John Pappalardo, a former United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, has developed an international practice focusing on federal white collar criminal defense, representing individuals and corporations in federal and state investigations. Mr. Pappalardo has conducted many significant representations, including the landmark case in which he represented former YUKOS Oil Company CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky who was on trial for fraud and tax evasion. Additionally, Mr. Pappalardo's current or recent clients include numerous businesses and corporations, medical doctors, attorneys, a United States Congressman, and a federal judge. He is also a former Commissioner of the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission.
Areas of Concentration
· White collar criminal defense
· Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
· Securities fraud
· Health care fraud
· Internal Investigations
· Corruption
· Campaign finance
· Financial institution fraud
· Medical ethics
· Commercial bribery
· Defense procurement fraud
· Bankruptcy fraud
· Computer fraud
· Criminal tax
· Regulatory matters
Significant Representations
· A large international pharmaceutical company relating to FCPA matters arising out of South American and European sales.
· Former head of state in connection with a multi-country fraud investigation focused on treaty violations and the FCPA.
· Prominent international company in the arms industry relating to a highly publicized FCPA undercover "sting" conducted by DOJ and the SEC collateral investigation.
· Multinational medical device company in connection with a federal fraud investigation resulting in charges brought against all investigated except this company and its employees.
· A major investment company relating to a high profile "pay to play" fraud investigation resulting in no action taken against the company or its employees.
· A CEO and President of a company with international scope relating to a comprehensive SEC investigation including insider trading.
· A President of a defense contractor who was under investigation for kickbacks to subcontractors resulting in no charges being brought.
· Successful dismissal with prejudice of an action brought by the SEC against the president of a fund relating to market timing and fraud.
· Successful defense of a businessman charged in a multi-defendant federal corruption case resulting in a one month jury trial. The businessman was the only defendant found not guilty on all counts.
· Representation of Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his associated companies in case involving the Russian government's takeover of YUKOS Oil Company and prosecution of its former CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his business partner Platon Lebedev on charges of fraud and tax evasion.
· Successful defense of a four year criminal investigation by the Department of Justice against large pipeline operator which experienced a rupture involving multiple deaths. Criminal prosecution was declined.
· Representation of a private company that was the object of a freezing order by Switzerland pursuant to a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. The order was ruled improper by the Swiss Court and in addition to releasing several billion dollars, the prosecutor was fined.
· Lead counsel on an internal investigation for an international privately held company resulting in the filing of a civil RICO action in federal court which successfully recovered over six million dollars including that from a former high level employee who was also criminally prosecuted and served significant prison time.
· High level executive targeted in a fraud scheme which resulted in several indictments and convictions after a three year federal investigation. No action was taken, civil or criminal, against this Fortune 500 executive and member of its board of directors.
· Sitting Congressman who was targeted in a long term federal investigation resulting in the indictments of his former chief of staff and a Washington lobbyist. No civil or criminal action was taken.
· Medical doctor targeted for fraud relating to a federal grant. No action taken by the government or the institution.
· Optometrist charged with fraud and larceny relating to the operation of several offices. His and his wife's case dismissed.
· Businessman and his company charged with violations of the Fraud and Kickback Statutes after a two year criminal investigation. His case was never prosecuted.
· A public agency which was the subject of a two year federal criminal investigation concerning its practices which resulted in indictments of two past board members for kickbacks and extortion. No action was taken against the agency in any forum.
Professional & Community Involvement
· Member, Massachusetts Bar Association
· Member, Boston Bar Association
· Past Director, Bowdoin Club of Boston
Awards & Recognition
· Listed, Marquis Who's Who in America
· Listed, Best Lawyers in America, 2006-2010
· Listed, "Massachusetts Super Lawyer - The Top 100," Massachusetts Super Lawyers, 2005 and 2006
· Awarded, "Best of Class," The Best of the U.S. LLC, 2007
· Lancaster Scholarship
· Massachusetts Sons of Italy - Law & Justice Award
· Numerous Prosecutorial Awards
· Rated, AV® Preeminent™ 5.0 out of 5
Noteworthy Experience
· Adjunct Professor, Advanced topics in criminal law, Suffolk University Law School, 1990-2002
· Lecturer, Introduction to Advocacy, Harvard Law School, 1993-1997
· Lecturer, Government Lawyer Course, Harvard Law School, 1989
Previous Employment
· United States Attorney, United States Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts, 1992-93
· Chief of Criminal Division; First Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorneys Office, District of Massachusetts, 1989-92
· Deputy Attorney General; Chief of the Criminal Bureau, Office of the Attorney General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1987-89
· Chief, Public Corruption Unit, United States Attorneys Office, District of Massachusetts, 1986-87
· Assistant United States Attorney, United States Attorneys Office, District of Massachusetts, 1981-86
· Chief, Public Integrity Unit, Office of the Attorney General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1981
· Special Commission Concerning State and County Buildings, Office of the Attorney General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1978-1981
· Assistant District Attorney, Office of the District Attorney - Norfolk County, 1975-1978
Articles, Publications, & Lectures
Articles
· Written articles for Boston Globe OP-ED, Boston Business Journal and Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers
Lectures
· Lecturer, Department of Justice - Conducted seminars involving public corruption and economic crimes
· Panelist/Lecturer, Massachusetts Bar and Boston Bar Associations on numerous subjects pertaining to criminal law
· Numerous presentations to corporate counsel on may topics including, ethics, environmental crimes, the Economic Espionage Act, health care fraud and corporate compliance programs
· Presentation to the Massachusetts Medical Society on Health Care Fraud