David I. Sharfstein
Senior Associate, Washington, D.C., Baltimore
Email david.sharfstein@hoganlovells.com
Phone +1 202 637 5739 (Washington, D.C.) +1 410 659 2721 (Baltimore)
Fax +1 202 637 5910 (Washington, D.C.) +1 410 659 2701 (Baltimore)
Practice groupLitigation
A former Trial Attorney and Assistant U.S. Attorney with the Department of Justice (DOJ), David Sharfstein applies courtroom and investigations experience to deliver straightforward and practical legal advice to the firm's clients.
David conducts internal investigations and represents both corporate and individual clients in complex criminal and civil litigation. He has represented clients involved in investigations and enforcement actions brought by the DOJ, the SEC, and other domestic and foreign enforcement agencies, with a particular focus in matters involving the False Claims Act (FCA), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). David is also a key contact at the firm for matters involving tax controversies, including criminal investigations, and he regularly counsels clients on a range of compliance issues.
David previously served with distinction for six years as a federal prosecutor. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, David prosecuted and investigated a wide variety of fraud, public corruption, money laundering, and organized crime cases. He received the U.S. Attorney's Award for Excellence in Prosecution of Fraud and the U.S. Attorney's Award for Excellence in Prosecution of Organized Crime, and he served as the office's Election Fraud Coordinator. David originally joined DOJ through the Attorney General's Honors Program as a prosecutor in the Tax Division, where he investigated and prosecuted tax shelter, tax evasion, and false claims cases. David has tried complex federal cases before juries in the District of Maryland, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia), and the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria), and he has litigated appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Before joining DOJ, David clerked for the Honorable Richard D. Bennett of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.
David is active in the firm's pro bono program, currently serving as trial counsel to a firm client whose now-vacated conviction was publicly profiled in the popular podcast Serial. David also served as counsel to an NGO that successfully pushed for new legislation in Virginia to protect underage children from forced marriages.
Education and admissions
Education
J.D., University of Maryland School of Law, cum laude, Order of the Barristers, 2007
B.S., Cornell University, 2003
Memberships
Board of Directors, Maryland Chapter of Federal Bar Association
Member, Criminal Justice Act Felony Panel for the District of Maryland
Bar admissions and qualifications
District of Columbia
Maryland
Court admissions
U.S. District Court, District of Maryland
U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit
Representative experience
Representing numerous leading companies in the food industry and executives in connection with civil and criminal enforcement investigations under the FDCA and FCA
Counsel to multinational technology company conducting internal investigations into potential FCPA and UK Bribery Act violations
Conducts internal investigations for companies in financial, life sciences, food, technology, and telecommunications sectors.
Counseled one of the world's largest international food companies regarding international compliance issues
Represents individuals involved in criminal and civil investigations and litigation
Represented leading international data analytics company in FCPA investigations by both DOJ and SEC, resulting in declinations by both agencies
Represented leading life sciences company through discovery and settlement in nationwide False Claims Act qui tam litigation
Represented multinational technology company and subsidiary in False Claims Act qui tam action, resulting in complete dismissal prior to discovery
Represents telecommunications company in False Claims Act qui tam action
