Overview
James Purce represents individuals and companies in criminal investigations and prosecutions, and internal investigations and compliance. He has defended clients against a wide range of allegations by state and federal agencies, including antitrust conspiracies, false claims, false statements, fraud, obstruction, money laundering, and other business crimes. He has also advised clients in connection with enforcement matters before the Department of Justice, the Securities Exchange Commission, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, in compliance matters, and in commercial litigation.
James has experience with fact development, responding to subpoenas and other requests for documents and information, presentations to and negotiations with government agencies, witness preparation and interviews, motions practice, and trial.
James is active in Steptoe's pro bono program, having represented tenants facing eviction in landlord-tenant court.
- Maryland
- District of Columbia
- US District Court, Northern District of California
- J.D., American University, Washington College of Law, 2019, Articles Editor, Administrative Law Review
- M.A., American University, School of International Service, 2019
- B.A., New York University, 2014, with honors
Representative Matters
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Successfully secured a complete defense acquittal for former Autonomy CEO Dr. Mike Lynch in a 13-year US federal criminal securities and accounting fraud case. The case relates to HP's $11-billion acquisition of Autonomy in 2011.
- Obtained, as a member of the Steptoe team, a rare post-trial dismissal with prejudice for businessman Ali Sadr, in a criminal Iran sanctions case tried in the Southern District of New York, after uncovering evidence that prosecutors withheld exculpatory evidence and made misrepresentations to the Court.
- Completed two-year investigation into corruption scandal commissioned by a state law enforcement agency.
- Represented prominent global financial company in investigations by federal agencies.
- Represented prominent global financial company as an independent compliance consultant.
- Represented high-level executive in alleged securities fraud investigation.
- Represented a private company in an internal investigation involving sexual assault and corporate bribery allegations.
- Representation of Bitfinex and Tether in investigations by the CFTC and New York Attorney General's Office, both resulting in settlement.
Speaking Engagements
- "Drafting Joint Defense Agreements: Protecting the Privilege, Sharing Work Product, Avoiding Disqualification," Strafford Institute, February 20, 2023
News & Publications
Press Releases
Steptoe Lawyers Selected for Leadership Council on Legal Diversity 2025 Programs
February 18, 2025
Press Releases
Steptoe Wins “Most Important Case of the Year” at the Global Investigations Review Awards 2024
November 15, 2024
Media Mentions
June 2024
Press Releases
Steptoe Secures Win for Clients in Case Against Former Trump Advisor
September 2, 2022
Media Mentions
Media Cover Steptoe's Success in Uncovering Prosecutorial Misconduct in the SDNY
March 10, 2021
Media Mentions
Am Law Litigation Daily Shines Spotlight on Steptoe's Post-Trial Win in Iran Sanctions Case
July 23, 2020
Resources
Client Alerts
FCPA/Anti-Corruption Developments: 2022 Year in Review
February 24, 2023
By: Iris E. Bennett
Client Alerts
FCPA/Anti-Corruption Developments: 2021 Year in Review
February 15, 2022
By: Iris E. Bennett, Brigida Benitez, Zoe Osborne, Wendy Wysong, Samantha McCarthy, James M. Purce, Lin Yang, Bo Yue, Wilson Zhao, Joshua Dupre (law clerk), Zhaoxi Zhang (international paralegal)