ABA Health Law Section Chair Joins Sheppard Mullin's Government Contracts, Investigations & International Trade and Healthcare Practices
David L. Douglass, Chair of the ABA Health Law Section, has joined the Washington, D.C. office of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP as a partner in the firm's Government Contracts, Investigations & International Trade practice group and the firm’s Healthcare practice. Douglass joins Sheppard Mullin from Shook, Hardy & Bacon in Washington, D.C., where he co-chaired the firm’s Government Enforcement & Compliance group.
As a false claims act and white collar criminal defense trial lawyer, Douglass’ practice focuses on defending companies and corporate executives facing criminal investigations as well as civil and regulatory government enforcement actions. A former federal prosecutor, he has been lead trial counsel in over 20 trials in federal courts. Among Douglass’ trial accomplishments are a verdict for his client, Health Care Services Corporation, in antitrust litigation and his successful defense of the first False Claims Act lawsuit brought against a private contractor, Custer Battles LLC, for work performed for the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq.
Douglass is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Fellowship is extended by invitation only and only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Membership in the College cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province.
"David brings a wealth of false claims and white collar trial experience, as well as healthcare industry knowledge, to our nationally recognized Government Contracts and Investigations practice group. He is a well-respected and tremendously talented litigation expert and an excellent fit for the firm," said Guy N. Halgren, chairman of Sheppard Mullin.
"I am pleased to welcome David to the D.C. office. We have one of the best government regulatory practices in the nation, and David further strengthens our healthcare enforcement and compliance capabilities," said Anne Bluth Perry, practice group co-chair of Sheppard Mullin's Government Contracts, Investigations & International Trade practice group.
"Sheppard Mullin is a top-tier, full-service firm and I am thrilled to join the D.C. office. The strength and breadth of Sheppard Mullin's national health care practice is very impressive, as is firm management's commitment to continuing to grow this practice in D.C.," Douglass commented.
Douglass is the founding editor of the Compliance and Enforcement Register, a resource for compliance professionals and in-house counsel to track and discuss evolving compliance standards and enforcement policies. He is also on the Advisory Board of the Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession, a non-profit association that aims to acknowledge, understand, and address the reality of diversity in today’s legal profession.
Douglass received his J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1985 and a B.A. from Yale University in 1981.
Sheppard Mullin's Government Contracts, Investigations & International Trade practice group includes 50 attorneys firmwide, the firm’s Healthcare practice includes 70 attorneys firmwide, and the firm has 50 attorneys based in its Washington, D.C. office.