Jake is an award-winning former federal prosecutor who represents companies and individuals in government investigations, white collar defense, complex litigation, and regulatory matters. He pairs first-chair trial experience with appellate advocacy in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. He led high-profile investigations and trials as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Middle District of North Carolina, including financial crime, cybercrime, and transnational organized crime matters with more than $20 million at stake.
At McGuireWoods, Jake advises clients at every stage of investigations and litigation, from responding to agency subpoenas to preparing witnesses and strategy for trial. He guides responses to DOJ investigations into corporate policies through phased internal reviews, development of agency presentations, and coordinated productions, turning complex investigative demands into practical, business-focused processes. He conducts internal investigations to help clients meet obligations under non-prosecution agreements and consent orders and advises on voluntary self-disclosure strategies, aligning findings with remediation plans and post-resolution obligations. He also counsels financial institutions on regulatory inquiries and criminal investigations and addresses evolving requests from enforcement agencies. Drawing on extensive trial and appellate experience, Jake brings practical judgment and litigation fluency to all matters, helping clients stay ahead of enforcement actions.
Recognized for excellence nearly every year of his government service — including a national Federal Prosecutor of the Year honor from a federal law enforcement agency and several OCDETF “Case of the Year” distinctions — Jake brings discipline and calm under pressure, shaped by his service as a Marine Corps Reserve officer and legal advisor. He is part of McGuireWoods’ nationally recognized Government Investigations & White Collar Litigation Department, honored by Law360 as a Practice Group of the Year, and he draws on the firm’s deep bench to resolve high-stakes matters efficiently and credibly.
- Represented a Fortune 500 company in an anti-money-laundering and Bank Secrecy Act investigation by the DOJ and FinCEN.
- Represented a Fortune 500 company in a DOJ investigation into workplace policies.
- Advised a national bank responding to FDIC and SBA inquiries.
- Represented a regional bank in investigations into lending practices.
- Conducted an internal compliance investigation for a company in a highly regulated industry to align investigative findings with remediation plans.
- Supported compliance-monitor reporting and assessed post-conviction relief strategies for a publicly traded life sciences company.
- Successfully defended a U.S. service member in a nationally scrutinized matter, resulting in no charges.*
- As an AUSA, led jury trials and briefed and argued appeals in the Fourth Circuit.*
- As sole federal prosecutor, led a multi-year, 38-defendant money laundering and drug trafficking conspiracy matter from investigation through prosecution, dismantling a large criminal enterprise.*
- Led investigations into network intrusions and digital currency laundering schemes, coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies.*
- Tried and won jury cases and defended results on appeal, drafting briefs and arguing before the Fourth Circuit.*
* Experience prior to joining McGuireWoods
Insights
- Author, Developed and delivered curricula in criminal law as an adjunct law professor, 2022-2025,
- Exceptional Prosecutorial Partnership Award, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, 2025
- Case of the Year, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, Middle District of North Carolina, 2022, 2023