Joanna McDonough's practice focuses on government investigations, corporate internal investigations, and complex commercial litigation. She has significant experience representing Life Sciences clients in government investigations and qui tam litigation under the False Claims Act (FCA) involving allegations of healthcare fraud. Joanna has represented clients under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and various state agencies.
Joanna also has experience representing clients in complex civil litigations in both federal and state courts. Her experience spans patent litigation, employment litigation, and general commercial litigation. She has counseled clients through all phases of the litigation process.
Joanna maintains an active pro bono practice.
Joanna received her JD from Northeastern University School of Law and her undergraduate degree in Economics and History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to joining Arnold & Porter, Joanna worked as a litigation associate at another Boston-based firm.
Experience
- Genetic testing company in federal False Claims Act litigation concerning allegations of violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.*
- Life sciences company in DOJ investigation under the False Claims Act involving marketing and pricing matters.*
- Genetic testing company in negotiating settlement of whistleblower complaint investigation initiated by the Office of Inspector General.*
- Clinical stage biopharmaceutical company in International Chamber of Commerce arbitration involving breach of joint development agreement.*
- Life sciences company in patent litigation related to polymer dye technology.*
- Board of Directors in internal investigation and subsequent termination of company executive.*
- Big 4 accounting firm in a tax malpractice litigation.*
- Cultural institution in internal investigation concerning allegations of gender and racial discrimination.*
*Reflects experience at previous employer
Perspectives
Credentials
Education
- J.D., Northeastern University School of Law, 2017
- B.A., Economics and History, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 2011
Admissions
- Massachusetts