Andrew P. Young is a nationally recognized trial lawyer, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and a former federal prosecutor whose practice encompasses complex civil litigation, white collar criminal defense, government investigations, and internal investigations. He represents corporations, executives, and individuals in high-stakes disputes and investigations involving significant financial, legal, and reputational exposure.
Andrew has tried more than 20 jury and bench trials in state and federal courts throughout the country, including California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, New York, and Tennessee. His experience spans a broad range of subject matters, including securities fraud, healthcare fraud, antitrust, racketeering, business torts, contract disputes, products liability, tax offenses, and other complex commercial and criminal matters. Unusually, Andrew has tried cases in all four principal litigation roles: as a federal prosecutor, criminal defense attorney, plaintiff’s counsel, and civil defense counsel. This breadth of experience provides him with a distinctive understanding of how parties evaluate cases, develop trial strategies, and present evidence to judges and juries.
Trial Practice and Complex Litigation
Andrew’s litigation practice includes representing companies and individuals in complex business disputes, government enforcement actions, class actions, and significant civil and criminal trials. He has successfully defended individuals facing federal criminal charges, including obtaining an acquittal in a federal securities fraud prosecution, and has represented clients in complex healthcare fraud prosecutions involving extensive documentary evidence, financial transactions, and expert testimony. On the civil side, Andrew represents both plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes litigation involving commercial disputes, business torts, civil RICO claims, antitrust issues, and products liability. His experience includes litigating cases involving substantial business interests, complex scientific and technical evidence, and significant financial exposure. He has handled disputes in federal and state courts across the country and regularly works with clients to develop strategies that account for both litigation risks and broader business objectives. Andrew approaches litigation with an emphasis on preparation, sound judgment, and clear, persuasive advocacy. Having spent substantial portions of his career on both sides of the courtroom, he brings an uncommon ability to anticipate an opponent’s strategy, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of a case, and identify the issues most likely to influence a judge or jury.
Government Investigations and White Collar Defense
Before returning to private practice in 2020, Andrew spent nearly a decade with the U.S. Department of Justice, serving as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of California, a trial attorney in DOJ’s Tax Division, and a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York. During his government service, Andrew investigated and prosecuted complex criminal matters involving corporate and securities fraud, money laundering, public corruption, organized crime, racketeering, bankruptcy fraud, and tax offenses. His work frequently required coordinating with federal investigative agencies, analyzing complex financial transactions, preparing witnesses, and developing sophisticated investigative and trial strategies. Today, Andrew draws on that experience to represent companies and individuals facing federal and state criminal investigations, regulatory enforcement proceedings, grand jury investigations, and related civil litigation. He also conducts sensitive internal investigations and advises clients on responding to government inquiries, evaluating potential criminal exposure, managing interactions with enforcement agencies, and navigating parallel proceedings. His experience as both a federal prosecutor and defense attorney provides clients with insight into how government investigations are initiated, how prosecutors assess evidence, and the considerations that drive charging decisions, negotiations, and trial strategy.
Operation Trojan Shield and International Investigations
While serving as a federal prosecutor, Andrew was the architect and lead prosecutor of Operation Trojan Shield, one of the largest and most innovative international undercover investigations in law enforcement history. The operation involved the FBI’s covert operation of ANOM, an encrypted communications platform secretly controlled by law enforcement and used by transnational criminal organizations around the world. Working with the FBI and international law enforcement partners, Andrew helped develop and implement the legal and operational framework that allowed investigators to gather evidence against sophisticated criminal organizations operating across national borders. In this role, Andrew worked directly with senior officials at the Department of Justice, including the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, as well as the FBI’s Office of General Counsel, DOJ’s Office of International Affairs, and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section. He also coordinated extensively with prosecutors and law enforcement officials from Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Canada, New Zealand, and other countries. Operation Trojan Shield resulted in more than 1,000 arrests, the seizure of nearly 100 tons of illegal drugs and approximately $50 million in currency, and the prevention of an estimated 150 murders. The operation received worldwide attention and became the subject of the acclaimed book Dark Wire: The Incredible True Story of the Largest Sting Operation Ever and documentary productions examining the investigation. Andrew led the team that received the FBI Director’s Award for International Operations in recognition of its work. The experience provided Andrew with a rare perspective on the intersection of law, technology, international cooperation, investigative strategy, and the management of sensitive, high-profile government operations.
*The result portrayed was dependent on the facts of the case, and the results will differ if based on different facts.
Professional Recognition
Andrew is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the legal profession’s most prestigious organizations. Fellowship is extended by invitation only to experienced trial lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional trial advocacy and the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct. Membership is limited to no more than one percent of the total lawyer population in any state or province. Andrew is also a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation-only honorary society recognizing excellence in litigation and trial advocacy. He has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America in Criminal Defense: White-Collar for multiple years. Throughout his career, Andrew has combined significant courtroom experience with the strategic judgment developed through years of handling complex investigations and consequential litigation. He is known for his direct approach, ability to remain composed under pressure, and commitment to developing practical, effective solutions to his clients’ most difficult legal problems.