Pamela L Johnston

Experience

Clients facing investigations by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and other agencies turn to Pamela Johnston for her sound judgment developed over the past 18 years as a defense lawyer at Foley. Informed by her extensive trial experience, successful handling of various types of fraud and corruption investigations, depth in the area of parallel False Claims Act (FCA) and criminal investigations, and her understanding of the criminal system and ability to navigate effectively that system on behalf of her clients, clients value her ability to defend them effectively in court when required. She is a partner in the firm’s Government Enforcement Defense & Investigations, Securities Enforcement & Litigation, and the Health Care and Life Sciences Sector. She leads the firm’s False Claims Act Health Care Working Group.

Pam represents companies and individuals in investigations and cases involving the False Claims Act (FCA), health care fraud, complex criminal laws, the Bank Secrecy Act, and SEC/DOJ securities issues. She is an experienced trial lawyer who has tried more than 30 cases in federal and state courts, and who has written more than 60 federal appellate briefs. Pam honed her trial skills during her 14 years as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA), ending her DOJ tenure in the Los Angeles United States Attorney’s Office as a Deputy Chief of the Major Frauds Section. She began that tenure as a civil AUSA, prosecuting FCA, FIRREA, and forfeiture cases. Pam is well-known as a Los Angeles insider-trading and health care lawyer. Pam also represents companies in complex commercial disputes.

According to Chambers USA, clients and market sources describe Pam as a “‘really fine lawyer’ who particularly stands out for her ‘tremendous insight’ into the strategies of government agencies.” They also say she is “very strong and very effective,” “extremely knowledgeable and experienced,” and has “impeccable judgment.”

Pam has “strong litigation credentials and expertise” in False Claims Act cases and a “range of white-collar criminal matters, including securities enforcement.” A client noted, “I was very pleased with her availability to promptly get back to me anytime, day or night,” adding, “she has great judgment and is tough when she needs to be.”