Nicholas B. Johnson

Former Prosecutor
Sr. Attorney

Nicholas B. Johnson is a former prosecutor who brings his extensive trial experience and sharp advocacy skills to clients facing complex federal civil and criminal matters, including government investigations, white-collar prosecutions, and political financial compliance issues. Mr. Johnson has built a national practice defending corporations, executives, and individuals in sensitive, high-stakes cases.

Criminal and Civil Litigation Experience

Mr. Johnson is a seasoned trial attorney with deep experience leading complex litigation, including federal criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions. As a prosecutor in California for over a decade, he directed some of the state’s most significant investigations — including the prosecution of the largest financial fraud scheme in California history — and successfully tried over 45 jury trials ranging from gang violence to political corruption.

Since entering private practice, Mr. Johnson has served as lead counsel in numerous major federal cases, defending clients in:

• Wire fraud and mail fraud prosecutions
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) enforcement actions
• False Claims Act (FCA) whistleblower and government-initiated suits
• Medical and Medicaid fraud investigations
• Civil Investigative Demands (CID) responses
• IRS criminal tax investigations
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) enforcement matters
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) civil and administrative proceedings
• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) violations
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigations
• Federal property crimes, forfeiture actions, and asset recovery disputes

Mr. Johnson is known for his hands-on approach, serving as the lead attorney and principal strategist in all stages of investigation, litigation, and trial. He is particularly skilled at coordinating parallel proceedings across multiple federal agencies, managing high-volume discovery, negotiating with enforcement authorities, and litigating against aggressive government tactics.

Background in Political and Strategic Communications

Before becoming an attorney, Mr. Johnson worked in political campaigns and strategic communications, serving on the staffs of multiple U.S. Senate and House of Representatives races and with organizations such as the California Chamber of Commerce. This experience gives him a unique advantage when navigating politically sensitive investigations and media-intensive cases.

Education and Accolades

Mr. Johnson earned his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law, where he was awarded The Order of the Barrister for excellence in courtroom advocacy as a member of the Moot Court and Mock Trial teams. He graduated summa cum laude from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Admissions

Mr. Johnson is licensed to practice law in California, Alaska, and before the Montana State Bar, as well as admitted to practice before numerous federal courts.