James McGovern

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.

His trial practice spans critical areas of corporate enforcement and litigation, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, Bank Secrecy Act, financial fraud, insider trading, antitrust, sanctions, money laundering, healthcare fraud, and cybersecurity. Jim’s ability to navigate these issues with precision and confidence makes him a go-to resource for companies and individuals under scrutiny. Jim has been described as “hard charging”, “not afraid to pick a fight”, and “incredibly effective” in his practice. (Chambers USA 2025 – market commentary). His ability to “see around corners” has been recognized in the industry as well. (Chambers USA 2025 – market commentary).

Before joining private practice, Jim served as Chief of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, where he led landmark prosecutions, including major bank investigations and the FIFA corruption cases. He also supervised EDNY’s Business and Securities Fraud Section and previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Washington, D.C., and an Assistant District Attorney in New York City.

Jim’s distinguished career has earned him numerous honors, including the DOJ Director’s Award for Superior Performance, the NYPD Detective’s Endowment Association “Person of the Year,” the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation’s “Prosecutor of the Year,” and the National Association of Former U.S. Attorneys’ Exceptional Service Award. In 2017, The American Lawyer named him one of its “Lateral All Stars.”