Vinson & Elkins announced today it has expanded its nationally recognized Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practice with the addition of New York-based partner Jim McGovern. McGovern joins the firm from Hogan Lovells.
Prior to Hogan Lovells, he served as the Chief of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY), where he supervised major bank investigations and the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) prosecutions. He also supervised the EDNY’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. He also served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., and as an Assistant District Attorney in New York City. He has more than 30 years of federal and state courtroom experience in New York and Washington, D.C., and in private practice has focused on defending corporations and individuals in criminal and civil government investigations and litigation, as well as regulatory compliance.
“Jim’s exceptional skills and experience make him a high-demand practitioner,” said Michael Holmes, Vice Chair of Vinson & Elkins. “As an attorney renowned for his impressive track record and commitment to clients, Jim’s capabilities complement our current Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practice. His addition reinforces our commitment to maintaining one of the country’s leading investigations and white-collar defense practices.”
“Jim’s background and unique skills align well with the culture of the firm and our commitment to our market-leading white collar defense practice,” said Michael Dry, Co-chair of Vinson & Elkins’ Government Investigations & White Collar Criminal Defense practice. “Jim’s experience in government enforcement issues includes more than 70 criminal and civil jury trials, covering cases involving financial fraud, insider trading, sanctions, money laundering, and cybersecurity, and he has earned a reputation as a trusted adviser.”
“Vinson & Elkins has built an incredible reputation and track record over the years, and I’ve been impressed with the firm’s commitment to client service. I look forward to leveraging my experience and joining the team of talented attorneys in the white collar and investigations practice,” said McGovern.
McGovern received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Siena College and his Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. In 2015, he received the DOJ’s Director’s Award for Superior Performance by an Assistant U.S. Attorney; in 2013, he received the New York Police Department Detective’s Endowment Association’s “Person of the Year” and the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation’s “Prosecutor of the Year” awards; and, in 2016, he received the Exceptional Service Award presented by the National Association of Former U.S. Attorneys.
The Government Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practice at Vinson & Elkins is widely recognized nationally and internationally in Chambers USA, Legal 500 U.S., and Global Investigations Review 100. The firm represents corporations, audit committees, boards, and executives in high-stakes investigations and litigation, including matters involving criminal and civil antitrust investigations, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the False Claims Act, securities, health care, and criminal and civil theft of trade secrets. With a team of former federal prosecutors and defense lawyers experienced in conducting internal investigations and representing corporations, executives, and boards, Vinson & Elkins provides clients with valuable advice to find practical and appropriate solutions in connection with investigations and white collar cases.
