Justice Department Veteran with Extensive False Claims Act Experience Joins Akin

U.S. Department of Justice veteran Sara McLean has joined Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, bolstering the firm’s capabilities in False Claims Act investigations and enforcement matters.

McLean, who most recently served as assistant director of the Commercial Litigation Branch in the DOJ’s Civil Division, brings extensive government experience to the international law firm’s white-collar defense practice group. Her transition marks a significant addition to Akin Gump’s existing roster of former federal prosecutors and enforcement attorneys.

During her tenure at the Justice Department, McLean oversaw complex fraud cases and played a pivotal role in shaping enforcement priorities under the False Claims Act, one of the federal government’s most powerful tools for combating fraud against government programs. The act allows the government to recover treble damages and penalties from companies and individuals who knowingly submit false claims for federal funds.

“Sara’s deep understanding of False Claims Act enforcement from the government’s perspective will be invaluable to our clients navigating these high-stakes matters,” said a spokesperson for Akin Gump, who declined to be named for this article.

McLean’s arrival comes at a time when False Claims Act enforcement continues to intensify across multiple sectors, particularly in healthcare, defense contracting, and government procurement. Last fiscal year, the Justice Department recovered over $2.2 billion in settlements and judgments from civil cases involving fraud and false claims against the government.

Industry analysts note that McLean’s hire represents a growing trend of law firms recruiting senior government attorneys with specialized expertise in areas facing heightened regulatory scrutiny. These strategic additions help firms better position themselves to advise clients on compliance issues and defend them in government investigations.

The False Claims Act practice area has become increasingly competitive among major law firms as corporate clients seek counsel with insider knowledge of government enforcement tactics and priorities. McLean’s government experience will likely provide Akin Gump’s clients with valuable insights into how DOJ prosecutors approach these cases.

At the Justice Department, McLean was involved in numerous high-profile fraud investigations across various industries. Her expertise spans healthcare fraud, procurement fraud, and financial misconduct cases, according to sources familiar with her work.

Akin Gump, founded in 1945, has grown into a global law firm with approximately 900 attorneys across 15 offices worldwide. The firm represents corporations, investment funds, sovereign states, and individuals in complex legal matters, with particular strengths in regulatory compliance, investigations, and litigation.

McLean joins other former government officials at Akin Gump, including several who previously served at the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory agencies. This concentration of former government attorneys has become a selling point for law firms competing for clients facing government scrutiny.

Legal industry experts point out that the revolving door between government and private practice can benefit both sides. Government agencies gain officials with private sector experience, while law firms acquire attorneys with valuable insights into enforcement priorities and decision-making processes.

The move comes amid growing enforcement activity under the Biden administration, which has emphasized holding corporations accountable for fraud and misconduct. The Justice Department has been particularly active in healthcare fraud enforcement, pursuing cases against pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and healthcare providers.

McLean’s departure from the Justice Department represents a significant talent acquisition for Akin Gump as the firm continues to expand its white-collar defense capabilities in response to increasing client demand for regulatory and compliance advice in an evolving enforcement landscape.

Neither McLean nor Akin Gump provided specific details about which clients or matters she would be handling in her new role, though she is expected to begin working with the firm immediately.