Julia Coleman represents clients in a wide range of litigation matters, including criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings. As an experienced trial lawyer, she has served in lead roles in high-profile, complex criminal and civil matters in both state and federal courts. Julia has also served as lead counsel in mediations before administrative agencies and in federal court.
Outside of the courtroom, Julia represents corporate and individual clients in grand jury investigations and internal investigations, and frequently advises on regulatory inquiries initiated by agencies including the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, and Offices of the Inspector General. Julia has particular experience representing executives, professionals, and companies in healthcare, technology, and international business in cases involving the False Claims Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the Kingpin Act, and other complex federal statutes.
Julia’s commitment to excellence has been recognized by the legal community. In 2025, Julia was recognized by Chambers & Partners in Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, USA Guide for the District of Columbia, and was described as “an incredible lawyer.” After being recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers from 2020 through 2022, she was ranked by Super Lawyers in 2024 for Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: White Collar, and Civil Litigation: Defense. Julia was also honored as “One to Watch” by Best Lawyers in America® U.S. News & World Report from 2021 through 2023 and has been recognized for her experience in Criminal Defense since 2024.
- Obtained a full acquittal as co-counsel for a former senior executive at an international broadcasting company charged in the FIFA bribery case, following an eight-week jury trial.*
- Co-counsel for an emissions engineer in a U.S. Department of Justice investigation of allegations that a multinational automotive manufacturer implemented software to defeat U.S. emissions tests in hundreds of thousands of the manufacturer’s “clean diesel” vehicles.*
- Co-counsel for a former telephone company executive charged with defrauding the Federal Lifeline telephone program out of more than $32 million. On the eve of what was expected to be an eight-week trial, the U.S. Department of Justice dismissed all charges against the client.*
- Co-counsel in the U.S. Department of Justice’s first standalone prosecution for violations under the Kingpin Act.*
- Obtained declination of prosecution as co-counsel for an executive of a global healthcare services and products company in a Federal opioid investigation.*
- Co-counsel for an internal investigation of a publicly traded company’s CEO, with findings reported to the Audit Committee.*
- Appointment by federal judge as co-counsel for an indigent client charged with multiple serious offenses. Secured motion to dismiss in an issue of first impression for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, removing the possibility of a mandatory life sentence. After a 12-week jury trial, the client was acquitted on most charges.*
- Co-counsel for a defendant in the first trial of individuals charged with conspiracy, felony rioting, and destruction of property following the January 2017 Inauguration of Donald J. Trump, resulting in acquittals for all defendants.*
- Co-counsel for an Am Law 200 international law firm in a discrimination lawsuit by a former employee. The case was dismissed with prejudice before the plaintiff’s deposition, with no remuneration.*
- Co-counsel for an officer and executive of a national healthcare provider in depositions pursuant to civil investigative demands issued by the U.S. Department of Justice in a multi-state False Claims Act investigation.*
- Co-counsel for a former government official in a high-profile criminal case, achieving a reduced sentence for the client.*
*Experience handled prior to joining McGuireWoods.
- Selected for inclusion, The Best Lawyers in America, Criminal Defense: General Practice, 2026
- Selected for inclusion for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, District of Columbia, Chambers USA, 2025
- Selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers, 2024
- Selected to “Rising Stars,” Super Lawyers, 2020–2022