Colin J. Cloherty

Colin focuses on white-collar defense, government investigations, and sports law, with a particular emphasis on sports integrity, regulatory compliance, and enforcement.

A former NFL player and federal prosecutor, Colin brings a distinctive perspective to the legal and regulatory challenges facing the sports industry. He advises clients on matters involving athlete representation; name, image, and likeness (NIL); college athletics; sports wagering; and emerging regulatory frameworks. His sports practice also encompasses internal investigations, governance, compliance, and regulatory enforcement.

Colin has a particular focus on the evolving legal landscape governing college athletics, such as the regulation of athlete agents. He writes and speaks on federal and state athlete-agent laws, regulatory compliance, NCAA enforcement, and the legal implications of changes to the business of sports.

Beyond his sports practice, Colin represents corporations and individuals in complex criminal and civil government investigations, enforcement proceedings, and related litigation. Before returning to Wiley, he served as a Senior Assistant U.S. Attorney in Washington, DC, where he investigated and prosecuted hundreds of cases and tried 14 jury and bench trials.

Before beginning his legal career, Colin played tight end in the National Football League, including for the Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Representative Matters

• Counseled a sports and media private-equity firm on compliance, governance, and transactional matters.
• Served as outside counsel to a youth sports company.
• Advised individuals in asset purchase agreement of sports investment company.
• Represented a company responding to parallel investigations by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
• Conducted an internal investigation for a Fortune 100 company in response to a whistleblower’s False Claims Act (FCA) allegations.
• Represented companies and individuals in investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division involving wire fraud and procurement fraud.
• Conducted an internal investigation for a public company concerning alleged obstruction issues arising from an incident that drew gubernatorial scrutiny.
• Represented an executive of a nonprofit organization in a Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) investigation.
• Negotiated a favorable settlement in a government investigation and qui tam suit alleging FCA violations.
• Represented companies and individuals in investigations by in response to an Inspector General’s allegations of bid-rigging.
• Represented companies and individuals responding to civil investigative demands from the DOJ Antitrust Division and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
• Represented companies and individuals responding to subpoenas from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Southern District of New York, the District of Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
• Represented an executive in suspension and debarment proceedings involving alleged violations of U.S. Small Business Administration rules.
• Represented a government contractor in civil litigation involving a subcontractor dispute, achieving a favorable outcome.
• Represented a company in trade secrets litigation and arbitration.
• Tried 14 jury and bench trials in federal and local courts.
• Served as lead prosecutor through every phase of criminal litigation in hundreds of cases.
• Secured a favorable jury verdict as lead counsel for a pro bono client in a landlord-tenant matter before the D.C. Superior Court.

Professional Experience

• Senior Assistant United States Attorney, U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Columbia (2019-2024)
• Associate, Wiley Rein LLP (2016-2019)
• Judicial Intern, Honorable Richard D. Bennett, U.S. District Court, District of Maryland (2014)
• Legal Extern, U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Maryland (2014)
• Judicial Intern, Honorable Richard J. Leon, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia (2014)
• Tight End, National Football League (2009-2013)
  • Atlanta Falcons (2013)
  • Jacksonville Jaguars (2011-2012)
  • San Francisco 49ers (2010-2011)
  • Cleveland Browns (2009)
  • Indianapolis Colts (2009-2010)

Affiliations

• Assistant United States Attorneys Association for the District of Columbia (AUSAADC)
  • Secretary (2026)
• Federal Bar Association, District of Columbia Chapter
  • Secretary (2026-2027)
• Sports Lawyers Association

Recognitions

• Two Special Achievements Awards from the United States Attorney’s Office in 2023
• Special Act Award from the United States Attorney’s Office in 2020
• Included in The Best Lawyers in America directory of “Ones to Watch” for Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026-2027)