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 “an enormously valuable strategic adviser. He is very smart, exceptionally accessible and most importantly, wise and practical.” 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 company in investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Education, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the New York Attorney General, the New York Department of Financial Services, the Massachusetts Attorney General, and the Illinois Attorney General. These matters, which related a loan servicing business and involved an extensive remediation of hundreds of thousands of loan accounts, were resolved on exceedingly favorable terms.
- 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.
Professional Highlights
Recognition & Accomplishments
Chambers USA, Litigation: Securities (Pennsylvania), 2021-2023
Benchmark Litigation, "Litigation Star," Securities, White collar crime, 2021-2023
The Legal 500, Securities Litigation: Defense, 2022, 2023
Attorney Intel, The 25 Notable Attorneys in Pennsylvania, 2023
Board Memberships & Community Service
Chair of Board of Trustees of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
Chair-elect of Board of Directors of Good360
Member, Franklin Institute Executive Corporate Board
Past President, Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd
Related Insights
![Event]()
![Publications]()
Municipal Securities Regulation and Enforcement: 2023 Mid-Year Review
![Publications]()
Municipal Securities Regulation and Enforcement: 2022 Year in Review and Look Ahead
![Podcast]()
Recent Enforcement Activities of State Attorneys General, with Special Guest Shennan Kavanagh, Division Chief, Consumer Protection Division (CPD), Massachusetts Attorney General's Office
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