Press Release

Former Federal Prosecutor Mark Kokanovich Joins Ballard Spahr in Phoenix

April 9, 2018

Mark S. Kokanovich, a former federal prosecutor with experience in corporate, financial, and white collar investigations, has joined Ballard Spahr in its Phoenix and Los Angeles offices, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.

Prior to joining Ballard Spahr, Mr. Kokanovich served for more than seven years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Arizona, including in the Financial Crimes and Public Integrity Section and as Deputy Chief of the Appellate Section. With nearly a decade of additional experience in private practice, Mr. Kokanovich has represented clients in a variety of civil, criminal, and regulatory matters. He is a member of Ballard Spahr's Litigation Department and White Collar Defense/Internal Investigations Group. Mr. Kokanovich is admitted to practice in Arizona and California.

Mr. Kokanovich adds to Ballard Spahr's strong lineup of litigators based in the West, who represent clients in white collar matters and internal investigations as well as in commercial disputes involving intellectual property, labor and employment, bankruptcy, environmental law, media and entertainment law, and real estate. In addition to commercial litigation and a multidisciplinary corporate practice, the Phoenix office has robust practices in political and election law and government relations. The Los Angeles office is a focal point of the firm's consumer financial services practice in the West, and also is home to highly rated practices in real estate, renewable energy, and employee benefits.

"Mark is a terrific addition who complements and deepens Ballard Spahr's litigation strength in the West," said John Kerkorian, Managing Partner of the firm's Phoenix office. "He has the real-world experience that clients need. In an era when high-profile, high-stakes corporate investigations make headlines almost daily, his skill set is invaluable."

As a federal prosecutor, Mr. Kokanovich investigated and prosecuted financial crimes, including securities fraud, government contracts, aggravated identity theft, bank fraud, bankruptcy fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, and international money laundering. During nearly a decade in private practice, he focused on corporate investigations, regulatory compliance, and litigation, including securities litigation related to mergers and acquisitions.

Ballard Spahr's White Collar/Internal Investigations Group combines national scope with local experience in state and federal courts around the country. The Group includes former state and federal prosecutors from jurisdictions throughout the United States, including Practice Leader Henry E. Hockeimer, Jr., a former Assistant U.S. Attorney in Oklahoma City, and Dennis K. Burke, former U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona. Expanding the Group's capabilities in white collar defense and corporate investigations is a strategic priority for Ballard Spahr as the scope and complexity of government regulation and enforcement continue to grow.

"I was attracted by Ballard Spahr's national reach, strong Western platform, and exceptional lawyers," Mr. Kokanovich said. "I'm thrilled to be adding my skills and experience to this outstanding group of attorneys to help clients thrive in a challenging regulatory and business climate."

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