Flannery Georgalis: Lawyers, Services and Practice Areas

Flannery Georgalis handles criminal defense, investigations, business litigation, regulatory matters, and complex legal cases across several practice areas.

Flannery Georgalis is a law firm that focuses on complex legal matters, including criminal defense, government investigations, business litigation, regulatory disputes, and other high-stakes cases. The firm was founded in 2017 by Paul Flannery and Chris Georgalis, attorneys who previously served as federal prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio.

Understanding the firm’s background and areas of practice can help individuals and organizations determine whether its experience is relevant to a particular legal issue.

Background of Flannery Georgalis

Flannery | Georgalis, LLC was established by Paul Flannery and Chris Georgalis after their careers as federal prosecutors. Their experience on the government side of criminal and regulatory matters is an important part of the firm’s professional background.

Former prosecutors may have experience reviewing evidence, conducting investigations, presenting cases, and working with federal agencies. That type of background can be relevant when representing a person or organization that is being investigated or prosecuted.

The firm has developed its practice beyond criminal defense and now handles a variety of civil, commercial, regulatory, and investigative matters.

What Does Flannery Georgalis Handle?

The firm’s published practice areas cover several categories of complex legal work. These include criminal defense, government investigations, business litigation, antitrust and competition law, healthcare regulatory matters, professional licensing, False Claims Act matters, cybercrime, national security, sanctions, and other areas.

Because these areas can involve different laws and procedures, clients generally need to discuss the specific facts of their situation with an attorney before determining what type of representation is appropriate.

Criminal Defense

Criminal defense is an important part of the firm’s practice.

Criminal cases can arise from allegations involving fraud, corruption, financial crimes, cybercrime, regulatory violations, or other offenses. Some matters begin with an investigation before formal charges are filed.

An investigation can involve subpoenas, interviews, document requests, searches, or communications with federal or state investigators. The early stages can be particularly important because information provided during an investigation may later become evidence.

An attorney can help a client understand the nature of an investigation, applicable legal rights, and the potential consequences of different responses.

Government Investigations

Government investigations can involve individuals, corporations, healthcare organizations, financial institutions, and other businesses.

Federal and state agencies may investigate suspected violations of criminal or civil laws. These investigations can sometimes involve multiple agencies or overlapping legal issues.

Legal counsel may assist by reviewing government requests, evaluating documents, communicating with investigators, conducting an independent investigation, and representing the client during negotiations or litigation.

Flannery Georgalis specifically identifies government investigations as part of its legal practice.

Business Litigation

Business disputes can affect contracts, finances, employees, business relationships, and long-term operations.

The firm’s business litigation practice addresses complex commercial disputes and matters involving allegations such as business fraud, professional liability, employment disputes, and other significant conflicts.

Business litigation may involve several stages. Before filing a lawsuit, attorneys may review contracts and communications, investigate the underlying facts, and explore negotiation or settlement. If litigation proceeds, the process can include discovery, depositions, motions, hearings, and trial.

The appropriate strategy depends on the facts, applicable law, contractual provisions, and jurisdiction.

Antitrust and Competition Law

Antitrust law is designed to address certain conduct that can improperly restrict competition.

Companies can encounter antitrust issues in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, agreements between competitors, employment arrangements, trade associations, pricing practices, and government investigations.

Flannery Georgalis lists antitrust and competition law among its practice areas. Attorneys working in this field may assist companies with compliance questions, investigations, litigation, and other competition-related matters.

Because antitrust laws can involve both federal and state enforcement, businesses involved in potentially sensitive transactions may need specialized legal advice.

Healthcare Regulatory and Enforcement Matters

Healthcare is one of the most heavily regulated sectors in the United States. Healthcare providers and organizations may have to comply with extensive federal and state requirements.

Regulatory matters can involve billing practices, government healthcare programs, licensing, compliance, fraud allegations, and investigations.

Flannery Georgalis represents clients in healthcare regulatory and enforcement matters. These cases can involve both civil and criminal exposure, depending on the circumstances.

Healthcare organizations facing an investigation may need to review records, preserve relevant information, respond to government requests, and evaluate their compliance practices.

False Claims Act and Qui Tam Matters

The federal False Claims Act addresses certain types of fraud involving government funds and claims for payment.

A qui tam action allows a private individual, commonly referred to as a relator, to bring an action on behalf of the government under circumstances established by federal law.

These cases can become highly complex because they may involve government investigations, extensive document discovery, financial records, and questions about knowledge and intent.

Flannery Georgalis lists False Claims Act and qui tam matters among its areas of practice.

Professional License Defense

A professional license may be essential to an individual’s ability to continue working.

Doctors, healthcare professionals, financial professionals, and others can face disciplinary or licensing proceedings based on allegations concerning professional conduct.

License-related proceedings can potentially result in restrictions, suspension, or loss of a professional license. The applicable process depends on the profession and the relevant regulatory authority.

Flannery Georgalis handles professional licensure defense, including matters involving regulatory proceedings.

Cybercrime and National Security Matters

Digital evidence now plays an increasingly important role in many investigations.

Cybercrime matters can involve computer systems, electronic communications, financial information, cybersecurity incidents, and other forms of digital evidence. Investigations can also involve federal agencies and potentially overlapping criminal and regulatory issues.

The firm lists cybercrime and national security among its practice areas. It also handles matters involving economic sanctions, export controls, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

These areas can be particularly important for companies conducting international business.

Economic Sanctions and Export Controls

Businesses involved in international trade may need to comply with U.S. sanctions and export-control regulations.

Violations can potentially lead to government investigations, financial penalties, restrictions on transactions, or other consequences.

Legal counsel may help companies assess compliance programs, investigate potential violations, respond to government inquiries, and address regulatory concerns.

The complexity of these laws means that businesses operating across borders should consider the applicable rules before completing sensitive transactions.

Where Does Flannery Georgalis Practice?

The firm has expanded beyond its original Cleveland base. Its listed locations include several U.S. offices, including Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Detroit, Jacksonville, Youngstown, Morgantown, and Tampa.

The firm has also established an office in Dublin, Ireland. The international presence reflects the cross-border nature of many modern commercial, regulatory, and investigative matters.

For clients, the relevant office may depend on the location of the dispute, applicable jurisdiction, and the attorney handling the matter.

How to Choose an Attorney for a Complex Legal Matter

A firm’s name alone should not determine whether it is appropriate for a particular case. Prospective clients should consider several practical factors.

Relevant Experience

Look for experience directly related to the legal problem. A lawyer handling a federal investigation may have a different background from an attorney who primarily handles personal injury or family law cases.

Jurisdiction

Legal rules vary between states and federal jurisdictions. The attorney should be familiar with the court, agency, or regulatory body involved in the matter.

Litigation Experience

If a dispute could proceed to court, it can be useful to understand the attorney’s experience with litigation, discovery, motions, negotiations, and trials.

Communication

Clients should understand how the attorney communicates, who will handle the case, and how updates will be provided.

Potential Conflicts

Complex business and regulatory matters can involve multiple parties. A prospective client should ask about potential conflicts of interest before retaining counsel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Flannery Georgalis?

Flannery | Georgalis, LLC was founded by attorneys Paul Flannery and Chris Georgalis in 2017.

What type of law does Flannery Georgalis practice?

The firm handles complex criminal, civil, commercial, regulatory, and investigative matters. Its listed practices include criminal defense, government investigations, business litigation, antitrust, healthcare regulatory matters, professional licensing, and False Claims Act cases.

Does Flannery Georgalis handle federal investigations?

Yes. Government investigations are among the firm’s areas of practice, including matters involving federal authorities and regulatory agencies.

Does the firm handle business litigation?

Yes. Its business litigation practice includes complex commercial disputes and matters involving business fraud, professional liability, employment disputes, and other significant conflicts.

What is a qui tam case?

A qui tam case is a legal action brought by a private person on behalf of the government under certain federal or state laws. The False Claims Act is one important federal law that permits qualifying qui tam actions.

Does Flannery Georgalis handle professional licensing cases?

Yes. Professional licensure defense is among the firm’s listed practice areas and can involve proceedings that may affect an individual’s professional license.

Where is Flannery Georgalis located?

The firm maintains offices in several U.S. locations and has also established an office in Dublin, Ireland. The applicable office depends on the matter and jurisdiction involved.