Winston & Strawn LLP is pleased to announce that Laura M. Kidd Cordova has joined its Washington, D.C. office as a partner in the firm’s White Collar, Regulatory Defense & Investigations group. An experienced trial lawyer representing individuals and companies in criminal and civil enforcement actions and related complex civil litigation, Laura also conducts internal investigations for clients facing government investigations involving the False Claims Act (FCA), the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS), health care fraud, securities fraud, accounting fraud, insider trading, and government contracting fraud. Kidd joins Winston from Crowell & Moring, LLP.
In addition to her experience in private practice, Laura was formerly Assistant Chief in the Fraud Section of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) where she led the Corporate Healthcare Fraud Strike Force charged with investigating and prosecuting large, multi-jurisdictional fraud schemes throughout the U.S. While at DOJ, Laura investigated and tried numerous complex cases involving health care fraud, violations of the AKS, mail and wire fraud, money laundering, false statements, and government program fraud.
“Whether it’s the threat of a government investigation or preventive counseling, Laura’s well-rounded experience makes her an invaluable resource to our clients as they navigate the complex web of fraud and abuse statutes,” said Winston Chairman Tom Fitzgerald. “We are thrilled to welcome her to our growing Washington, D.C. office, where she will further strengthen our white collar, False Claims Act, internal and government investigations capabilities.”
Laura’s arrival comes directly on the heels of several lateral hires for the firm in Washington, D.C., including international trade partners Cari Stinebower in and Chris Monahan. In the last year, the firm also welcomed nationally recognized white collar defense and trial attorney Abbe David Lowell and Eric Meiring, a decorated former federal prosecutor who recently served as an acting chief and assistant chief in the U.S. DOJ, Antitrust Division.
“Laura’s impressive government experience, followed by nearly three years in private practice, combined with her healthcare industry focus, is of great value to our clients,” said David Rogers, Winston’s Washington, D.C. office managing partner.
“I am thrilled to join such a high-caliber firm that is known for its premier Litigation and White Collar practices,” said Laura. “Its outstanding reputation, deep commitment to clients, strong collaborative culture, and a focus on measured growth in Washington, D.C. also made the move very attractive to me.”
A sought-after lecturer and writer, Laura frequently addresses topics involving health care fraud and abuse investigations under the False Claims Act. She received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, a Master’s of Public Health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University.
