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Jon A. Sale
Of Counsel
21st Floor
Miami, FL 33131
27th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Jon is co–chair of the firm’s White Collar & Government Investigations Practice Group and is nationally regarded as a go-to attorney in complex white collar criminal defense matters. Jon is one of two attorneys in Florida who was designated by Chambers USA as an “eminent practitioner” in the white-collar field. He represents individuals and corporations...
Jon is co–chair of the firm’s White Collar & Government Investigations Practice Group and is nationally regarded as a go-to attorney in complex white collar criminal defense matters. Jon is one of two attorneys in Florida who was designated by Chambers USA as an “eminent practitioner” in the white-collar field. He represents individuals and corporations in white-collar criminal defense matters. This frequently includes matters that receive national media attention, such as his representation of a former public official in the House of Representatives’ impeachment inquiry into President Donald J. Trump. Jon also served on Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's transition team.
Jon has long been recognized as one of the most talented white collar criminal defense attorneys in the country. Chambers USA consistently ranks Jon at the highest levels, including Band-1 in the state of Florida. Through Chambers USA, peers and colleagues have reported that Jon is “an outstanding negotiator whose legal knowledge is second to none,” and “one of the most sought-after attorneys in the United States.” Chambers USA further notes that Jon, “understands both sides and he commands respect from the judges,” and, “has extraordinary credibility with prosecutors and gets excellent results for his clients.” Jon is celebrated for being “a big-picture guy who knows how to focus on the micro and the macro,” and “a rock star and amazing to watch in action.”
He is experienced in representing corporations and individuals in grand jury investigations, internal investigations, and diverse and complex criminal litigation, including large scale document reviews and productions. He has represented clients in almost every substantive area of concentration, including healthcare fraud, securities fraud, financial institution fraud, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations, money laundering, criminal anti–trust violations, tax fraud, mortgage fraud, and various fraudulent investment schemes. He also is experienced in representing defendants at sentencing hearings.
Jon is the attorney representative for the Eleventh Circuit on the Practitioner’s Advisory Group (PAG) to the United States Sentencing Commission. He is also the Co-Chair of the Prosecution / Defense Liaison Committee in the Southern District of Florida, which meets with supervisors in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida to discuss policies and procedures in the District.
Jon has vast prior experience working for the government as a prosecutor. He was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and in the District of Connecticut. Most notably, he also served as an Assistant Special Watergate Prosecutor under Special Prosecutors Archibald Cox and Leon Jaworski. His responsibilities extended to supervising grand jury matters and functioning as trial counsel in resulting litigation. He participated in legal efforts to obtain and review secret White House tapes to determine whether criminal conduct had taken place in the Oval Office and among senior Presidential staff members. He also participated in litigating an issue of first impression in the Fifth Circuit, which tested the power of the judiciary when ruling on a government Motion to Dismiss a criminal proceeding. Jon also served as a Special Assistant to the Attorney General of the United States supervising a grand jury investigation to determine if an ambassadorship was awarded as a quid pro quo for a political contribution.
Jon also was the First Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida, where he supervised all major criminal and civil cases within that judicial district. In U.S. v. Fedorenko, he was the chief prosecutor in a civil denaturalization proceeding against a World War II guard at the Nazi death camp at Treblinka, Poland. Witnesses, who had escaped from Treblinka during the war, traveled to the United States to identify Fedorenko and testify about his war crimes during the trial. The case was ultimately heard by the Supreme Court of the United States, which upheld the decision of the Fifth Circuit and ordered that Fedorenko be denaturalized.
Jon has also served on numerous court committees. He has been a member of the Southern District of Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission, which interviewed candidates for the federal bench and made recommendations to the Senators; the Chair of the U.S. Magistrate Merit Selection Panel, which recommends to the District Court finalists for Magistrate Judge positions; the Trial Experience Committee of the Attorney Admissions Program; and the Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedures for the U.S. District Court.
Jon was a member of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Transition Advisory Committee on Public Safety.
Jon is a perennial panelist at the ABA White Collar Institute, the preeminent white collar criminal defense group in the country. From 2021 through 2024, Jon has appeared on panels at the ABA White Collar Institute that touch on cutting edge and current events issues, including, “Federal Sentencing Policy & Practice,” “Update on Sentencing and Corrections Law and Policy,” “Ethical Challenges in High-Profile White Collar Cases & Congressional Hearings,” and, “Ethics: Recent Challenges to the Rule of Law – Obligations of the Legal Community.”
In 2024, Jon appeared with a federal district court judge for a presentation at a global law firm, ranked in the AmLaw top 10, called, “Then and Now: A Conversation on Antisemitism.”
Jon often appears as a legal analyst on national cable television and radio shows, including Fox News, Fox Nation, MSNBC, CNN, and NPR. He was an opinion contributor for The Hill, for which he published several articles. He is frequently quoted for his legal analysis on current events for publications including Law360, the Miami Herald, CNN online, NewsMax, and Bloomberg News, among others.
in white-collar criminal defense matters. This frequently includes matters that receive national media attention, such as his representation of a former public official in the House of Representatives’ impeachment inquiry into President Donald J. Trump. Jon also served on Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's transition team.
Jon has long been recognized as one of the most talented white collar criminal defense attorneys in the country. Chambers USA consistently ranks Jon at the highest levels, including Band-1 in the state of Florida. Through Chambers USA, peers and colleagues have reported that Jon is “an outstanding negotiator whose legal knowledge is second to none,” and “one of the most sought-after attorneys in the United States.” Chambers USA further notes that Jon, “understands both sides and he commands respect from the judges,” and, “has extraordinary credibility with prosecutors and gets excellent results for his clients.” Jon is celebrated for being “a big-picture guy who knows how to focus on the micro and the macro,” and “a rock star and amazing to watch in action.”
He is experienced in representing corporations and individuals in grand jury investigations, internal investigations, and diverse and complex criminal litigation, including large scale document reviews and productions. He has represented clients in almost every substantive area of concentration, including healthcare fraud, securities fraud, financial institution fraud, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations, money laundering, criminal anti–trust violations, tax fraud, mortgage fraud, and various fraudulent investment schemes. He also is experienced in representing defendants at sentencing hearings.
Jon is the attorney representative for the Eleventh Circuit on the Practitioner’s Advisory Group (PAG) to the United States Sentencing Commission. He is also the Co-Chair of the Prosecution / Defense Liaison Committee in the Southern District of Florida, which meets with supervisors in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida to discuss policies and procedures in the District.
Jon has vast prior experience working for the government as a prosecutor. He was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and in the District of Connecticut. Most notably, he also served as an Assistant Special Watergate Prosecutor under Special Prosecutors Archibald Cox and Leon Jaworski. His responsibilities extended to supervising grand jury matters and functioning as trial counsel in resulting litigation. He participated in legal efforts to obtain and review secret White House tapes to determine whether criminal conduct had taken place in the Oval Office and among senior Presidential staff members. He also participated in litigating an issue of first impression in the Fifth Circuit, which tested the power of the judiciary when ruling on a government Motion to Dismiss a criminal proceeding. Jon also served as a Special Assistant to the Attorney General of the United States supervising a grand jury investigation to determine if an ambassadorship was awarded as a quid pro quo for a political contribution.
Jon also was the First Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida, where he supervised all major criminal and civil cases within that judicial district. In U.S. v. Fedorenko, he was the chief prosecutor in a civil denaturalization proceeding against a World War II guard at the Nazi death camp at Treblinka, Poland. Witnesses, who had escaped from Treblinka during the war, traveled to the United States to identify Fedorenko and testify about his war crimes during the trial. The case was ultimately heard by the Supreme Court of the United States, which upheld the decision of the Fifth Circuit and ordered that Fedorenko be denaturalized.
Jon has also served on numerous court committees. He has been a member of the Southern District of Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission, which interviewed candidates for the federal bench and made recommendations to the Senators; the Chair of the U.S. Magistrate Merit Selection Panel, which recommends to the District Court finalists for Magistrate Judge positions; the Trial Experience Committee of the Attorney Admissions Program; and the Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedures for the U.S. District Court.
Jon was a member of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Transition Advisory Committee on Public Safety.
Jon is a perennial panelist at the ABA White Collar Institute, the preeminent white collar criminal defense group in the country. From 2021 through 2024, Jon has appeared on panels at the ABA White Collar Institute that touch on cutting edge and current events issues, including, “Federal Sentencing Policy & Practice,” “Update on Sentencing and Corrections Law and Policy,” “Ethical Challenges in High-Profile White Collar Cases & Congressional Hearings,” and, “Ethics: Recent Challenges to the Rule of Law – Obligations of the Legal Community.”
In 2024, Jon appeared with a federal district court judge for a presentation at a global law firm, ranked in the AmLaw top 10, called, “Then and Now: A Conversation on Antisemitism.”
Jon often appears as a legal analyst on national cable television and radio shows, including Fox News, Fox Nation, MSNBC, CNN, and NPR. He was an opinion contributor for The Hill, for which he published several articles. He is frequently quoted for his legal analysis on current events for publications including Law360, the Miami Herald, CNN online, NewsMax, and Bloomberg News, among others.
Experience
Experience
- Represented as lead counsel the former COO of a public company, and the main target in the largest federal grand jury investigation in the investigating district’s history, in which the government alleged losses exceeding $1 billion; represented same former COO in parallel SEC investigation and civil litigations. U.S. Attorney’s Office declined prosecution and matter resolved with civil settlement.
- Represented two corporate executives indicted in the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to file false Medicare claims. After extensive motion practice, the Court dismissed all charges.
- Represented doctor indicted in the Southern District of Florida for violations of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Client received minimal custodial sentence after guilty plea and cooperation.
- Represented Venezuelan businessman indicted in the Southern District of Texas for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Client received probationary sentence after guilty plea despite multi-million-dollar alleged loss amount.
- Appointed as receiver over numerous entities by district judge in the Southern District of Florida in SEC fraud case. Recovered millions of dollars in assets, providing for substantial return to claimants.
- Currently representing private equity firm and employees based in Miami, Florida, in connection with investigations by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Represented prominent Russian executive charged with making false statements on Visa application. After negotiations and motion practice, including raising issues of foreign law, all charges were dismissed.
- Represented an executive in the business of importing aluminum and other metals from Venezuela. Immunity agreement negotiated; no charges filed.
- Acted as local counsel and co–counsel for chairman of a public company in nine–month trial in U.S. District Court in Miami, involving charges of land fraud. Client convicted on 1 of 40 counts, which count was then dismissed by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Represented public home healthcare company in conducting internal investigation involving alleged false billing and kickbacks. Report made to Special Committee and no charges filed.
- Represented Fortune 500 Company in conducting internal investigation involving alleged government contract fraud. Numerous employee interviews conducted, report submitted, and no charges filed.
- Represented international resort company in DOJ FCPA investigation. After employee interviews and extensive investigation, no charges filed.
- Represented Jordanian citizen in connection with DOJ FCPA investigation involving alleged bribes paid in Jordan. No charges filed against client.
- Acted as local counsel in FCPA investigation of global telecommunications company, which was resolved with deferred prosecution agreement.
- Acted as local counsel in FCPA investigation of international airline, which was resolved with deferred prosecution agreement.
- Represented at sentencing the chief executive of international travel agency charged with tax evasion in the Southern District of Florida. Argued for downward variance from sentencing guideline range of 30–36 months; client sentenced to six months’ imprisonment over government objection.
- Represented at sentencing a client charged with selling prescription drugs online in the Eastern District of New York. Argued for downward variance from sentencing guideline range of 18–24 months; after argument, Court said it was giving client “the lowest sentence I’m ever going to impose in my life” and released client with neither probation nor special conditions.
- Represented at sentencing an executive charged with participating in bid rigging in connection with the construction of the airport in Trinidad and Tobago. Argued for downward variance from sentencing guideline range of 33–41 months; Court imposed a sentence of a year and a day, later reduced to time served.
- Represented president of major airline company in bankruptcy fraud investigation in the Eastern District of New York. No charges filed against client.
- Represented senior executive of major airline company in Southern District of Florida investigation involving transportation of hazardous materials. No charges filed against client.
- Represented public company charged with making false statements in connection with security services at airports. Due to compliance efforts, Court did not revoke license and entered probationary sentence.
- Represented the brother of a sitting Congressman in connection with a homicide investigation. Client cleared of all wrongdoing.
- Represented a U.S. citizen, held in a Guatemalan prison, charged with import violations. After hearing in U.S. District Court in Miami, Court found that conditions in Guatemalan prison violated due process; statements suppressed and charges dismissed.
- Represented a client in a high visibility Congressional hearing involving the Alaskan Pipeline and investigation techniques employed. After invoking applicable Congressional rule, client avoided testifying.
- Represented as chief trial counsel a practicing lawyer charged in the Southern District of Florida with fraud in connection with operation of marketing organization. The jury was unable to reach verdict and the government dismissed all charges against client.
- Represented prominent Florida lawyer in the Eastern District of Virginia, who was investigated for aiding and abetting massive Ponzi scheme. After extensive negotiations with government, no charges filed against client.
- Represented Bahamian lawyer who voluntarily came to the United States to challenge a subpoena based on attorney–client privilege. Achieved successful result in Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals by arguing issues of first impression regarding obligations of foreign lawyer to maintain client confidences.
- Represented renowned international wildlife expert charged with Lacey Act violation for retail sale of wildlife product. Argued for downward variance from sentencing guideline range of 18–24 months; client sentenced to three years’ probation.
- Represented major pharmaceutical company in connection with Florida Attorney General investigation involving marketing of opioids. Negotiated resolution, which resulted in funding of prescription monitoring program.
- Represented famous movie star investigated by regulators for unruly behavior during flight; after investigation, no charges filed.
- Represented major international law firm in gaining approval of fee petition in Northern District of Florida for assisting the Court in retrieving assets.
- Represented applicant before the Florida Bar who had served two terms in state prison for felony convictions; successfully convinced Bar that rehabilitation merited his admission.
- Represented various financial institutions in connection with document production and preparing witnesses for trial.
- Represented several public entities, including two major Sherriff’s offices involved in DOJ civil rights investigations, both civil and criminal. No criminal charges filed in either case, and memorandum of understanding agreed to in one case involving a technical assistance letter.
- Appointed acting State Attorney in Miami–Dade County, Florida to investigate whether employee of State Attorney’s Office committed perjury. After thorough investigation, charge was filed and defendant pled guilty.
- Appointed as Special Counsel to Florida Attorney General to investigate circumstances surrounding case being litigated in the United States Supreme Court to determine possible unethical conduct. After thorough investigation, report submitted to Florida Attorney General.
Previous Professional Experience
- Served as First Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida
- Served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and the District of Connecticut
- Served as an Assistant Special Prosecutor for the Watergate Special Prosecution Force for the U.S. Department of Justice
- Former Adjunct Law Professor, St. Thomas University Law School
- Former Associate Professor of Law, Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad Law Center
Education
- New York University School of Law, JD
- University of Pennsylvania, BA, with honors
Admissions
- Florida
- District of Columbia
- New York
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
- U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Clerkships
- Law Clerk, the Honorable Morris E. Lasker, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Experience
- Represented as lead counsel the former COO of a public company, and the main target in the largest federal grand jury investigation in the investigating district’s history, in which the government alleged losses exceeding $1 billion; represented same former COO in parallel SEC investigation and civil litigations. U.S. Attorney’s Office declined prosecution and matter resolved with civil settlement.
- Represented two corporate executives indicted in the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to file false Medicare claims. After extensive motion practice, the Court dismissed all charges.
- Represented doctor indicted in the Southern District of Florida for violations of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Client received minimal custodial sentence after guilty plea and cooperation.
- Represented Venezuelan businessman indicted in the Southern District of Texas for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Client received probationary sentence after guilty plea despite multi-million-dollar alleged loss amount.
- Appointed as receiver over numerous entities by district judge in the Southern District of Florida in SEC fraud case. Recovered millions of dollars in assets, providing for substantial return to claimants.
- Currently representing private equity firm and employees based in Miami, Florida, in connection with investigations by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Represented prominent Russian executive charged with making false statements on Visa application. After negotiations and motion practice, including raising issues of foreign law, all charges were dismissed.
- Represented an executive in the business of importing aluminum and other metals from Venezuela. Immunity agreement negotiated; no charges filed.
- Acted as local counsel and co–counsel for chairman of a public company in nine–month trial in U.S. District Court in Miami, involving charges of land fraud. Client convicted on 1 of 40 counts, which count was then dismissed by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Represented public home healthcare company in conducting internal investigation involving alleged false billing and kickbacks. Report made to Special Committee and no charges filed.
- Represented Fortune 500 Company in conducting internal investigation involving alleged government contract fraud. Numerous employee interviews conducted, report submitted, and no charges filed.
- Represented international resort company in DOJ FCPA investigation. After employee interviews and extensive investigation, no charges filed.
- Represented Jordanian citizen in connection with DOJ FCPA investigation involving alleged bribes paid in Jordan. No charges filed against client.
- Acted as local counsel in FCPA investigation of global telecommunications company, which was resolved with deferred prosecution agreement.
- Acted as local counsel in FCPA investigation of international airline, which was resolved with deferred prosecution agreement.
- Represented at sentencing the chief executive of international travel agency charged with tax evasion in the Southern District of Florida. Argued for downward variance from sentencing guideline range of 30–36 months; client sentenced to six months’ imprisonment over government objection.
- Represented at sentencing a client charged with selling prescription drugs online in the Eastern District of New York. Argued for downward variance from sentencing guideline range of 18–24 months; after argument, Court said it was giving client “the lowest sentence I’m ever going to impose in my life” and released client with neither probation nor special conditions.
- Represented at sentencing an executive charged with participating in bid rigging in connection with the construction of the airport in Trinidad and Tobago. Argued for downward variance from sentencing guideline range of 33–41 months; Court imposed a sentence of a year and a day, later reduced to time served.
- Represented president of major airline company in bankruptcy fraud investigation in the Eastern District of New York. No charges filed against client.
- Represented senior executive of major airline company in Southern District of Florida investigation involving transportation of hazardous materials. No charges filed against client.
- Represented public company charged with making false statements in connection with security services at airports. Due to compliance efforts, Court did not revoke license and entered probationary sentence.
- Represented the brother of a sitting Congressman in connection with a homicide investigation. Client cleared of all wrongdoing.
- Represented a U.S. citizen, held in a Guatemalan prison, charged with import violations. After hearing in U.S. District Court in Miami, Court found that conditions in Guatemalan prison violated due process; statements suppressed and charges dismissed.
- Represented a client in a high visibility Congressional hearing involving the Alaskan Pipeline and investigation techniques employed. After invoking applicable Congressional rule, client avoided testifying.
- Represented as chief trial counsel a practicing lawyer charged in the Southern District of Florida with fraud in connection with operation of marketing organization. The jury was unable to reach verdict and the government dismissed all charges against client.
- Represented prominent Florida lawyer in the Eastern District of Virginia, who was investigated for aiding and abetting massive Ponzi scheme. After extensive negotiations with government, no charges filed against client.
- Represented Bahamian lawyer who voluntarily came to the United States to challenge a subpoena based on attorney–client privilege. Achieved successful result in Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals by arguing issues of first impression regarding obligations of foreign lawyer to maintain client confidences.
- Represented renowned international wildlife expert charged with Lacey Act violation for retail sale of wildlife product. Argued for downward variance from sentencing guideline range of 18–24 months; client sentenced to three years’ probation.
- Represented major pharmaceutical company in connection with Florida Attorney General investigation involving marketing of opioids. Negotiated resolution, which resulted in funding of prescription monitoring program.
- Represented famous movie star investigated by regulators for unruly behavior during flight; after investigation, no charges filed.
- Represented major international law firm in gaining approval of fee petition in Northern District of Florida for assisting the Court in retrieving assets.
- Represented applicant before the Florida Bar who had served two terms in state prison for felony convictions; successfully convinced Bar that rehabilitation merited his admission.
- Represented various financial institutions in connection with document production and preparing witnesses for trial.
- Represented several public entities, including two major Sherriff’s offices involved in DOJ civil rights investigations, both civil and criminal. No criminal charges filed in either case, and memorandum of understanding agreed to in one case involving a technical assistance letter.
- Appointed acting State Attorney in Miami–Dade County, Florida to investigate whether employee of State Attorney’s Office committed perjury. After thorough investigation, charge was filed and defendant pled guilty.
- Appointed as Special Counsel to Florida Attorney General to investigate circumstances surrounding case being litigated in the United States Supreme Court to determine possible unethical conduct. After thorough investigation, report submitted to Florida Attorney General.
Previous Professional Experience
- Served as First Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida
- Served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and the District of Connecticut
- Served as an Assistant Special Prosecutor for the Watergate Special Prosecution Force for the U.S. Department of Justice
- Former Adjunct Law Professor, St. Thomas University Law School
- Former Associate Professor of Law, Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad Law Center
Media
Recognitions
- Legal 500 United States, Dispute Resolution: Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense (2023)
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Litigation: White–Collar Crime & Government Investigations – Florida (2018–2024)
- AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell (2020–2024)
- Florida Legal Elite Hall of Fame by Florida Trend magazine, for attorneys who have been consistently ranked in the top tier in Legal Elite voting over the years (2018, 2020–2022)
- Florida Legal Elite by Florida Trend Magazine (2021–2023)
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Administrative/Regulatory Law (2023–2024), Criminal Defense: General Practice (2015–2018, 2020–2025) Criminal Defense: White–Collar (2015–2018, 2020–2025)
- Florida Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers magazine (2006–2019, 2021–2024)
- Top Lawyer by South Florida Legal Guide (2018–2023)
Professional Activities
- Member, U.S. Sentencing Commission Practitioners Advisory Group
- Past Member, Federal Judicial Nominating Commission for the Southern District of Florida
- Past Chair, Southern District of Florida U.S. Magistrate Merit Selection Panel
- Member, American Bar Association
- White Collar Crime Committee
- Member and Past Chair, The Florida Bar
- Criminal Law Section
Community
- Child Protection: Assisted data mining company, in conjunction with National Association for Missing and Exploited Children, to provide state attorneys general and other law enforcement agencies with technology to apprehend sexual predators.
Jon is co–chair of the firm’s White Collar & Government Investigations Practice Group and is nationally regarded as a go-to attorney in complex white collar criminal defense matters. Jon is one of two attorneys in Florida who was designated by Chambers USA as an “eminent practitioner” in the white-collar field. He represents individuals and corporations... in white-collar criminal defense matters. This frequently includes matters that receive national media attention, such as his representation of a former public official in the House of Representatives’ impeachment inquiry into President Donald J. Trump. Jon also served on Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's transition team.
Jon has long been recognized as one of the most talented white collar criminal defense attorneys in the country. Chambers USA consistently ranks Jon at the highest levels, including Band-1 in the state of Florida. Through Chambers USA, peers and colleagues have reported that Jon is “an outstanding negotiator whose legal knowledge is second to none,” and “one of the most sought-after attorneys in the United States.” Chambers USA further notes that Jon, “understands both sides and he commands respect from the judges,” and, “has extraordinary credibility with prosecutors and gets excellent results for his clients.” Jon is celebrated for being “a big-picture guy who knows how to focus on the micro and the macro,” and “a rock star and amazing to watch in action.”
He is experienced in representing corporations and individuals in grand jury investigations, internal investigations, and diverse and complex criminal litigation, including large scale document reviews and productions. He has represented clients in almost every substantive area of concentration, including healthcare fraud, securities fraud, financial institution fraud, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations, money laundering, criminal anti–trust violations, tax fraud, mortgage fraud, and various fraudulent investment schemes. He also is experienced in representing defendants at sentencing hearings.
Jon is the attorney representative for the Eleventh Circuit on the Practitioner’s Advisory Group (PAG) to the United States Sentencing Commission. He is also the Co-Chair of the Prosecution / Defense Liaison Committee in the Southern District of Florida, which meets with supervisors in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida to discuss policies and procedures in the District.
Jon has vast prior experience working for the government as a prosecutor. He was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and in the District of Connecticut. Most notably, he also served as an Assistant Special Watergate Prosecutor under Special Prosecutors Archibald Cox and Leon Jaworski. His responsibilities extended to supervising grand jury matters and functioning as trial counsel in resulting litigation. He participated in legal efforts to obtain and review secret White House tapes to determine whether criminal conduct had taken place in the Oval Office and among senior Presidential staff members. He also participated in litigating an issue of first impression in the Fifth Circuit, which tested the power of the judiciary when ruling on a government Motion to Dismiss a criminal proceeding. Jon also served as a Special Assistant to the Attorney General of the United States supervising a grand jury investigation to determine if an ambassadorship was awarded as a quid pro quo for a political contribution.
Jon also was the First Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida, where he supervised all major criminal and civil cases within that judicial district. In U.S. v. Fedorenko, he was the chief prosecutor in a civil denaturalization proceeding against a World War II guard at the Nazi death camp at Treblinka, Poland. Witnesses, who had escaped from Treblinka during the war, traveled to the United States to identify Fedorenko and testify about his war crimes during the trial. The case was ultimately heard by the Supreme Court of the United States, which upheld the decision of the Fifth Circuit and ordered that Fedorenko be denaturalized.
Jon has also served on numerous court committees. He has been a member of the Southern District of Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission, which interviewed candidates for the federal bench and made recommendations to the Senators; the Chair of the U.S. Magistrate Merit Selection Panel, which recommends to the District Court finalists for Magistrate Judge positions; the Trial Experience Committee of the Attorney Admissions Program; and the Advisory Committee on Rules and Procedures for the U.S. District Court.
Jon was a member of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Transition Advisory Committee on Public Safety.
Jon is a perennial panelist at the ABA White Collar Institute, the preeminent white collar criminal defense group in the country. From 2021 through 2024, Jon has appeared on panels at the ABA White Collar Institute that touch on cutting edge and current events issues, including, “Federal Sentencing Policy & Practice,” “Update on Sentencing and Corrections Law and Policy,” “Ethical Challenges in High-Profile White Collar Cases & Congressional Hearings,” and, “Ethics: Recent Challenges to the Rule of Law – Obligations of the Legal Community.”
In 2024, Jon appeared with a federal district court judge for a presentation at a global law firm, ranked in the AmLaw top 10, called, “Then and Now: A Conversation on Antisemitism.”
Jon often appears as a legal analyst on national cable television and radio shows, including Fox News, Fox Nation, MSNBC, CNN, and NPR. He was an opinion contributor for The Hill, for which he published several articles. He is frequently quoted for his legal analysis on current events for publications including Law360, the Miami Herald, CNN online, NewsMax, and Bloomberg News, among others.
Experience
The following is a selected sampling of matters and is provided for informational purposes only. Past success does not indicate the likelihood of success in any future matter.Experience
- Represented as lead counsel the former COO of a public company, and the main target in the largest federal grand jury investigation in the investigating district’s history, in which the government alleged losses exceeding $1 billion; represented same former COO in parallel SEC investigation and civil litigations. U.S. Attorney’s Office declined prosecution and matter resolved with civil settlement.
- Represented two corporate executives indicted in the Southern District of Florida for conspiracy to file false Medicare claims. After extensive motion practice, the Court dismissed all charges.
- Represented doctor indicted in the Southern District of Florida for violations of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Client received minimal custodial sentence after guilty plea and cooperation.
- Represented Venezuelan businessman indicted in the Southern District of Texas for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Client received probationary sentence after guilty plea despite multi-million-dollar alleged loss amount.
- Appointed as receiver over numerous entities by district judge in the Southern District of Florida in SEC fraud case. Recovered millions of dollars in assets, providing for substantial return to claimants.
- Currently representing private equity firm and employees based in Miami, Florida, in connection with investigations by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Represented prominent Russian executive charged with making false statements on Visa application. After negotiations and motion practice, including raising issues of foreign law, all charges were dismissed.
- Represented an executive in the business of importing aluminum and other metals from Venezuela. Immunity agreement negotiated; no charges filed.
- Acted as local counsel and co–counsel for chairman of a public company in nine–month trial in U.S. District Court in Miami, involving charges of land fraud. Client convicted on 1 of 40 counts, which count was then dismissed by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Represented public home healthcare company in conducting internal investigation involving alleged false billing and kickbacks. Report made to Special Committee and no charges filed.
- Represented Fortune 500 Company in conducting internal investigation involving alleged government contract fraud. Numerous employee interviews conducted, report submitted, and no charges filed.
- Represented international resort company in DOJ FCPA investigation. After employee interviews and extensive investigation, no charges filed.
- Represented Jordanian citizen in connection with DOJ FCPA investigation involving alleged bribes paid in Jordan. No charges filed against client.
- Acted as local counsel in FCPA investigation of global telecommunications company, which was resolved with deferred prosecution agreement.
- Acted as local counsel in FCPA investigation of international airline, which was resolved with deferred prosecution agreement.
- Represented at sentencing the chief executive of international travel agency charged with tax evasion in the Southern District of Florida. Argued for downward variance from sentencing guideline range of 30–36 months; client sentenced to six months’ imprisonment over government objection.
- Represented at sentencing a client charged with selling prescription drugs online in the Eastern District of New York. Argued for downward variance from sentencing guideline range of 18–24 months; after argument, Court said it was giving client “the lowest sentence I’m ever going to impose in my life” and released client with neither probation nor special conditions.
- Represented at sentencing an executive charged with participating in bid rigging in connection with the construction of the airport in Trinidad and Tobago. Argued for downward variance from sentencing guideline range of 33–41 months; Court imposed a sentence of a year and a day, later reduced to time served.
- Represented president of major airline company in bankruptcy fraud investigation in the Eastern District of New York. No charges filed against client.
- Represented senior executive of major airline company in Southern District of Florida investigation involving transportation of hazardous materials. No charges filed against client.
- Represented public company charged with making false statements in connection with security services at airports. Due to compliance efforts, Court did not revoke license and entered probationary sentence.
- Represented the brother of a sitting Congressman in connection with a homicide investigation. Client cleared of all wrongdoing.
- Represented a U.S. citizen, held in a Guatemalan prison, charged with import violations. After hearing in U.S. District Court in Miami, Court found that conditions in Guatemalan prison violated due process; statements suppressed and charges dismissed.
- Represented a client in a high visibility Congressional hearing involving the Alaskan Pipeline and investigation techniques employed. After invoking applicable Congressional rule, client avoided testifying.
- Represented as chief trial counsel a practicing lawyer charged in the Southern District of Florida with fraud in connection with operation of marketing organization. The jury was unable to reach verdict and the government dismissed all charges against client.
- Represented prominent Florida lawyer in the Eastern District of Virginia, who was investigated for aiding and abetting massive Ponzi scheme. After extensive negotiations with government, no charges filed against client.
- Represented Bahamian lawyer who voluntarily came to the United States to challenge a subpoena based on attorney–client privilege. Achieved successful result in Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals by arguing issues of first impression regarding obligations of foreign lawyer to maintain client confidences.
- Represented renowned international wildlife expert charged with Lacey Act violation for retail sale of wildlife product. Argued for downward variance from sentencing guideline range of 18–24 months; client sentenced to three years’ probation.
- Represented major pharmaceutical company in connection with Florida Attorney General investigation involving marketing of opioids. Negotiated resolution, which resulted in funding of prescription monitoring program.
- Represented famous movie star investigated by regulators for unruly behavior during flight; after investigation, no charges filed.
- Represented major international law firm in gaining approval of fee petition in Northern District of Florida for assisting the Court in retrieving assets.
- Represented applicant before the Florida Bar who had served two terms in state prison for felony convictions; successfully convinced Bar that rehabilitation merited his admission.
- Represented various financial institutions in connection with document production and preparing witnesses for trial.
- Represented several public entities, including two major Sherriff’s offices involved in DOJ civil rights investigations, both civil and criminal. No criminal charges filed in either case, and memorandum of understanding agreed to in one case involving a technical assistance letter.
- Appointed acting State Attorney in Miami–Dade County, Florida to investigate whether employee of State Attorney’s Office committed perjury. After thorough investigation, charge was filed and defendant pled guilty.
- Appointed as Special Counsel to Florida Attorney General to investigate circumstances surrounding case being litigated in the United States Supreme Court to determine possible unethical conduct. After thorough investigation, report submitted to Florida Attorney General.
Previous Professional Experience
- Served as First Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of Florida
- Served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and the District of Connecticut
- Served as an Assistant Special Prosecutor for the Watergate Special Prosecution Force for the U.S. Department of Justice
- Former Adjunct Law Professor, St. Thomas University Law School
- Former Associate Professor of Law, Nova Southeastern Shepard Broad Law Center
Education
- New York University School of Law, JD
- University of Pennsylvania, BA, with honors
Admissions
- Florida
- District of Columbia
- New York
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut
- U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Clerkships
- Law Clerk, The Honorable Morris E. Lasker, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Practice Areas
- Legal 500 United States, Dispute Resolution: Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense (2023)
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Litigation: White–Collar Crime & Government Investigations – Florida (2018–2024)
- AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell (2020–2024)
- Florida Legal Elite Hall of Fame by Florida Trend magazine, for attorneys who have been consistently ranked in the top tier in Legal Elite voting over the years (2018, 2020–2022)
- Florida Legal Elite by Florida Trend Magazine (2021–2023)
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Administrative/Regulatory Law (2023–2024), Criminal Defense: General Practice (2015–2018, 2020–2025) Criminal Defense: White–Collar (2015–2018, 2020–2025)
- Florida Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers magazine (2006–2019, 2021–2024)
- Top Lawyer by South Florida Legal Guide (2018–2023)
- Member, U.S. Sentencing Commission Practitioners Advisory Group
- Past Member, Federal Judicial Nominating Commission for the Southern District of Florida
- Past Chair, Southern District of Florida U.S. Magistrate Merit Selection Panel
- Member, American Bar Association
- White Collar Crime Committee
- Member and Past Chair, The Florida Bar
- Criminal Law Section
- Child Protection: Assisted data mining company, in conjunction with National Association for Missing and Exploited Children, to provide state attorneys general and other law enforcement agencies with technology to apprehend sexual predators.
Highlights from the Firm’s Insights
