Prominent Government Attorney John Wood Joins Holland & Knight's Public Policy Team

WASHINGTON (June 12, 2023) – John Wood has joined Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group as a partner in Washington, D.C., where he will focus on congressional investigations, national security work, internal investigations and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Mr. Wood has high-level experience in all three branches of the federal government, and most recently served as senior investigative counsel and of counsel to the vice chair of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

In the past, Mr. Wood also served as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri and chief of staff for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he advised on a broad range of matters, including terrorism, intelligence preparedness, border security, immigration and law enforcement. He has held several high-level positions at the U.S. Department of Justice and in the White House, including deputy associate attorney general and counselor to Attorney General John D. Ashcroft and White House Deputy General Counsel for the Office of Management and Budget. Mr. Wood also was a former clerk for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and U.S. Court of Appeals Judge J. Michael Luttig.

From 2018 until 2021, Mr. Wood served as senior vice president, general counsel and chief legal officer for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

"We are beyond thrilled that John chose to join our team," said Rich Gold, leader of Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group. "His inside knowledge and experience navigating sensitive matters involving the government will make him a valuable ally to many of our clients, especially those involved in national defense and security. His work with many of the United States' largest corporations and trade associations on critical litigation matters also makes him a great fit for our firm."

Throughout his career, Mr. Wood has worked the full spectrum of compliance and dispute resolution, including helping corporations develop effective compliance programs and investigating allegations and evidence of misconduct. He has extensive experience representing clients regarding the FCPA, False Claims Act, international trade controls, securities and accounting matters, and government contracts.

"I am very eager to share the decades of experience I gained in the government with Holland & Knight clients, including guiding them through government investigations and defending them in court, when necessary," said Mr. Wood. "The Public Policy & Regulation Group at Holland & Knight is widely recognized for its contacts and work on both sides of the aisle, and I am very proud to become a part of it."

Mr. Wood earned a J.D. degree from Harvard Law School and a B.A. degree from the University of Virginia.