William J. Harrington

William J. Harrington is a distinguished partner at Goodwin, based in New York, with a litigation practice that spans government enforcement, white-collar defense, and complex dispute resolution. Recognized by Chambers USA and Benchmark Litigation, he is praised for his sharp analytical skills, courtroom acumen, and strategic client advocacy across financial services and healthcare sectors.

Mr. Harrington earned both his Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts from Yale, receiving his JD from Yale Law School in 1999 and graduating magna cum laude from Yale College in 1995. During law school, he served as an editor of the Yale Law Journal and won the Potter Stewart Prize in moot court. He later clerked for the Honorable Sidney H. Stein and the Honorable Chester J. Straub in the federal judiciary.

Before joining Goodwin in 2012, Mr. Harrington served as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York. There, he focused on prosecuting corruption, financial fraud, and healthcare fraud. He played a leading role in landmark cases involving bribery, international money laundering, and fraudulent Medicare billing schemes.

At Goodwin, Mr. Harrington co-heads the Financial Services Disputes & Investigations and Healthcare Government Enforcement practice groups. His representative matters include defending clients in SEC investigations, False Claims Act cases and advising on compliance strategies. He also maintains a robust appellate advocacy profile and has been consistently recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, Legal 500, and LMG Life Sciences.

Committed to public service, Mr. Harrington previously co-chaired Goodwin’s Pro Bono Committee. He has represented clients in civil rights and access-to-justice cases, expanding his impact beyond corporate litigation. Fluent in Spanish, he also broadens his advocacy to multilingual contexts, making him an asset in international and cross-border legal matters.

William J. Harrington continues to influence the legal field through frequent publications in the New York Law Journal, offering thought leadership on enforcement trends, healthcare fraud risks, and financial regulations. His dedication to legal excellence and ethical advocacy defines his respected career.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Goodwin Procter LLP
• Member, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
• Member, U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York

Licensed State

• New York

Education

• Yale Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Yale College
  BA with Magna Cum Laude

Awards & Badges