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Biography

Jim assists clients with a full range of government enforcement and compliance issues, from internal compliance review to highly publicized government crackdowns that call for immediate action and sophisticated strategies. Jim delivers results by providing strategic advice and serving as a bridge between government decision-makers and the corporations, organizations, and communities impacted by those decisions. Jim has substantial experience as a legal advisor to two White House administrations, federal government agencies, and a Fortune 25 company. He counsels clients on complex and sensitive issues involving government and internal investigations, corporate ethics and compliance programs, and white-collar defense. With his insider experience and crisis management skills, he helps clients weather even the roughest storms of public opinion and regulatory scrutiny. Companies these days face a constant churn of regulatory, policy, and public opinion challenges. Jim gives clients vital guidance on the complex and collective strategies needed to meet those challenges.

Jim is admitted to practice law in Virginia only, and he will practice under the supervision of D.C. Bar members.

Jim's Relevant Experience

Regulatory & Drug Policy

Jim previously served as the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). His work there drives his vision to connect those suffering from substance use disorder with the tools they need to be put on the path to recovery as well as to stop the flow of illegal drugs in the United States. Under Jim’s leadership, the United States saw its first annual decrease in overdose deaths for the first time in 30 years; the amount of drugs seized by law enforcement at our Nation’s borders stood at all-time highs; and record Federal grants were awarded in support of drug interdiction and public health programs.
In his role as “US Drug Czar,” Jim served as the principal advisor to the President of the United States on drug policy and oversaw a passionate staff of approximately 100 professionals. He oversaw a budget of more than $35 billion and coordinated the activities and related funding of sixteen Federal government agencies and departments to reduce the supply of and demand for illicit substances.

Government Positions Held

Former White House Deputy Chief of Staff and Deputy White House Counsel, 2017 to 2018

Starting in 2018, Jim served for three years as “US Drug Czar” after being unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. Under Jim’s leadership, the U.S. saw its first year-over-year decrease in overdose deaths in 30 years.

Served as Deputy General Counsel and Acting General Counsel to the U.S. Department of the Treasury 2004 to 2006.

Served as Associate Counsel and Special Assistant to the President between 2002 to 2004.

Attorney at the Department of Justice, Office of Legal Policy and as an attorney at the Executive Office for United States Attorneys

Selected as Assistant Ethics Counsel in the White House Office of Counsel to the President.

General Counsel of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget

Prosecutor, Virginia Commonwealth Attorney’s Office in Fairfax, VA

Assistant Bar Counsel for the Virginia State Bar

Private Sector Positions Held

In-house Counsel, Ford Motor Company 2006 to 2016

Global Director of Compliance, Ford Motor Company

During Jim’s tenure there, Ford was named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” for three consecutive years by Ethisphere Institute.

General Counsel to the Ford Motor Company Fund (company’s philanthropic arm)

Washington Counsel

Other Info About Jim

Experience

Legal Work Highlights

Starting in 2018, Jim served for three years as the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy after being unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. Under Jim’s leadership as the “US Drug Czar,” the U.S. saw its first year-over-year decrease in overdose deaths in 30 years.

Served in a number of high-profile posts at the White House between 2016 to 2018, including roles as Deputy Chief of Staff and Deputy White House Counsel.

Appointed General Counsel of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.

Spent 10 years as a legal advisor to the Ford Motor Company. Jim served as the automaker’s Washington Counsel and Global Director of Compliance. During Jim’s tenure there, Ford was named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” for three consecutive years by Ethisphere Institute. Jim was also General Counsel to the Ford Motor Company Fund, the company’s philanthropic arm.

Served as Deputy General Counsel and Acting General Counsel to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Served as Associate Counsel and Special Assistant to the President between 2002 to 2004.

Attorney at the Department of Justice, Office of Legal Policy.

Selected as Assistant Ethics Counsel in the White House Office of Counsel to the President.

Served as Attorney Advisor to the Department of Justice, Executive Office for United States Attorneys.

Education

Law School

George Mason University School of Law, J.D.

Undergraduate School

University of Virginia, B.A.

Bar Memberships

Jim is licensed to practice in the following state(s):

Virginia

Recognition

Local & National Recognition

“Attorney That Matters” by Ethisphere Institute (global organization focused on advancing high standards for ethical corporate practices)

Professional Affiliations

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

Member, Board of Directors, Opioid Clinical Management, Inc.

Senior Policy Advisor, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) (2021)

Civic Activities

Civic & Charitable Organizations

Safety Advisory Board Member, Snap Inc.

Presentations

Jim was invited to speak at the following events:

Guest, “Fentanyl crisis is ‘really going wrong’ in the US,” Sky News Australia, July 11, 2023

Major Publications

Jim is an author or contributor to the following publications:

Speaker, US Congressional Briefing “Healthy Alternatives for Recovery and Treatment”, US Congressional Briefing, December 13, 2023

Testified, US Senate Select Committee on Aging – “Understanding a Growing Crisis: Substance Use Trends Among Older Adults”, December 14, 2023

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