As a former federal prosecutor and the child of university professors, I'm very comfortable with the nuances particular to defending students of all types, including those in high school, undergraduate, and graduate studies, and in professional or certification programs. Helping people is my favorite aspect of the law. The investigations process can be daunting for both individuals and corporate entities, and I take pride in drawing on my experience to help clients navigate through the uncertainty of some of the most stressful days of their lives. I take that responsibility very seriously and find it very fulfilling.
Shanlon Wu is a litigator and former federal prosecutor who served as counsel to Attorney General Janet Reno. His clients include businesses and individuals in white collar, education, and commercial matters on a national scale. Recognized by the American Lawyer as a Trail Blazer for his pioneering work in defending college students, he is proud to represent families as well as institutions in the secondary and higher education contexts. He has tried hundreds of bench trials and more than 30 trials to jury verdicts, and argued cases before both the D.C. Circuit and the D.C. Court of Appeals.
Representing students in both academic and conduct violations, Shan works closely with families to navigate the sensitivities inherent in disciplinary proceedings and criminal investigations. Because these matters can impact the client’s current and future opportunities, Shan works diligently to see that justice prevails. He has defended students across the country against allegations ranging from academic violations like using AI, plagiarism, and cheating to conduct violations involving hazing, use of alcohol or drugs, and Title IX campus sexual assaults. His previous experience in prosecuting and defending sex crimes gives him particular skills in Title IX cases. As the child of political refugees and a native Mandarin speaker, he is innately attuned to the cultural overlays involved with investigations involving foreign or diverse students.
At home in the academic environment, Shan’s education practice extends to representing educational institutions and private businesses. Informed by both his deep familiarity with student concerns as well as his position on the Board of Trustees of a private liberal arts college, Shan’s thorough approach yields comprehensive, efficient representation for schools and universities, including Administration and other personnel.
In his white collar practice, Shan represents individuals and companies in criminal allegations from state and federal government and regulatory agencies, including grand jury subpoenas and internal reviews. He has represented clients in everything from False Claims Act (FCA) and qui tam actions to allegations of fraud, conflicts of interest, and bribery. He has also handled a wide variety of commercial and civil litigation matters.
In former roles, Shan served as Counsel to the Attorney General as a supervisor in the office of the U. S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, led a Police Corruption Task Force, and worked on an Independent Counsel investigation regarding a Cabinet official. As a prosecutor, Shan helped secure the first life-without-parole sentence for a serial rapist in the District of Columbia. His government work earned him multiple Special Achievement Awards from the U.S. Department of Justice, and recognition by community and law enforcement groups.