MEET
SAM BUFFONEAn innovative legal thinker and seasoned litigator
SAM BUFFONE
Samuel John Buffone Jr., an innovative legal thinker and seasoned litigator, is a founding partner of Buffone Law Group PLLC. Mr. Buffone is a former federal prosecutor with deep experience uncovering and stopping fraud. He knows how to make sure a whistleblower is heard, not silenced. Mr. Buffone has extensive experience in complex litigation and knows how to understand and explain a complex business.
Prior to his work in private practice, Mr. Buffone was Senior Trial Counsel in the Fraud Section of the US Department of Justice. The Fraud Section has the primary authority to investigate and prosecute fraud against the United States, and during his time as a federal prosecutor, Mr. Buffone led investigations under the False Claims Act, FIRREA, the Stark Law, and the Anti-Kickback Statute. His work at DOJ led to recoveries totaling over $2 billion, and he led some of DOJ’s most novel and complex investigations.
HONORS & AWARDS
- US Counsel of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency Award for Excellence – Quicken Loans FHA Mortgage Fraud Investigation Team (2020)
- US Counsel of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency Award for Excellence – Wells Fargo Mortgage Fraud Investigation (2017)
- U.S. Department of Justice Special Commendation for Outstanding Service in the Civil Division: FHA Mortgage Fraud Investigation Team (2016)
- U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division “Rookie of the Year” for outstanding service in first three years at DOJ
REPRESENTATIVE CASES
Successfully investigated and litigated numerous False Claims Act cases related to fraudulently endorsing loans for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insurance, resulting in over $1.8 billion in settlements.
A $149.5 million False Claims Act settlement with one of the “Big Four” accounting organizations for false statements in audited financial statement opinions.
A $50 million FIRREA settlement with a global automobile manufacturer related to diesel emission defeat devices.
An $80 million False Claims Act judgement after litigation against a multinational bank for false claims under a USDA export guarantee program.
Lead counsel in an Anti-Kickback Act trial against a large defense contractor where obtained a judgment on all counts.
A $17.6 million False Claims Act settlement with a hospital, its manager, and its developer for submitting false claims on a HUD loan.
A $2.3 million settlement with a multinational manufacturing conglomerate for Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (TAA) violations on GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS).
A $3.57 million False Claims Act settlement for violations of the Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, and the failure to properly supervise medical procedures.
ADMISSIONS
- District of Columbia
- California
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
- United States District Court for the District of Columbia
- United States District Court for the Northern District of California
- United States Supreme Court
EDUCATION
- Georgetown University Law Center, J.D. – Magna Cum Laude 2011
- Cornell University B.A. – Summa Cum Laude 2006
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
“Speed kills: Innovative ways to move FCA Investigations Faster” – Panelist – Federal Bar Association, Qui Tam Section
“How to deal with reporters” – Moderator – Federal Bar Association, Qui Tam Section
“How Congress can affect FCA cases” – Moderator – Federal Bar Association, Qui Tam Section
“Qui Tam Discussion – Leading Practices and Helpful Hints” – Speaker – U.S. Department of State Office of Inspector General
“Partnering with the Government During Litigation” – Panelist – Taxpayers Against Fraud Annual Conference
“Buying a Subpoena: False Claims Act Concerns in M&A Due Diligence” – D.C. Bar Brief Encounters Podcast
“The DOJ’s Cyber-Fraud Initiative: Early Takeaways” – Moderator – Federal Bar Association, Qui Tam Section
“The FCA’s Knowledge Standard and the Supreme Court: A Preview of Supervalu and Safeway and Their Implications” – Panelist – American Bar Association Procurement Fraud Committee
PUBLICATIONS
Is My Client Sitting on a Gold Mine? A Guide to Whistleblower Statutes; New Jersey Labor and Employment Law Quarterly Vol. 43, No. 1
Ex-USAF Officer Sues Consulting Firm Over Alleged Sexual Harassment; Washington Post, April 19, 2022