John C. Grugan represents clients in government investigations and complex litigation brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and state attorneys general. In addition, John has substantial experience working with boards of directors, audit committees, and corporate management to direct corporate internal investigations. John’s experience includes numerous engagements in which he handled corporate investigations and related negotiations with the government, after which the government declined to prosecute or pursue litigation.
John is ranked in Chambers USA for Litigation—Securities (Pennsylvania), where he is described as “tenacious in his representation and a strong advocate for his client’s position.” John also is recognized in Legal 500 for securities litigation, is listed annually in Benchmark Litigation as a “local litigation star,” and was named one of The 25 Notable Attorneys in Pennsylvania for 2023 by Attorney Intel.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Representation of a federal student loan servicer in litigation in which a state attorney general challenged all aspects of the servicer’s performance, including its administration of several federal loan forgiveness programs. After a lengthy litigation that received national and Congressional attention, the matter was resolved on a no admission, no penalty basis.
- Representation of a publicly-traded energy company in a DOJ investigation relating to the company’s participation in the political process. After a lengthy investigation, the government declined to pursue charges against the company or its executives.
- Representation of a federal student loan servicer challenging the legality of Connecticut and California state licensing requirements. In decisions of first impression in the Second and Ninth Circuits, the federal courts granted summary judgment in the servicer’s favor, finding the state licensing requirements were preempted as applied to federal student loan servicing.
Professional Highlights
Recognition & Accomplishments
Chambers USA, Litigation: Securities (Pennsylvania), 2021, 2022
Benchmark Litigation, "Local Litigation Star," Securities, White collar crime, 2021, 2022
The Legal 500, Securities Litigation, 2022
Attorney Intel, The 25 Notable Attorneys in Pennsylvania, 2023
Board Memberships & Community Service
Member, Board of Trustees of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
Member, Good360 Board of Directors
Member, Franklin Institute Executive Corporate Board
Past President, Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd
Related Insights
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Recent Enforcement Activities of State Attorneys General, with Special Guest Shennan Kavanagh, Division Chief, Consumer Protection Division (CPD), Massachusetts Attorney General's Office
![Legal Alert]()
SEC Adopts Executive Compensation ‘Clawback’ Rules
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Crisis at the Company: The Role Of Independent Directors In Steering The Company To Safe Waters
Credentials
Education
Temple University James E. Beasley School of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1998)
Editor-in-Chief, Temple Law Review
University of Pennsylvania (B.A. 1992)
Admissions
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court