Overview
Shamis Beckley focuses her practice on complex civil litigation, white-collar criminal defense, government investigations, and appellate matters. She regularly represents healthcare and other companies, including physicians’ groups, medical device manufacturers, and private equity firms in government investigations and qui tam litigation under the False Claims Act and related statutes. She advises clients concerning all aspects of civil and criminal investigations relating to government billing and contracting issues, including managing broad civil investigative demands and subpoenas.
In addition, Shamis represents clients in securities investigations and enforcement actions, and provides legal guidance on anti-corruption and corporate governance matters, including compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the False Claims Act.
Shamis also has an active pro bono practice. She has previously represented a single mother accused of violating Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933 for selling unregistered securities, advocated on behalf of two children fleeing gang violence in El Salvador, and represented a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of survivors of human trafficking and sex slavery. In 2019, she successfully represented a pro bono client in a week-long Hague Convention child custody trial in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts. A year later, Shamis defended the district court decision, arguing the appeal before the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and securing another victory for her client.
Prior to joining McDermott, Shamis served as law clerk for the Honorable O. Rogeriee Thompson of the US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and the Honorable Denise J. Casper of the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts. While in law school, she was a legal intern in the Economic Crimes Unit of the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Results
- Successfully advocated on behalf of numerous clients in persuading prosecutors and enforcement agencies to decline the bring charges or intervene
- Defended numerous qui tam cases on behalf of manufacturers, providers, and health systems
- Successfully resolved all claims against a publicly traded bank that was sued under RICO for providing banking services to a medical marijuana dispensary.
- Obtained a favorable resolution of a putative class action in federal court alleging violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Community
- US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, Advisory Committee on Rules
- Harvard Law School Association Black Alumni Network, Board Member
- McDermott Will & Emery, Professional Development Outstanding Mentor Award, 2019
Credentials
Education
Harvard Law School, JD, 2012
New York University, BFA, 2002
Admissions
District of Columbia
Massachusetts
Virginia
