Meredith S. Auten

Meredith has been involved in a number of no-charge decisions involving both Fortune 500 companies and individuals. Clients rely on her to conduct often-sensitive internal investigations on their behalf. She collaborates with her clients, helping them to develop and regularly review and update their internal compliance and ethics programs—particularly those in the healthcare field.

Meredith publishes and lectures frequently on numerous white collar litigation topics, including issues related to internal investigations, the CFCA, and opioids. She currently serves as the national co-chair of the ABA’s Criminal Justice Section White Collar Committee Qui Tam Subcommittee. She is also a former member of the Criminal Justice Appointment Panel for the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and formerly served as a hearing committee member of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Healthcare Fraud and Abuse:

• Representation of pharmaceutical clients in criminal and civil investigations and litigation of issues, including sales and marketing practices, off-label promotion, and Anti-Kickback Statute.
• Representation of a variety of hospitals, clinics and health care professionals in criminal and civil investigations and litigation of issues, including Anti-Kickback statute, Stark regulations, physician supervision, medical necessity, and billing practices.
• Representation of pharmaceutical industry entities in opioid investigations and litigation across the country involving DOJ, DEA, and State AGs, among others.
• Administrative matters including Corporate Integrity Agreements (CIAs) and Compliance Certification Agreements (CCAs) involving the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
• Review and analysis of the Compliance Programs of a number of health care entities.
• Numerous internal investigations and voluntary disclosure of potential healthcare fraud and abuse issues.

False Claims Act Litigation:

• In healthcare matters, have defended a number of pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and integrated healthcare systems, among others.
• In government contract matters, have defended major defense contractors, aerospace manufacturers, and other suppliers of goods and services to the government.
• Represented numerous healthcare providers and government contractors in False Claims Act investigations where the government elected not to intervene or were otherwise declined without civil or criminal charges.

Government Contracts Fraud:

• Successfully defended government contractors in false claims investigations that were resolved without the filing of a civil complaint or criminal charges.
• Obtained declinations of prosecution for individuals under investigation or charged with government contracts fraud.
• Successful representation of a government contractor in an investigation of contracting by the Air Force Thunderbirds.
• Have handled suspension and debarment proceedings on behalf of defense contractors.

Miscellaneous:

FCPA:

• Conducted internal investigations of potential Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations.
• Counseled clients on FCPA issues and FCPA compliance programs.

Antitrust:

• Declination of prosecution of a national newspaper and magazine distributor in connection with an investigation of alleged market allocation.
• Representation of clients in private civil treble damage and indirect purchaser litigation alleging antitrust violations, including price fixing and market allocation.

Securities Fraud:

• Defense in the Enron investigation of a prominent Houston real estate agent who was involved in one of the first "off-the-books" Enron partnerships. Obtained immunity for the client and dismissal of the civil litigation against her.

Tax Fraud:

• Represented prominent real estate developers charged with federal payroll tax violations and tax evasion.

Business Frauds:

• Obtained successive federal appellate reversal of a conviction and sentence of accountant accused of mail, wire, and bank fraud.