Lawrence is an experienced trial attorney who represents corporate and individual clients in a range of government enforcement actions, internal investigations, and litigation. He has advised clients across major industry sectors, including health care, energy, financial services, and professional services, facing inquiries by the DOJ, SEC, and various state regulators. Lawrence is a sought-after trial attorney, with significant experience trying cases to verdict in federal and state courts. His experience serving in leadership roles in both federal law enforcement and in private practice is a benefit to clients who seek practical advice and efficient resolutions.

Lawrence most recently served as acting U.S. attorney and first assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, where he led an office of approximately 100 federal prosecutors and staff, overseeing nearly all federal criminal and civil cases involving the U.S. filed in the district. In these leadership roles, Lawrence oversaw a broad range of criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions involving securities fraud, financial reporting and other financial fraud, bribery, Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering violations, and False Claims Act matters. He also managed an active criminal and civil caseload, including matters involving public corruption, fraud, and violations of the False Claims Act related to health care and government contracting.

Previously, Lawrence was a partner at another major law firm, where he defended clients in government actions, internal investigations, civil litigation, regulatory enforcement, and white collar criminal defense matters. Lawrence’s early career included serving as an assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, where he led complex investigations and prosecutions involving money laundering, and health care fraud. He also served as assistant district attorney in Wake County, North Carolina, where he prosecuted cases ranging from drunk driving to homicide.

White Collar Defense

• Defended an immigration attorney against fraud and false statement charges brought by U.S. Attorney’s Office.
• Represented a former in-house counsel and accounting executive of a publicly traded company as witnesses in parallel civil and criminal investigations by SEC and DOJ into accounting fraud related to revenue recognition.
• Represented a medical practice in connection with inquiries by state medical board and the Drug Enforcement Administration related to the handling of controlled substances.
• Assisted a major technology company in moving to quash allegedly defective search warrant for customer information.

Investigations

• Conducted internal investigation for a financial institution arising from an executive’s arrest on federal bank bribery charges.
• Conducted internal investigation for a federal defense contractor regarding allegations of whistleblower retaliation.
• Conducted internal investigation for a large public health organization to determine compliance with corporate integrity agreement.
• Conducted internal investigation for a financial institution related to whistleblower complaint regarding internal controls involving Anti-Money Laundering safeguards.
• Represented a financial institution in Congressional inquiry regarding compliance with provisions of the CARES Act.

Litigation and Regulatory Matters

• Defended a company in a state ethics board investigation regarding financial payments to public employees.
• Defended partners and associates of a “Big Four” accounting firm against allegations of wrongdoing by state licensing board.
• Represented a large energy company in a plaintiff-side civil lawsuit in federal court against a contractor and subcontractor alleging fraud, negligence, and breach of contract in connection with construction project.