Overview

John (Jack) Horan, a former federal prosecutor and experienced trial attorney, represents clients in litigation and investigations with the government. Lead counsel in more than 30 trials and hundreds of criminal, civil and administrative hearings, Jack is sought after by companies for experienced and practical representation in government contract, fraud and white collar litigation, as well as congressional oversight. He defends contractors in bid protests, contract claims, and government contract fraud and white collar crime defense. He regularly counsels clients on government contract compliance, and conducts internal investigations of government contract, regulatory, civil and criminal violations.

Government Contracts and Fraud Litigation

Jack litigates government contract and fraud cases against the government and regularly represents government contractors and subcontractors before the Boards of Contract Appeals, the United States Court of Federal Claims, and federal and state courts, as well as in in suspension and debarment and arbitration proceedings. He represents contractors protesting or defending the award of contracts before the Court of Federal Claims, the Government Accountability Office, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Office of Dispute Resolution for Acquisitions, federal agencies and state forums.

Government Contracts Compliance and Internal Investigations

Jack guides clients in compliance with solicitations, contracts, regulations, and civil and criminal statutes applicable to government contracts. He drafts and reviews corporate compliance programs for government contractors, and conducts internal investigations of contract, civil and criminal law compliance by government contractors, including allegations of fraud, government security violations, employee kickback schemes, theft of corporate and government property, organizational conflicts of interest, and violations of import and export laws.

White Collar Defense

A distinguished trial lawyer, Jack represents companies and employees in the government contract industry and other highly regulated businesses. He has defended individuals and companies against criminal allegations under the:

  • False Claims Act, 18 U.S.C. § 287
  • False Statements Act, 18 U.S. Code § 1001
  • Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78dd-1
  • Conflict of Interest laws, 18 U.S.C. § 207, §208
  • Bribery and Gratuities laws, 15 U.S.C. §201
  • Lacey Act, 15 U.S.C. 3373
  • Aircraft Parts Fraud laws, 18 U.S. Code § 38
  • Federal Election Campaign Act, 52 U.S.C. § 30109

Jack has defended cases before federal and state grand juries and courts, and has argued appeals before the Federal and District of Columbia Courts of Appeals.

Faculty Positions

  • Catholic University of America, The Busch School of Business and Economics — Adjunct Professor, Government Contract Law, 2010 - present
  • Georgetown University Law Center – Adjunct Professor, Government Contract Law, 2018 - present

Credentials

Bar Admissions

District of Columbia
Maryland

Education

Georgetown University Law Center
J.D. cum laude (1986)

Rutgers University
B.A. with honors and distinction

Insights & Events

Other Perspectives
  • Public Contract Law Journal
    Associate Editor, American Bar Association
  • Contract Management, National Contract Management Association
    Author, monthly “Counsel Commentary” Column
  • Hearing before the Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce of the Committee of Small Business, United States House of Representatives (June 25, 2015)
  • Testimony, “GSA’s Proposed Transactional Data Rule and its Effect on Small Businesses”

Leadership & Community

Professional Associations

  • American Bar Association, Public Contract Law Section — Commercial Products and Services Committee (Co-Chair, 2015-17; Vice Chair 2014, 2018 - present); Procurement Fraud Committee (Vice-Chair, 2014 - present); Health Care Contracting Committee (Vice-Chair, 2014 - present)
  • American Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section
  • General Counsel and Board Member, National Contract Management Association (2008 - present)
  • Law360 — Government Contracts (Editorial Advisory Board, 2014)

Honors

  • Chambers USA — Nationwide, Government: Government Contracts, 2023-24
  • Chambers USA — "Recognised Practitioner" Government: Government Contracts - Nationwide, 2018-19