Client Alerts
In a busy week of major policy changes for the Department of Justice (“DOJ” or the “Department”), Assistant Attorney General …
August 26, 2026
August 26, 2026 • 8-minute read
James G. McGovern
Partner
Government Investigations & White Collar Criminal Defense
“Jim McGovern is a breathtaking advocate. He is extremely tenacious.” (Chambers USA, 2025 (Market Commentator))
Overview
Jim McGovern is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with more than 30 years of high-profile trial and investigative experience. Having tried over 70 criminal and civil jury cases, Jim brings his courtroom skill and strategic insight to high-stakes matters that demand discretion and decisive results. He has been recognized in Chambers USA as a “breathtaking advocate” with “pro instincts.”
Jim represents clients in sensitive investigations and litigation involving the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), UK Serious Fraud Office, New York Attorney General’s Office, and other leading enforcement authorities. He regularly advises boards and senior leadership on internal investigations, regulatory compliance, reputational risk, and crisis management.
Obtained acquittals after trial and full dismissal of all charges in two indictments brought against a former New York State Assemblyman charged with numerous counts of bribery and Medicare fraud
Appointed Deputy Commissioner by the City of New York to conduct whistleblower investigation of sitting NYC Commissioner of Department of Investigation
Represented global bank and discovered massive fraud that led to high-profile indictments of founders of an education-related fintech company in the SDNY
Representing several senior executives at global bank in successful high-profile SDNY prosecution of fintech executives, and related civil matters
Conducted publicly disclosed investigation for the NY Joint Commission on Public Ethics related to the former Governor of the State of NY’s COVID-19 book deal
Represented numerous individuals in sprawling federal investigation of political corruption targeting the Mayor of New York City
Representing global bank and several senior executives in DOJ investigation of fraud and sanctions violations committed by a multinational telecommunications company
Obtained rare DOJ/EPA declination of charges for safety-monitoring company after whistleblower alleged unsafe conditions and fraud
Obtained unusual DOJ/Nuclear Regulatory Commission declination of charges in investigation into contamination incident at nuclear medicine company
Obtained favorable settlement – with minimal fine and no admission of guilt – in SEC case against owner of cryptocurrency trading platform for violations of the 1934 Securities Exchange Act
Obtained dismissals of two civil lawsuits against cryptocurrency Canada-based company instituted in the New York County Commercial Division
Obtained non-prosecution agreement and minimal restitution settlement for publicly traded Brazilian company in DOJ international securities fraud investigation
Qualified as an expert and testified in UK extradition proceeding regarding the DOJ’s policies and procedures in misbranded pharmaceuticals case
Represented Mexican state-owned oil company in DOJ/EDNY FCPA investigation arising out of the Brazilian corruption scandals
Representing multinational pharmaceutical company senior executive in FCPA investigation stemming from allegations of bribery and corruption in Greece
Representing four senior executives of Chinese state-owned construction company in DOJ/EDNY FCPA investigation
Advised privately held multinational corporation concerning criminal exposure under the FCPA for corrupt acts committed by its employees in Central America
Representing several large public accounting firm partners in DOJ and SEC’s investigation of theft of PCAOB’s proprietary information
Representing Singaporean company in DOJ sanctions investigation of alleged business transactions with North Korea
Represented Korean oil company in DOJ Antitrust Division investigation of bid-rigging in dealings with the U.S. government
Represented U.S.-based canned tuna company in price-fixing investigation conducted by the DOJ Antitrust Division
Representing senior executive at global bank in SEC investigation into allegations of financial fraud and money laundering
Representing senior executive officer of NYC hospital in federal Medicare-related investigation in the EDNY
Representing a state government in DOJ investigation of COVID-19-related fraud
Representing NY-based research institution in DOJ and Congressional investigations into its dealings with Chinese officials and academics
Representing New York-based university and several professors in DOJ investigation of possible violations of export control regulations
Represented CEOs of international and national sports organizations in internal, DOJ and Congressional investigations
Representing two high-profile businessmen in pardon application process with the DOJ and the White House
Representing Eastern European investment firm in civil litigation against global bank focusing operating in the region
Representing high-profile European businessman facing charges in the SDNY
Representing senior executive at regional power authority in internal, federal and state corruption investigations
Represented major U.S. bank in investigation conducted by Fraud Section of the DOJ concerning transactions with high-profile hedge fund manager
Obtained lenient sentences for individuals charged with various fraud and bribery-related crimes in the SDNY and EDNY
Represented CEO of large New York-based financial institution in investigation conducted by NYDFS
Represented CEO of consulting company in investigation conducted by the DOJ’s Civil Division
Representing NY-based real estate investment firm in civil litigation in case brought in the New York County Commercial Division
Obtained summary judgment dismissal of False Claim Act complaint against global kidney dialysis company
Represented CEO of defense contractor in False Claims Act investigation pertaining to the procurement of military-grade materials by the Department of War
Represented senior executive at Data Center contractor in multi-jurisdictional federal commercial bribery and corruption investigations
Representing state government agency in potential investigation by the federal government
Successfully obtained deletion of entire Interpol file for client falsely accused of crimes in Mexico
Representing private equity fund in lawsuit to recover more than $5 million misappropriated by the firm’s former Chief Financial Officer
Capabilities
- Commercial and Business Litigation
- Congressional Investigations & Crisis Management
- FCPA & Global Anti-Corruption
- False Claims Act/Qui Tam Litigation
- Global Cartel Defense and Coordination
- Government Investigations & White Collar Criminal Defense
- Grand Jury Investigation Defense
- Internal Investigations
- National Security & International Trade
- Trade Secrets & Unfair Competition
Credentials
Education
- The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, J.D., 1991
- Sienna College, B.A., 1988
Admissions
- New York
Recognitions
- Chambers USA, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (New York), 2020–2026
- Legal 500 U.S., Dispute Resolution: Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense, 2017–2019, and 2026
- The American Lawyer, Lateral All-Star, 2017
- Selected to the 500 Leading Litigators in America, Lawdragon, 2024–2026
- Selected to the 500 Global Leaders in Crisis Management, Lawdragon, 2025 and 2026
- Global Investigations Review (GIR) 100, 2023 and 2025
- Global Investigations Review (GIR) 30, 2024
Insights
Client Alerts
DOJ Issues New, Comprehensive Corporate Enforcement Policy
On March 10, 2026, the Department of Justice (the “Department”) announced a new Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy (“CEP”) …
March 13, 2026
March 13, 2026 • 3-minute read
Client Alerts
On May 12, 2025, the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ” or the “Department”) issued a series of significant policy changes outlining the Trump administration’s new approach to white-collar enforcement.
June 3, 2025 • V&E White Collar Update
June 3, 2025 • 9-minute read
Client Alerts
The Trump Tariff Regime Brings Risks of Criminal and Civil False Claims Act Enforcement
On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced a new tariff regime under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (“IEEPA”), citing national security concerns. This regime includes a 10 percent baseline tariff for all countries and higher “reciprocal tariffs” for approximately 90 countries, effective April 5, and April 9, 2025, with additional potential tariffs threatened in the future. The new tariffs would significantly impact corporations, particularly those with supply-chain exposure in China and other Southeastern Asian countries.
May 8, 2025
May 8, 2025 • 7-minute read
Client Alerts
For more than a decade, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has been able to bring enforcement actions in either federal court or the agency’s internal venue.
June 28, 2024 • V&E SEC Update
June 28, 2024 • 6-minute read
