William D. Ezzell

Counsel

Atlanta
T +1.404.256.8420
F +1.404.459.5734

Overview

For many clients, William Ezzell does not expect repeat business, as those he works with are often facing high-stakes, high-stress problems that are not likely to recur: a C-suite executive charged with fraud, a pharmacy under DEA investigation, a company facing a surprise grand jury subpoena or an internal investigation to track down possible employee sabotage. These clients turn to William to attack such threats head on, and protect their livelihoods while minimizing the impact to their businesses and reputations.

William is an established attorney at the crossroads of government investigations, internal investigations and complex litigation. His investigations and high-stakes litigation experience make him perfectly situated to handle the collateral consequences of investigative matters, which can occur in any of four legal arenas – criminal, civil, administrative and regulatory – often all at once. He also represents clients in all phases of litigation and regulatory compliance. Whether it be a business dispute, breach of contract, securities violation or any number of challenges that can arise, clients can expect William to help them navigate the unexpected.

Select Experience

  • Lead associate in defense of Department of Justice criminal prosecution of CEO accused of conspiracy to defraud the U.S.; managed 30 contract attorneys to review eight million pages of ESI and potential evidence; formulated complex defense strategies, drafted direct and cross-examinations; authored numerous pretrial motions and briefs.
  • Conducted multiple internal investigations for mid-cap and small-cap companies primarily involving allegations related to AKS and FCA violations; interviewed employees and advised in-house counsel on findings, potential exposures and recommended actions and compliance measures.
  • Successfully defended pharmacies and health providers in multiple OIG, DEA, and state FCA investigations; managed and negotiated responses to subpoenas; oversaw attorney reviews of client documents. and led aggressive response strategies and crafted legal responses and presentations that resulted in declinations and favorable civil settlements.
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Experience

  • Lead associate in defense of Department of Justice criminal prosecution of CEO accused of conspiracy to defraud the U.S.; managed 30 contract attorneys to review eight million pages of ESI and potential evidence; formulated complex defense strategies, drafted direct and cross-examinations; authored numerous pretrial motions and briefs.
  • Conducted multiple internal investigations for mid-cap and small-cap companies primarily involving allegations related to AKS and FCA violations; interviewed employees and advised in-house counsel on findings, potential exposures and recommended actions and compliance measures.
  • Successfully defended pharmacies and health providers in multiple OIG, DEA, and state FCA investigations; managed and negotiated responses to subpoenas; oversaw attorney reviews of client documents. and led aggressive response strategies and crafted legal responses and presentations that resulted in declinations and favorable civil settlements.
  • Advised and defended companies in civil litigation matters, including disputes regarding real estate, breach of contract, business tort, securities and collections.
  • Assumed lead roles in prosecuting and defending civil litigation matters; crafted legal strategy, consulted with in-house counsel, drafted and argued motions, deposed witnesses and managed all trial preparation, mediation, and case resolution.
  • Representative lead counsel experience included defense of chemical producer in product defect action brought by global zipper manufacturer, defense of fire truck distributor in multimillion-dollar federal product defect suit and counsel for national hotel corporation in high-profile wrongful death action.

Recognitions and Memberships

Recognitions

  • Best Lawyers in America® 
    • Criminal Defense: White Collar in Georgia "Ones To Watch" (2021 to 2023)

Memberships

  • American Bar Association
  • Atlanta Bar Association
  • State Bar of Georgia

Community

  • Acorns to Oaks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to raise money to support enriching educational opportunities for every child at Garden Hills Elementary

Admissions

  • Supreme Court of Georgia
  • Georgia Court of Appeals
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Georgia
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia
  • Georgia

Education

  • J.D., Mercer University School of Law, 2011; Member, Mercer Law Review; Mercer Advocacy Council - Moot Court
  • B.B.A., Finance, University of Georgia, Terry College of Business, 2006
  • B.A., Political Science, University of Georgia, Terry College of Business, 2006