in New York and Miami in October 2021. Collectively, the three provide Reed Smith a strong base of government prosecutorial experience.
Prior to joining the Los Angeles U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2012, Ahn was an associate at Gibson Dunn (2007-2012), an Honors Program trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice (2006-2007), a law clerk for Judge Johnnie Rawlinson of the Ninth Circuit (2005-2006), and a law clerk for Judge Gary Taylor of the U.S. District Court, Central District of California (2004-2005).
He is a second generation Korean-American and graduated from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 2004, serving as editor-in-chief of the law review. He received his M.A. from Johns Hopkins University in 2000, and his B.A. from Biola University in 1997.
“Daniel is a leading trial and appellate lawyer on the West Coast and brings the firm a significant wealth of knowledge about working with the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other federal agencies,” said Amber Finch, Reed Smith’s Los Angeles office managing partner. “Daniel will be a key partner in helping us build out the firm’s West Coast white-collar practice, as well as expanding our Asia practice in the U.S., especially in Korea and China.”
About Reed Smith
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For more information, please visit www.reedsmith.com.
