Johnny P. ElHachem

Johnny ElHachem is a litigation and regulatory attorney in Holland & Knight's Miami office. He represents clients in complex business litigation and international arbitration, as well as regulatory matters with an emphasis on gaming law, including online sports betting. He is also a member of the firm's Global Compliance and Investigation Team. Mr. ElHachem's experience in Europe and the Middle East, along with his fluency in three languages, anchors his knowledge of various international legal systems and delivers broad, innovative and comprehensive representation to his clients.

Litigation

Mr. ElHachem has extensive experience in administrative tribunals and state and federal courts across the nation. He has successfully prosecuted and litigated dozens of cases involving casinos and racetracks, and is proud to have argued and prevailed in a constitutional challenge involving the Florida Condominium Act. Having successfully represented investors in circuit and appellate courts in cases involving business fraud, corporate and partnership disputes, breaches of fiduciary duties and derivative actions, Mr. ElHachem is energized by opportunities to deliver the results his clients deserve.

Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Mr. ElHachem worked at a boutique firm in Miami, where he practiced in the areas of complex commercial litigation and receiverships focusing on Ponzi schemes. His cases involved several regulatory agencies, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Government and Regulation

Before entering private practice, Mr. ElHachem was an assistant general counsel and the lead litigator for the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering. While there, he worked closely with casinos and racetracks on regulatory matters, including the licensing of cardrooms, slot machines, and pari-mutuel meets and frontons. In his role, Mr. ElHachem successfully prosecuted complaints, defended agency action, and argued challenges to the Florida gaming and racing rules before the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings.

International Experience

Mr. ElHachem has significant background in international environments and transactions. Prior to moving to the United States in 2015, Mr. ElHachem lived, worked and studied in Lebanon, France and Saudi Arabia. In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, he worked with an international logistics company where he advised and ensured the company's compliance with local and international regulations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the UK Bribery Act. He was also praised for drafting the company's employment agreements in Arabic and English. In Beirut, Lebanon, he worked at a law firm and gained transactional and litigation experience.

Community and Leadership

Mr. ElHachem is active in the community as a board member on multiple boards and as a volunteer college mentor with Strive for College. He regularly mentors new attorneys and law students in their practice areas and career trajectories.