Atty. William J. Cople III
William J. Cople III defends government contractors and commercial companies in a range of critical industries in government investigations, litigation, trials, and prosecutions involving the False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback statute, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and handles corporate internal investigations, whistleblower claims, and Congressional investigations.
Profile Summary
About William J. Cople III at a glance
William J. Cople III is a construction attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Hollingsworth LLP. Educated at St. John's University (J.D., 1981). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Compliance Law (2026). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- William J. Cople III defends government contractors and commercial companies in a range of critical industries in government investigations, litigation, trials, and prosecutions involving the False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback statute, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and handles corporate internal investigations, whistleblower claims, and Congressional investigations
- He represents pharmaceutical, medical device, financial institution, and engineering and construction firms as trial counsel in complex litigation of products liability, financial fraud, employment, and engineering and construction claims, as well as federal agency investigations and enforcement proceedings concerning regulatory compliance and product marketing
- Mr. Cople works extensively on government contracts litigation, export controls and economic sanctions, suspension and debarment, and federal fraud investigations and prosecutions
- He defends U.S. and international companies regarding federal grand jury and inspector general investigations and subpoenas, and federal civil and criminal investigations and prosecutions involving government and commercial contracts, fraud, marketing, antitrust and false claims
- He conducts internal investigations, due diligence and compliance reviews and he handles litigation involving engineering, construction, technology, logistics, and complex projects in the United States, Europe, South America, Asia, and the Middle East
- Mr. Cople previously served in the Office of the Secretary of Defense as an active duty Army officer and special counsel, and served as a federal prosecutor
- He lectures on government procurement and contract litigation, and government and internal investigations, and serves on the Legal Committee for the National Defense Industrial Association
- Mr. Cople is named in the 2021 edition of Best Lawyers in America and in the 2020 Washington DC edition of Super Lawyers
Practice Areas Explained
William J. Cople III's Areas of Practice
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William J. Cople III is one of 40,689 construction attorneys indexed nationally. Browse construction attorneys in District of Columbia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia
Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.
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