Profile
Kathleen represents corporations, directors, and other individuals in government investigations and white collar defense. Her experience includes matters involving internal investigations, the False Claims Act (FCA), Anti-Kickback Statute, and health care fraud in both criminal and civil matters. She supports her clients at every stage of litigation from grand jury proceedings to appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court. Kathleen also serves as Pro Bono Counsel for the firm.
Kathleen previously served as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Section Health Care Fraud Unit. In her capacity as a healthcare fraud prosecutor, Kathleen pursued fraud at all levels, including opioid distribution, kickback schemes, illegal patient recruiting, upcoding, double-billing, and psychotherapy scams. She also has investigated pharmaceutical schemes, such as rebate fraud, pharmacy shortage scams, and mail-order pharmacy fraud. This work required her to work with and gather information from PBMs and pharmacy wholesalers, giving her a unique insight into the workings of Medicare Part D and drug distribution in general.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Defended clients in civil and criminal matters with a focus on the False Claims Act and other fraud investigations/litigations.
- Litigated extensive attorney-client privilege issues in the context of corporate counsel conducting internal investigations.
- Conducted internal investigations to advise clients on potential civil and criminal liability, assist in mandatory disclosures, and negotiate resolutions with government parties.
Professional Experience
- Trial Attorney, Department of Justice, Criminal Division (2019-2023)
- White Collar Defense Associate, Private Law Practice (2013-2019)
Practice Areas
Credentials
Education
J.D., Yale Law School
B.A., summa cum laude, Virginia Polytechnic and State University
Law Journals
External Managing Editor, Yale Journal of Law and Humanities
Clerkships
- Law Clerk for the Honorable Charles Lettow, U.S. Court of Federal Claims (2012-2013)
Bar and Court Memberships
- District of Columbia Bar
- Virginia Bar
- U.S. District Courts for the District of Maryland and Eastern District of Virginia
Related News & Insights
- Media MentionKathleen Cooperstein Quoted by The Baltimore Sun about MD Health Department Due Process SuitThe Baltimore SunAugust 15, 2026
- Media MentionWiley Noted by Bloomberg Law as Representing Whistleblower in Fraud CaseBloomberg LawAugust 10, 2026
- AlertDOJ’s 2026 Health Care Fraud Takedown Puts Mature Data-Driven, Whole-of-Government Enforcement on DisplayKathleen Cooperstein, Brandon J. MossJune 26, 2026
- Press ReleaseWiley Attorneys Named to 2025 Capital Pro Bono Honor RollMay 7, 2026
