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Julia S. Kopcienski

Julia S. Kopcienski

Associate
Overview

Julia defends individual and corporate white collar clients facing criminal and civil investigations, particularly in the government contracts space.

After beginning her career handling litigation and transactional needs for government contractors, Julia represented an individual whose small business was facing allegations of fraud on a federal government contract. Fascinated by the intersection of white collar matters and complex government contracts issues, she delved further into white collar law, going on to participate in large-scale corporate investigations, both self-directed and in response to government investigations and inquiries. Her representative matters have involved a wide range of issues and industries for clients in the government contracts space and beyond, including healthcare, technology and manufacturing, aerospace and defense firms, a mining company in the aftermath of a massive environmental disaster, energy contractors, financial technology companies, and large and small financial institutions and banks. Julia has represented clients before DOJ headquarters and regional offices, the SEC, FINRA, state Attorney Generals’ offices, and other regulatory and enforcement agencies.

Today, Julia works on a broad range of white collar and government contracts matters, supporting clients through the entire contracting life cycle, from bidding, award and administration to potential federal investigation and prosecution. Julia advises clients on FAR and DFARS compliance and contract administration matters, including complex claims and disputes. She defends contractors, commercial firms, and individuals against allegations of False Claims Act violations, healthcare fraud, government contracting fraud, accounting and tax fraud, securities fraud, FINRA and SEC regulatory violations, racketeering, wire and mail fraud, money laundering, and other wrongdoing.

First drawn to these cases by their human element and the very real and personal consequences faced by clients, Julia understands how essential federal government contracts can be to the clients whose businesses rely on them. She understands the challenges that come with navigating these contracts and knows that the investigations that can sometimes arise from them are unsettling, unfamiliar, and uniquely stressful. Clients appreciate Julia’s empathy and personal touch, which allow her to guide clients through these often lengthy and overwhelming disputes.

Industry

Services

Education

  • J.D., George Washington University Law School
  • M.A., George Washington University Graduate School of Education & Human Development
  • B.S. and B.A., Loyola University Chicago

Admissions

  • Virginia
  • Ohio
  • District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Women’s White Collar Defense Association
  • Federal Bar Association
2024 Pro Bono Contributor
Experience
  • Responded to government inquiries by DOJ, SEC, and other regulatory and enforcement agencies, including coordinating and managing extensive document review and production processes in response to federal subpoenas from various agencies.
  • Represented corporate and individual clients in industries such as banking, healthcare, and fintech in all aspects of government investigations, prosecution, and related ancillary matters including civil litigation.
  • Counseled government contracts clients in criminal and civil fraud and false claims prosecutions, audits, and related internal investigations.
  • Advised clients regarding corporate compliance reform efforts, monitorships, and FCPA and fraud risks, including by developing robust compliance training to educate and support firms that were participating in government contracts for the first time or looking to enhance and strengthen existing compliance programs.
  • Represented clients in resolution of government contracts and construction disputes, including related to cost accounting issues, technology, cyber security, and other regulatory issues related to FAR or DFARS requirements.
  • Advocated for large defense contractor involved in a multi-year claims litigation with federal government customer and subcontractor stemming from a request for equitable adjustment based on claims that the scope of the work had changed significantly over the life of the contract.
  • Guided independent committee appointed by the Board of Directors of an international mining company through an internal investigation regarding the causes and responsibilities for a largescale environmental disaster.
  • Represented small business and its owner as holder and operator of wireless spectrum licenses during response to qui tam FCA investigation, advising the client through an internal investigation and subsequent response to DOJ inquiries related to allegations of fraud and FCA violations in the FCC context, resulting in DOJ's decision to decline intervention in the whistleblower case.
  • Counseled owner of SDVOSB contractor during DOJ and SIGAR investigation into allegations of FCA, fraud and other misconduct during performance of contracts related to aircraft maintenance in Afghanistan arising in part from allegations by a qui tam relator.
  • Represented prominent global financial institution as independent compliance consultant in connection with settlements with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission regarding alleged violations of regulations governing the collection and retention of employee electronic communications.
  • Reviewed subcontractor and vendor contracts for prime contractors engaged in federal government contracting activity for compliance with various FAR, DFARS, and other agency-specific regulations and requirements.
  • Advised several energy contractor clients on technical and regulatory aspects of Utility Energy Service Contracts, limited-source acquisitions by DOE with a unique financing structure aimed at revamping dated federal government facilities to improve energy efficiency.
Outside the Office

Julia is at her happiest when simply spending time with family, friends, or her two Pitbull mix puppies, Weezy and Daisy. She also enjoys exploring DC, working out, reading, and baking and decorating cakes.