John L. Brownlee

John L. Brownlee is a seasoned litigation attorney with a strong record in white collar defense, False Claims Act litigation, and federal investigations. He has represented corporate clients, executives, and public officials in complex civil and criminal matters involving fraud, corruption, and regulatory violations. His work includes high-stakes trials and congressional inquiries.

John earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Washington and Lee University before obtaining his Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School. He served as a law clerk for a federal judge and later held a Top Secret/SCI clearance while in the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General Corps. He is licensed to practice in Virginia and the District of Columbia.

John spent more than a decade at the U.S. Department of Justice, including service as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. His landmark prosecution of a pharmaceutical company for misbranding OxyContin gained national recognition and was featured in the Hulu series “Dopesick.” He has handled numerous federal court cases to verdict.

John has led defense efforts for high-profile clients, including Fortune 10 executives, government contractors, healthcare organizations, and nonprofit leaders. He has defended against claims involving the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, export control laws, and healthcare fraud. His strategic guidance has resulted in favorable outcomes, including dismissals, settlements without liability, and minimal penalties.

John is active in professional and civic organizations, including membership in the National Association of Former United States Attorneys and board service at William & Mary. His excellence has been recognized in Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers in America, and he has received DOJ and IRS commendations for his work.

John L. Brownlee continues to provide trusted counsel in white collar matters, investigations, and regulatory defense. With decades of experience in both prosecution and defense, he brings unmatched insight and skill to clients navigating government scrutiny and complex legal disputes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Holland & Knight LLP
• Member, Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference
• Member, The Edward Bennett Williams American Inn of Court
• Member, National Association of Former United States Attorneys
• Board of Directors, Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce
• Board of Governors, Virginia State Bar, Criminal Law Section

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• Virginia

Education

• William & Mary Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Washington and Lee University
  BS in Business Administration & Accounting

Awards & Badges