Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristin Johnson Returns to Woods Rogers as Part of Growing Government & Special Investigations Practice

Woods Rogers announces the addition of Kristin B. Johnson as an attorney in the firm’s growing Government & Special Investigations Practice. She brings a wealth of federal investigation and litigation experience as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia. Kristin returns to Woods Rogers, where she began her career as a litigation associate before spending nearly two decades in public service. She advises clients in high-stakes criminal and civil enforcement proceedings, government investigations, and crisis management.

As a federal prosecutor, Kristin investigated and prosecuted crimes related to all manner of white-collar offenses, including healthcare, bank, mail, wire, tax, and bankruptcy fraud, as well as money laundering, export violations, obstruction of justice, national security, and opioid diversion, among other high-profile matters. She draws on her vast experience working with state and federal agencies and her familiarity with the process to effectively guide clients facing the threat—or the reality—of a government investigation.   

“I am thrilled to return home to Woods Rogers after years of government service,” Kristin said. “I am eager to join my experienced colleagues in helping clients navigate the obstacles presented by ever-changing rules, regulations, and government priorities. I look forward to putting my federal experience to work serving the firm’s valued clients.”  

“Kristin’s return to Woods Rogers is a milestone in expanding our Government & Special Investigations Practice Group, which has more than doubled over the past year,” said J. Benjamin Rottenborn, who co-chairs the practice. “Adding Kristin to our talented bench of former government attorneys allows us to advise clients through unprecedented change in the legal and political landscape.”

The team defends and counsels clients in government investigations, litigation, and enforcement actions involving the False Claims Act (FCA), the Controlled Substance Act (CSA), financial crimes, healthcare fraud, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, government contracts and procurement fraud, environmental regulations, public corruption, and civil rights.

“The pace and complexity of developments in Washington, D.C. will give rise to an increasing number of government investigations and enforcement actions,” added Patice L. Holland, Government & Special Investigations Practice co-chair. “Having led high-profile criminal investigations as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Kristin brings unique experience to clients facing prosecution, as well as organizations that want to take preventative measures to avoid government scrutiny. She joins our seasoned, critical response team to assist clients if and when the government comes calling.” 

Kristin earned her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Virginia. She previously served as a career law clerk for the Hon. Michael F. Urbanski, United States District Judge for the Western District of Virginia.