Nick Peterson

Nick is a trusted advisor to companies and executives confronting high-stakes government investigations, enforcement actions, and complex litigation. He counsels clients on potential civil and criminal exposure, whistleblower allegations, and sensitive ethics and compliance issues, guiding them through every stage of government scrutiny, including parallel civil and criminal proceedings.

Nick has extensive experience representing government contractors, multinational companies, nonprofit organizations, and senior executives in matters involving allegations of fraud, bribery and kickbacks, human trafficking, regulatory violations, and other malfeasance. He regularly defends clients in False Claims Act litigation and other complex disputes and represents companies in investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice and a range of federal enforcement and oversight agencies. Drawing on his prior experience as a federal special agent, Nick brings a practical, inside perspective to government investigations, helping clients anticipate enforcement strategies, manage risk, and navigate interactions with regulators and prosecutors.

In addition to his investigations and litigation practice, Nick serves as a strategic advisor to clients navigating complex regulatory and business challenges. He works closely with executives and in-house counsel to assess litigation and enforcement risk, evaluate potential exposure, and develop practical, business-oriented strategies to achieve favorable outcomes. This includes advising on whether and how to litigate, pursue resolution, or adopt alternative approaches to mitigate risk and protect broader business interests. He also counsels clients on commercial disputes, regulatory compliance questions, emerging technology issues, and broader governance and risk management issues. His practice spans a range of industries, including defense, environmental, aviation, health care, technology, and consumer products.

Nick is an active thought leader on the False Claims Act, government enforcement, whistleblower issues, and emerging areas of compliance. He regularly publishes articles and speaks at conferences, podcasts, and webinars, where he shares his insights.

Representative Matters

Litigation:

• Defended a facility operations and maintenance company in litigation involving alleged False Claims Act (FCA) violations arising from small business set-aside contracts.
• Represented a defense contractor in litigation involving alleged FCA, civil RICO, and human trafficking violations in Afghanistan and Kuwait.
• Defended a major defense contractor in FCA litigation arising from the death of an employee during a training exercise.
• Represented an IT company in litigation involving alleged FCA violations and retaliation claims brought by a former employee.
• Defended a translation and interpretation contractor in a putative class action involving the Defense Base Act (DBA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Represented pesticide companies in litigation challenging regulatory findings by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Investigations and Enforcement Actions:

• Represented a nuclear facility operator in parallel criminal and civil investigations involving whistleblower allegations of timekeeping fraud.
• Conducted an internal investigation for a defense contractor involving allegations of bribery, kickbacks, and potential Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations in Kuwait.
• Represented a defense contractor in a military investigation and related court-martial proceedings involving allegations of fraud.
• Represented an IT company in audits conducted by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) involving allegations of fraud.
• Represented a defense contractor in a Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) investigation concerning the performance of a U.S. government contract in Europe.
• Conducted an internal investigation for a major nonprofit organization in response to whistleblower allegations involving federal and state grants.
• Represented the COO of a global logistics company in parallel criminal and civil investigations involving alleged violations of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations.
• Represented multiple consumer product retailers in enforcement actions brought by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) involving the hazardous materials regulations.

Advice and Counseling:

• Advised a management consulting and technology firm on disputes involving nondisclosure and teaming agreements.
• Advised the president of a large fueling infrastructure company on enforcement, antitrust and related issues arising from ongoing litigation.
• Counseled the CEO of a government contractor on sensitive compliance and ethics issues involving competitors.
• Advised a foreign supermarket chain on regulatory compliance issues associated with entry into the U.S. market.
• Provided strategic advice to an investor group regarding potential fraud.
• Counseled film equipment manufacturer on internal policies, procedures, and compliance practices.

Professional Experience

• Special Agent (Hazardous Materials Specialist), Federal Aviation Administration (2002-2004)
• Civil Aviation Security Specialist, Special Agent, Transportation Security Administration (2002)

Affiliations

• Federal Bar Association (FBA), Qui Tam Section
• American Bar Association (ABA), White Collar Crime Committee, Business Law Section
• William B. Bryant American Inn of Court, Treasurer
• Board Member & Past President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (2017-Present)

Recognitions

• Named by The Legal 500 US a “Recommended Lawyer” in Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense (2019)
• Received 2015 Burton Award for Distinguished Legal Writing