John Floyd

John Floyd was recently described by a client as “probably the leading authority on racketeering in the U.S.” He has a great depth of knowledge and experience in this complex area. Peers say he is “extremely bright, knowledgeable, and also very practical on how to get the best results for the client.”

John authored the preeminent book on state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) statutes, RICO State By State: A Guide to Litigation Under the State Racketeering Statutes (American Bar Association, Section of Antitrust Law, 2011 and 1998). He has also written numerous book chapters and articles on federal and state RICO.

The challenges of successfully pursuing and defending RICO cases are considerable. John has handled these cases in federal and state courts on behalf of plaintiffs, defendants, and as a special prosecutor in cases that have attracted national attention. He recognizes and understands the challenges and opportunities that these cases present.

A former Georgia Attorney General once said of John, “When you have a complex RICO question, you get John Floyd’s book and try to figure it out. If you can’t figure it out, you call John.” He has also been described as an “endless education” and “incredibly knowledgeable,” while “nobody outworks him.”

John is a frequent lecturer and has served as chair of Georgia’s ICLE RICO Seminar since its inception. John is often asked to speak to prosecutors and law enforcement organizations on RICO, gang prosecutions, and white collar crime topics.

John also has extensive experience with cases under the False Claims Act. This has included cases on behalf of both relators and defendants, including a case that generated civil and criminal recoveries totaling $600 million.

In addition to his RICO and False Claims Act work, John conducts internal investigations for institutional clients and represents plaintiffs and defendants at the trial and appellate levels in cases involving business torts and professional liability.

John is a Senior Fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America, which is an invitation-only trial lawyer honorary society and represents less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishments in litigation trial work and superior ethical reputation.

Special Assistant District Attorney, Atlanta, Augusta, Brunswick, Cobb, Dougherty, Rome, Fulton and Stone Mountain Judicial Districts (various times)
Special Assistant Attorney General, State of Georgia, 1997-2000
Fulton County Board of Ethics, Member, 1998-2004
Civil RICO Report Editorial Advisory Board, Member
Atlanta Bar Association, Litigation Section, Member
State Bar of Georgia, ADR, Bankruptcy, General Practice, and Trial Sections, Member
American Bar Association, Member
Lawyers Club of Atlanta, Member
Lumpkin American Inn of Court, Master

Education

• Emory University School of Law, J.D., 1983
  • Notes and Comments Editor, Emory Law Journal
• Brown University, A.B., 1980, Honors in History

Previous Experience

• Law Clerk, Judge William C. O’Kelley, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, 1983-1985 

Admissions

• State Bar of Georgia
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
• U.S. Supreme Court
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia