Gene Rossi

Gene Rossi is a nationally recognized trial lawyer and former federal prosecutor who represents companies, executives, health care professionals, and individuals in high-stakes criminal matters, government investigations, white collar disputes, and complex civil litigation.

Gene brings nearly 30 years of experience with the U.S. Department of Justice, where he served in the Tax Division and later as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia — the famed "Rocket Docket," one of the nation's fastest-paced and most demanding federal jurisdictions. He handled significant matters involving health care fraud, opioids, tax enforcement, public corruption, organized crime, immigration, environmental crimes, violent crime, and national security.

Few lawyers bring Gene's depth of courtroom experience. Over the course of his DOJ career, he tried more than 110 federal cases in U.S. district and bankruptcy courts. In the Rocket Docket, he set a record with 65 felony jury trials. In recognition of his trial reputation, the Alexandria U.S. Attorney's Office designated a special trial preparation space known as the "Gene Rossi War Room."

Gene also served as lead trial counsel in Operation "Cotton Candy," one of the largest opioid enforcement initiatives in DOJ history, resulting in more than 200 convictions of doctors, medical staff, and drug dealers.

Experience

Represented high-profile defendant from South America facing alleged federal money laundering and international narco-terrorism charges in the Eastern District of Virginia.

Represented a pain management physician in connection with a federal narcotics and health care fraud investigation; no charges were filed.

Represented and obtained immunity for a key witness in connection with the DOJ's investigation into Paul Manafort arising from the Robert Mueller special counsel inquiry.

Represented a former attorney for Stormy Daniels in a Southern District of New York investigation involving campaign finance-related allegations against the president; no charges were brought.

Represented an individual in connection with the January 6 Capitol-related federal investigation; after a six-week jury trial, obtained a sentence of probation for multiple counts of conviction, despite a 97-month sentencing guidelines recommendation.

Represented a business executive in connection with a federal investigation involving potential corruption, money laundering, and related allegations; no federal charges were filed.

Served as lead trial counsel in federal RICO, fraud, organized crime, and national security matters in multiple U.S. attorney's offices, including the Eastern District of Virginia, District of Columbia, District of New Jersey, and Southern District of New York.

Lead trial counsel in Operation Cotton Candy, a major DOJ opioid enforcement initiative resulting in more than 200 convictions of medical professionals, pharmacists, and drug distributors.

Lead trial counsel in a federal civil tax trial involving allegations against a Chicago public official.

Lead trial counsel in the prosecution of a violent criminal defendant in an OCDETF-related drug trafficking matter involving 30 homicides.

Speaking Engagements

"Working Effectively With Forensic Mental Health Experts in White Collar, Criminal and Civil Litigation," American Bar Association (August 12, 2026)

"Ethics: Plea Bargaining and Ethical Considerations for Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys," Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (November 12, 2020)

Multimedia

Honors & Recognitions

Legal 500 (2026)

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Professional & Community Involvement

Gene co-chairs the Legislative and Policy Committee of the American Bar Association's Criminal Justice Section. He is a fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an honorary society representing the top 0.5% of the nation's lawyers, and a member of its honorary Order of Centurions, which recognizes lawyers who have tried 100 or more jury trials to verdict. He previously served on the board of directors of the Alexandria Bar Association.

In the community, Gene serves on the board of directors of the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice, which facilitates conversations between members of the public and incarcerated people, and previously served on the boards of Friends of Guest House, which helps women reenter the community after incarceration, the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium, and the Beat the Odds Foundation. He has also coached youth basketball for decades and is the founder and commissioner of Alexandria's Hoop Madness Club, which plays outdoor basketball year-round.

Gene has tried 100 jury trials to verdict, including a record-setting run in the Rocket Docket. In addition to his practice, Gene teaches trial advocacy at Harvard Law School and constitutional law and criminal procedure at George Mason University, and he has guest lectured at the University of Virginia School of Law. A frequent legal commentator, he has appeared often on major national and international media outlets, such as CNN, MS NOW, Fox, CBS, ABC, Law & Crime Network, CBC, and CGTN. Follow Gene on LinkedIn to see his most recent appearances.