A. John Pappalardo focuses his international practice on federal white collar criminal defense, representing corporations and individuals in federal and international investigations. With 45 years of litigation experience, he represents clients in matters relating to FCPA issues, SEC investigations, fraud, banking investigations including money laundering, insider trading, RICO, global anticorruption, and other white collar crimes. John’s clients include numerous corporations and businesses, attorneys, U.S. Congressmen, medical doctors, members of the federal judiciary, and three former or current foreign heads of state. John 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. He currently represents and has represented
Fortune 500 companies in connection with their business dealings on five continents. Additionally, John represents companies and their boards of directors, including structuring and conducting internal investigations, developing compliance guidelines, and implementing compliance programs.
Prior to joining the firm, John was the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts and a Commissioner of the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission.
Concentrations
•White collar criminal defense •Foreign Corrupt Practices Act •Anti-money laundering •Internal investigations •Securities fraud •Health care fraud and abuse •Public corruption •Campaign finance •Financial institution fraud •Medical ethics •Commercial bribery •Defense procurement fraud •Bankruptcy fraud •Computer fraud •Criminal tax •Regulatory matters
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Honoree, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, 'Hall of Fame,' 2025 •Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Litigation - Securities, 2006-2026 •Team Member, a Law360 “Environmental Practice Group of the Year,” 2022 •Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Massachusetts Super Lawyers, 2004-2024 •'Top 100 Lawyers in Massachusetts,' 2004-2005 •Listed, Boston magazine, 'Top Lawyers - Criminal Defense White Collar,' 2022-2024 •Listed, The Legal 500 United States, 2016-2019 •Team Member, U.S. News - Best Lawyers, Best Law Firms Edition, 'Law Firm of the Year,' Environmental Law, 2016 •Awarded, 'Best of Class,' The Best of the U.S. LLC, 2007 •Listed, Who's Who in America •Received, 'Law & Justice' Award, Massachusetts Sons of Italy •Rated, AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5.0