Overview
James M. Commons focuses his practice on white-collar and securities defense, government and corporate internal investigations, and complex civil litigation. James has represented corporations and executives in a variety of civil and criminal matters arising under the federal securities laws, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the federal mail and wire fraud statutes, and False Claims Act. He has extensive experience conducting sensitive internal investigations and has assisted clients in augmenting their internal compliance programs. He also maintains an active pro bono practice.
Results
- Lead the defense of a government contractor accused of violating campaign finance laws and accessing confidential information without authorization
- Represented a corporate executive in a criminal investigation relating to a vehicle manufacturer’s safety recall
- Represented a corporate executive in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation into potential securities fraud relating to sales of collateralized debt obligations
- Represented a corporate executive in an SEC investigation into potential securities fraud relating to mortgage-backed securities offerings
- Represented a steel fabricator in a US Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into possible mail and wire fraud
- Achieved a significant victory on behalf of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Nonviolent Change, in a civil action that would have prevented the nonprofit center from using Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, name, image or likeness
Recognitions
- Benchmark Litigation, 40 & Under Hot List and Future Leader, 2017-2020
Credentials
Education
University of Virginia School of Law, JD, 2006
University of Virginia, BS, 2003
Admissions
District of Columbia
Virginia
