William J. Lovett - Partner

Bill represents public and private companies and individuals, including banks and other lenders, executives, managers, and licensed professionals (such as brokers and traders), accountants, mortgage brokers and contractors. His clients are associated with many sectors of commerce, including the financial services, banking, mutual fund, securities brokerage, Internet commerce, automotive retail, and construction industries.

Bill's practice focuses on complex civil and white collar criminal litigation, internal investigations and government investigations, and enforcement actions related to sophisticated financial matters. 

Business Disputes: As a former auditor and management accountant, Bill uses his accounting background to help clients resolve financial disputes in the boardroom and in the courtroom. He advises shareholders and partners in closely held businesses in cases involving accounting fraud and malpractice, as well as financial disputes related to acquisitions, loans, stock purchases, breaches of fiduciary duty, and other complex transactions. Bill also represents clients in civil suits brought against public accounting firms seeking to recover damages suffered as a result of negligently performed audits. 

Government Investigations and Enforcement Matters: Bill represents clients in both civil and criminal government investigations and enforcement matters with a focus on financial matters, including tax issues, improper accounting practices, money laundering, and securities infractions. He advises individual and corporate clients under investigation by federal grand juries and clients who are subjects of SEC enforcement actions. Bill also represents clients before private sector oversight boards such as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). 

Tax Controversies: Named a "Go To Lawyer" for tax enforcement actions by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Bill previously served as a federal prosecutor with the Department of Justice (DOJ) Tax Division where he worked closely with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to investigate tax controversies. His experience includes prosecuting and defending cases involving allegations of tax evasion, false returns, aiding and abetting, tax conspiracy, failures to file, sales and use tax practices, excise tax payments, fuel and road tax payments, and improper tax withholding. Bill's practice also includes advising clients on compliance with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). Read more about Bill's criminal and civil tax controversy experience.

Previous Experience

Prior to founding Lovett O'Brien, Bill was a partner at Hogan Lovells and Collora LLP in Boston. He also served more than six years as a federal prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice. While at the Department of Justice, he served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia and was recognized with the Outstanding Attorney Award in 2002, 2003 and 2005. 

Prior to practicing law, Bill was an auditor for several regional and international banking and investment management institutions. He was responsible for conducting and managing compliance investigations and financial audits. 

Associations and Community Involvement

• Co-Founder of Lawyers Have Heart Boston, road race fundraiser for the American Heart Association
• Guest Lecturer at the Boston College Law School Attorney General Clinical Program
• Student Mentor, Moot Court Judge and Volunteer/Supporter, BC Law Alumni Association