Atty. John J. Rice

Atty. John J. Rice

John Rice, a former federal prosecutor, represents both individuals and corporations in a wide range of complex white collar matters, including SEC enforcement actions, anti-money laundering and bank secrecy act compliance matters, and foreign corrupt practices act investigations. Mr.

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Profile Summary

About John J. Rice at a glance

John J. Rice is a criminal defense and white collar attorney based in San Diego, California, practicing at Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP. Educated at University of Virginia (J.D., 1987) and Harvard University (—, 1983). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy) (2026). Serands clients in San Diego, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

John Rice, a former federal prosecutor, represents both individuals and corporations in a wide range of complex white collar matters, including SEC enforcement actions, anti-money laundering and bank secrecy act compliance matters, and foreign corrupt practices act investigations.

Mr. Rice is an experienced litigator who has tried numerous cases to verdict, including dozens of federal jury trials, and argued cases before federal appellate courts. His practice focuses on white-collar criminal defense, internal investigations and complex civil litigation.

Before entering private practice, Mr. Rice spent more than 15 years with the U.S. Department of Justice, most recently as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of California specializing in public corruption cases. In addition to his work in the Southern District of California, he served in the organized crime and terrorism section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and served as branch chief for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern Mariana Islands. He has received numerous awards from various federal law enforcement organizations during his career.

Mr. Rice served a judicial clerkship with the Honorable Judith N. Keep, of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California from 1987 to 1988.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

  • Represented executive in Anti-Money Laundering/Bank Secrecy Act investigation which led to declination of charges
  • Represented accountant in tax and currency structuring investigation
  • Represented financial professional in insider trading matter including trial
  • Represented doctors in Medicare and anti-kickback enforcement matters
  • Represented numerous individuals in SEC enforcement investigations
  • Represented company in FINRA matter
  • Represented individual in OCC enforcement action
  • Represented company in investigation involving the DOJ, FDA and Customs
  • Represented individuals and class members in complex securities litigation
  • Conducted internal investigation involving allegations of theft of intellectual property and unfair competition
  • Represented individual in insider trading and foreign corrupt practices investigation
  • Represented company in employee and contractual dispute and related arbitration
  • Represented family and estate in civil rights action

TEACHING

  • Adjunct Professor, University of San Diego School of Law, Federal Criminal Law (2007 to present)
  • Lecturer, various law enforcement and corporate governance seminars

PUBLICATIONS

  • FamilyLawyerMagazine.com, Child Abduction Cases Under the Hague Convention, July 31, 2018

Practice Areas Explained

John J. Rice's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John J. Rice handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

John J. Rice is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in California →

White Collar Crimes

John J. Rice is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in San Diego are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in San Diego or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about John J. Rice

Where is John J. Rice's law office located?
John J. Rice's law practice is located in San Diego, California. The firm is Higgs Fletcher & Mack LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John J. Rice handle?
John J. Rice focuses on criminal defense, white collar. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
Where did John J. Rice go to law school?
John J. Rice earned their education at (J.D., 1987); (—, 1983).
How can I contact John J. Rice for a consultation?
You can contact John J. Rice directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has John J. Rice received?
John J. Rice's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy); Best Lawyers in America — Awards:.

Education

J.D.
University of Virginia
- 1987
Harvard University
- 1983

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026

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