Julia Coleman is a Chambers-ranked lawyer and trusted advisor to clients facing their most consequential disputes. She represents individuals and companies in complex criminal, civil, and administrative matters, bringing deep courtroom experience, strategic judgment, and a steady hand to high-stakes cases in state and federal courts. Whether serving in lead roles at trial, guiding clients through all stages of litigation, or responding to government scrutiny, Julia is known for quickly mastering complicated facts and translating sprawling records into clear, persuasive advocacy.
Julia’s practice is centered on complex trials, government investigations, and sensitive enforcement matters. She represents corporate and individual clients in grand jury investigations, internal investigations, and regulatory inquiries involving 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. Her work spans matters involving the False Claims Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the Kingpin Act, and other complex federal statutes, with particular experience representing executives, professionals, and companies in the healthcare, technology, and international business sectors.
Clients turn to Julia not only for her advocacy, but also for her ability to guide them through moments of uncertainty and risk. She is deeply committed to client care and views her role as both advocate and advisor, helping clients understand the stakes, make informed decisions, and navigate difficult circumstances with confidence. Her approach combines rigorous preparation, practical judgment, and a relentless focus on the details that can shape the outcome of a case.
Julia’s skill and experience have been consistently recognized by the legal community. In 2025 and 2026, Chambers & Partners ranked her in Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations in the USA Guide for the District of Columbia, describing her as “an incredible lawyer.” Julia’s clients and peers also noted that she is “outstanding,” “extraordinarily smart and hard working,” and highlighted that she “masters the facts in a case at a moment’s notice and is able to respond to whatever arguments the government makes.”
Julia has also been recognized by Super Lawyers, which named her a Rising Star from 2020 through 2022 and ranked her in 2024 for Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: White Collar, and Civil Litigation: Defense. Best Lawyers in America® recognized Julia as “One to Watch” from 2021 through 2023, and she 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.
Insights
- Author, FAR Council Issues Implementation Guidance for Executive Order 14398: New DEI Contract Clause Requirements for Federal Contractors, Subject to Inquiry, April 22, 2026
- Selected for inclusion, The Best Lawyers in America, Criminal Defense: General Practice, 2026
- Selected for inclusion in Leading Lawyers, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, District of Columbia, Chambers USA, 2025, 2026
- Selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers, 2024
- Selected to “Rising Stars,” Super Lawyers, 2020–2022