Laura Perlov focuses her practice on white collar defense and investigations, particularly in the areas of the False Claims Act and investigation by the SEC and DOJ. Laura regularly advises clients in high-profile crisis situations where litigation is a possible result. Laura has handled trial and appellate matters in federal courts throughout the country. In addition, she has represented corporations and executives in internal and government investigations, as well as against private allegations of wrongdoing. Prior to attending law school, she received her CPA license in New York and was a senior associate on KPMG’s Credit Suisse First Boston team, advising the investment bank on a variety of financial issues.
Representative Matters
- Represented a food manufacturing company in an FCA case brought by an USDA inspector relating to the manner in which mozzarella cheese was manufactured and sold to the government. Damages were alleged to exceed one billion dollars. Successfully persuaded the government to decline to intervene. The relator continued with his lawsuit. Result: the District Court granted our motion to dismiss with prejudice and awarded our client costs.
- Represented regional hospital in an ongoing qui tam matter brought by a relator under the False Claims Act alleging Medicare fraud.
- Represented a national telecom provider in a qui tam matter under the False Claims Act alleging fraud into the Federal Government E-Rate program. Result: the federal government declined to intervene.
- Represented a large regional not for profit hospital in a qui tam matter under the False Claims Act alleging Medicare and Medicaid fraud. The investigation lasted 18 months. Result: minimal settlement with the state Attorney General’s office and the federal government declined to intervene.
- Represented a large civil engineering firm in a qui tam matter under the False Claims Act and a civil and criminal investigation by the Department of Energy and the Department of Justice. Result: the relator was dismissed and there was a civil settlement with the DOJ that included a non-prosecution agreement.
- Represented a principal investor in a complicated investment plan investigated over a 3 year period for securities fraud. Result: no charges filed.
- Represented large engineering and infrastructure corporation in qui tam and False Claims investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office related to liquid petroleum gas installation issued during Hurricane Katrina recovery. Result: the federal government declined to intervene.
- Represented Chemical & Metal Industries, Inc., in an appeal from a $3 million fine and restitution award in the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Result: restitution vacated completely and fine reduced to $500,000.
- Represented an executive at a Fortune 500 healthcare company in a matter involving the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law. Result: no charges brought.