Maxwell C. Ruocco

How Maxwell Helps Clients

Max represents corporations and individuals in government investigations, antitrust matters, complex litigation, national security issues, and white-collar criminal defense.

Max has represented companies and individuals in all phases of litigation, including discovery, motion practice, and at trial.  Max also has defended clients in regulatory matters, including in investigations by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and state attorneys general.

Max also advises clients on national security matters such as U.S. economic sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), export controls, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), and the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). He helps both domestic and foreign individuals and corporations navigate these national security regimes and mitigate potential legal and regulatory risks.

Max received his law degree from The George Washington University Law School in 2019. During his time in law school, he served as a member of The George Washington International Law Review and was awarded a Pro Bono Recognition Award for providing over 100 hours of pro bono legal services. Max also received Top Secret security clearance to review Sensitive Compartmented Information.

What Clients Can Expect

Max takes pride in serving as a passionate advocate for his clients. He utilizes his strong interpersonal skills to assist and counsel clients to successfully implement effective strategies to accomplish his clients’ goals.

Outside the Office

In his spare time, Max enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring the Carolinas with his three dogs, and reading military history books. Max is also an avid fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Carolina Panthers.

Proof Points

• Defended owner of oilfield services company in Paycheck Protection Program loan fraud prosecution in the Middle District of Pennsylvania, resulting in dismissal of two counts by district court and subsequent dismissal of remaining counts by government prior to trial.
• Represented a high-profile venture capitalist in an extensive parallel Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice investigation into alleged insider trading violations.
• Defended a generic pharmaceuticals manufacturer in a consolidated federal multidistrict litigation involving wholesaler and third-party payor classes, opt-out direct and indirect purchaser actions, and State enforcement and damages action alleging antitrust violations of nationwide price-fixing and market-allocation.
• Counseled a medical research organization subject to a grand jury investigation led by the Department of Justice Consumer Protection Branch regarding clinical trial fraud related to certain medical devices.
• Represented national rehabilitation and long-term care provider in internal investigation of whistleblower complaint alleging Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act violations involving multiple executives and third-party contracts and advised on implementation of remedial measures in preparation for qui tam litigation and parallel federal civil and criminal investigations.
• Represented an international online vehicle auctioneer in a grand jury investigation led by the Department of Justice Antitrust Division concerning alleged criminal antitrust violations arising from purchase of subsidiary company. 
• Conducted legal research for a natural resource corporation issued a Civil Investigative Demand pursuant to the False Claims Act regarding underpaid government royalties and the collateral consequences of entering a resolution with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.
• Designed and implemented risk-based compliance programs, including antitrust, anti-bribery, and government and internal investigation policies, for companies in various industry sectors who are subjected to a multitude of regulatory and government agency oversight. 
• Counseled clients on the Department of Justice’s revamped corporate enforcement policies concerning voluntary self-disclosure and corporate compliance.

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