Pat's practice focuses on criminal and civil enforcement proceedings and internal investigations. He has substantial experience in federal law enforcement, as well as international and national security matters. He also advises corporate clients on compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the ITAR, the EAR and OFAC regulations.
Pat spent 18 years in the Department of Justice (DOJ). He most recently served as Assistant Attorney General for National Security. In that Senate-confirmed position, Pat led the National Security Division (NSD), which was formally created by statute in 2006 to bring together all of DOJ's national security operations under a single authority. As part of his duties, he supervised the government's practice before the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court; the oversight of intelligence-collection activities; the coordinated nationwide counterterrorism enforcement program; the administration of the Foreign Agents Registration Act; and the oversight of all espionage investigations.
He also oversaw DOJ's review of foreign acquisitions of U.S. companies through the interagency Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). He previously served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the NSD, where he managed DOJ's national security investigations and prosecutions. In both positions, Pat was responsible for supervising all of DOJ's prosecutions of export violations.
As a result of his DOJ service, he has particular experience in the application of the material support statutes, the Arms Export Control Act, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, and statutes relating to economic espionage or disclosure of classified information. As the Principal Deputy, he directed the launch and implementation of a nationwide export enforcement initiative, an interagency effort to target the illegal export of sensitive technology and weapons components. Pat continued to lead this initiative as Assistant Attorney General.
Pat gained extensive courtroom experience while serving as an assistant U.S. attorney for more than 10 years in Washington, D.C. During his tenure, he handled more than 60 jury trials and a number of arguments before the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals and the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
Representation involving internal investigation of foreign financial institution in connection with potential violations of OFAC regulations relating to Iran Sanctions.
Counsel conducting FCPA compliance review of medical device manufacturer in connection with acquisition.
Representation of business owner criminally charged with violation of OFAC regulations relating to Iran Sanctions.
Representation of government sub-contractor facing civil False Claims Act litigation relating to kickback scheme conducted by employee of primary contractor.
Representation of Fortune 50 firm regarding compliance with OFAC sanctions in connection with overseas business opportunities in Africa.
Counsel to medical device manufacturer regarding potential FCPA violations in Eastern Europe.
Representation of European insurance executive in connection with criminal prosecution of international fraud scheme.
Counsel to U.S. subsidiary regarding ITAR compliance relating to information accessible to foreign parent company.
Representation of senior civilian government employee in connection with conflict of interest investigation conducted by the agency’s Inspector General.
Counsel conducting internal investigation of financial institution relating to compliance with immigration laws.
Representation of senior employee of large international oil-sector business in connection with DOJ investigation of potential violations of OFAC regulations relating to Iran Sanctions.
Counsel to foreign purchaser of U.S. telecommunications company in connection with CFIUS review.
Counsel to numerous U.S. businesses on compliance with ITAR, EAR and OFAC regulations in connection with international operations.
Counsel to Eastern European subsidiary of U.S.-based professional services firm regarding FCPA compliance.
Representation of healthcare executive in connection with investigation of kickbacks and false claims.
Counsel to domestic manufacturer of defense systems during CFIUS review of its acquisition by a European company.
Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers In America, Criminal Defense: White Collar, Woodward/White, Inc,, 2023
Named a "Local Litigation Star," Benchmark Litigation, 2018
Selected for inclusion as a "Leading Lawyer," Corporate Investigations And White-Collar Criminal Defense, Washington, D.C., Legal 500 US, 2017
Recipient, Director’s Award for Superior Performance as Assistant U.S. Attorney, Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys, 2005
Senior Litigation Counsel, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, 2001