Christopher G. Oprison

Christopher Oprison advises corporations and individuals in connection with federal criminal and civil matters as well as government enforcement matters before federal and state administrative agencies. His varied practice includes defending white collar criminal cases, representing and counseling corporations and individuals in connection with health care fraud investigations and issues arising under the federal civil False Claims Act (FCA), and conducting internal investigations on behalf of public company boards and audit committees.

Certain matters Mr. Oprison handled are subject to judicial seal and, thus, are confidential and not subject to disclosure. Illustrative representations that are not under seal, however, include the following:

• the parent holding company of one of the largest health care systems in the United States, and several of its affiliated hospitals, in connection with a pending FCA action alleging fraud in connection with a state’s Medicaid program, as well as a corresponding parasitic state class action brought against one of the defendant hospitals.

• an international manufacturer and supplier of wound care products in connection with a federal FCA investigation stemming from two related qui tam actions alleging fraudulent billing of Medicare. Following an extensive investigation, the Department of Justice (DOJ) declined to intervene in the lawsuit. The federal court subsequently dismissed all fraud-based claims brought by both qui tam relators.

• a Washington, D.C. lobbyist and former chief of staff to a member of Congress in connection with a grand jury investigation led by the DOJ and the FBI into allegations of kickbacks and “honest services” fraud. Following an extensive investigation, the DOJ declined to proceed with criminal charges.

• an airline company and its parent corporation in connection with a federal grand jury investigation into allegations that it falsified aircraft maintenance records. Following an extensive investigation, the DOJ declined to proceed with criminal charges and closed its investigation.

• one of the largest title insurance companies in the United States in connection with a criminal and civil investigation by the New York Attorney General’s (NYAG) office into allegations of improper payments of referral fees in violation of various New York state anti-rebating statutes. After an extensive investigation, a favorable outcome was obtained on behalf of the company.

• a national accounting firm in connection with tax shelter-related issues, including defense of a civil suit against the firm by various indicted partners seeking advancement of attorneys fees.

• a national accounting firm in connection with civil suits by international insurance carriers for fraud and auditor malpractice. Following extensive civil discovery, a favorable outcome was obtained on behalf of the firm.

• two separate natural gas suppliers in connection with a national price-fixing investigation by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). A favorable outcome was obtained on behalf of both suppliers.

Mr. Oprison rejoined Skadden, Arps after serving from November 2006 to May 2008 in the White House Counsel’s Office as a special assistant and associate counsel to President George W. Bush. In that position, Mr. Oprison handled a variety of legal, legislative and policy issues, including congressional oversight investigations, litigation implicating White House equities and interests, and nominations.

Having served as a prosecutor in the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Oprison also has extensive trial experience. During his tour of duty, he successfully prosecuted hundreds of courts-martial, including numerous contested jury and bench trials involving some of the most serious crimes under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Mr. Oprison was an honor graduate of both the Marine Corps Officer Candidates School at Quantico, Va., and the Naval Justice School in Newport, R.I.

Mr. Oprison is active in charitable and community ventures, including serving as general counsel and trustee for the Marine Corps University Foundation. Also, in 2009, he participated in the American Council of Young Political Leaders’ international exchange program to the People’s Republic of China. Mr. Oprison was one of eight U.S. delegates selected for the two-week program to engage with key national and local leaders, business representatives, and civic and community organizations on a range of issues facing both countries.

Military Service

Captain, United States Marine Corps (1998-2002)

Bar Admissions