Colin J. Cloherty

Colin is a former federal prosecutor and experienced trial attorney. Colin represents corporate and individual clients in complex criminal and civil government enforcement actions, internal investigations, regulatory enforcement actions, and administrative proceedings.

Representative Matters

• Tried fourteen jury and bench trials in Federal and local courts.

• Served as lead prosecutor through every phase of criminal litigation in hundreds of cases.

• Negotiated favorable settlement in government investigation and qui tam suit alleging False Claims Act violations.

• Represented an executive of a nonprofit organization in a Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) investigation.

• Represented a company responding to parallel investigations by United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
• Represented companies and individuals responding to investigations from the Department of Justice Antitrust Division relating to wire fraud and procurement fraud.
• Represented companies and individuals responding to subpoenas from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
• Conducted an internal investigation for a Fortune 100 company in response to a whistleblower’s False Claims Act allegations.
• Conducted internal investigation for a company in response to Inspector General's allegation of bid-rigging.
• Represented government contractor in civil litigation in contract dispute with a subcontractor that resulted in a favorable outcome.
• Represented company in trade secrets civil litigation and arbitration.
• Counseled a sports and media private-equity firm in compliance, governance, and transactional matters.
• Served as outside counsel to a youth sports company.
• Represented executive of company in Suspension and Debarment proceedings relating to violations of the Small Business Agency’s rules.
• Secured favorable jury verdict as lead counsel to a pro bono client in a landlord-tenant matter certified to the Civil Division of D.C. Superior Court.

Professional Experience

• Senior Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Columbia (2019-2024)
• Associate, Wiley Rein LLP (2016-2019)
• Judicial Intern, Honorable Richard D. Bennett, U.S. District Court, District of Maryland (2014)
• Legal Extern, U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Maryland (2014)
• Judicial Intern, Honorable Richard J. Leon, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia (2014)
• Tight End, National Football League (2009-2013)

• Atlanta Falcons (2013)
• Jacksonville Jaguars (2011-2012)
• San Francisco 49ers (2010-2011)
• Cleveland Browns (2009)
• Indianapolis Colts (2009-2010)

Affiliations

• Assistant United States Attorneys Association for D.C. (AUSAADC)
• Federal Bar Association, Washington, DC Chapter (Secretary)
• Sports Lawyers Association Member

Recognitions

• Two Special Achievements Award from the United States Attorney’s Office in 2023
• Special Act Award from the United States Attorney’s Office in 2020
• Included in The Best Lawyers in America directory of “Ones to Watch” for Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026)