A trial lawyer, David A. Vicinanzo serves a broad array of clients—from Fortune 100 to pro bono—in New England, New York, the Washington, DC, area, and elsewhere. He practices primarily in the area of government investigations and the representation of organizations and individuals in complex civil and criminal matters, and in representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Before joining the firm, I was a federal prosecutor in Washington, DC, and New England for thirteen years. I served in Washington, DC, as an Advisor to the U.S. Attorney General, and as Chief Prosecutor in the campaign finance investigation of the 1996 presidential election. In that position I managed a task force of approximately one hundred attorneys, agents and analysts that interviewed thousands of people, reviewed millions of documents, and obtained the convictions of more than twenty defendants, including John Huang, Yah Lin “Charlie” Trie and Maria Hsia (organizer of the Buddhist Temple matter).
I also served as Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey (investigation of U.S. Senator Robert Torricelli), and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in Massachusetts. In addition, I served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, where I managed an office of fifty lawyers, analysts and staff. In this position, I was responsible for all aspects of office management including case development, civil enforcement and criminal prosecutions, agency relations and personnel decisions as well as a substantial litigation caseload.
Previously, I spent ten years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and five years as Criminal Division Chief. During my tenure as a prosecutor, I tried or supervised hundreds of cases, from securities fraud, FCPA violations, environmental crime and intellectual property infringement to health care fraud, child protection, asset forfeiture, government contract fraud, export violations and major racketeering. These included some of the most difficult and complex cases brought by the USDOJ in the 1990s.
The government’s role in the economy continues to expand and the risk of investigation is the new normal. Modern enterprises now face unworkable burdens. As a result, businesses increasingly need counsel from someone who speaks the government’s language, but also understands how a competitive, successful business works.
New Hampshire Union Leader | August 11, 2022
Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo, one of the lead attorneys representing several hundred victims of alleged abuse at the New Hampshire Youth Development Center, is quoted in the following articles covering the New Hampshire attorney general’s decision to withdraw and resubmit a plan for a $100 million settlement fund for the victims following criticism from attorneys and state lawmakers. The New Hampshire Union Leader article below was also picked up by Yahoo! News.
InDepthNH.org | August 10, 2022
Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo, one of the lead attorneys representing several hundred victims of alleged abuse at the New Hampshire Youth Development Center, is quoted in the following articles covering the New Hampshire attorney general’s decision to withdraw and resubmit a plan for a $100 million settlement fund for the victims following criticism from attorneys and state lawmakers. The New Hampshire Union Leader article below was also picked up by Yahoo! News.
InDepthNH | July 29, 2022
This article covers a letter sent by Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner David Vicinanzo to the New Hampshire attorney general, criticizing the proposed process for compensating victims of abuse at the state’s Youth Development Center. The article mentions Dave as one of the lead attorneys representing several hundred victims of alleged abuse at YDC.
New Hampshire Union Leader | July 26, 2022
Manchester Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner David Vicinanzo, the lead attorney for several hundred victims of alleged abuse at New Hampshire’s Youth Development Center, is quoted throughout this article covering a letter sent to the NH Attorney General explaining that the proposed settlement fund process places too much responsibility on victims and would result in settlement awards far lower than what could be won in court.
New Hampshire Bulletin | July 20, 2022
Manchester Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner David Vicinanzo is quoted in this article covering the need for more public defenders in New Hampshire to represent poor defendants. Dave emphasizes that a public service pitch to attorneys will be vital while acknowledging that an hourly rate increase will also be important.
WMUR-TV | July 19, 2022
The following clip covers a new complaint filed on behalf of “John Doe 441” regarding allegations of abuse at New Hampshire’s Youth Development Center, and the coverage includes interviews with former YDC counselor “Rachel Roe,” who claims to have witnessed the alleged abuse and was attacked herself. Manchester Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner David Vicinanzo, the lead attorney for several hundred victims of alleged abuse at YDC, is quoted in the two print articles, noting the disturbing nature of this new testimony and hinting that more former YDC employees could come forward.
InDepthNH.org | July 19, 2022
The following clip covers a new complaint filed on behalf of “John Doe 441” regarding allegations of abuse at New Hampshire’s Youth Development Center, and the coverage includes interviews with former YDC counselor “Rachel Roe,” who claims to have witnessed the alleged abuse and was attacked herself. Manchester Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner David Vicinanzo, the lead attorney for several hundred victims of alleged abuse at YDC, is quoted in the two print articles, noting the disturbing nature of this new testimony and hinting that more former YDC employees could come forward.
New Hampshire Union Leader | July 19, 2022
The following clip covers a new complaint filed on behalf of “John Doe 441” regarding allegations of abuse at New Hampshire’s Youth Development Center, and the coverage includes interviews with former YDC counselor “Rachel Roe,” who claims to have witnessed the alleged abuse and was attacked herself. Manchester Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner David Vicinanzo, the lead attorney for several hundred victims of alleged abuse at YDC, is quoted in the two print articles, noting the disturbing nature of this new testimony and hinting that more former YDC employees could come forward.
Nashua Telegraph | July 15, 2022
Manchester Government Investigations & White Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo, the lead attorney for several hundred victims of alleged abuse at New Hampshire’s Youth Development Center, is quoted throughout this article sharing the story of John Doe 402, one of the alleged abuse victims at YDC.
New Hampshire Union Leader | June 16, 2022
This article covers a motion to lift the stay on all cases filed by alleged abuse victims at the state’s Youth Development Center and allow the cases to move forward. The story also includes details from a new complaint that was filed Wednesday. Also picked up by Yahoo! News, the article mentions Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo as the lead attorney for several hundred victims of alleged abuse.
InDepthNH.org | June 14, 2022
Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo, the lead attorney for several hundred victims of alleged abuse at the state’s Youth Development Center, is quoted in this article covering a motion filed Tuesday to lift the stay on all cases filed by victims and allow them to move forward. This article has been picked up by additional regional publications including the Nashua Telegraph and Manchester Ink Link.
New Hampshire Union Leader | May 23, 2022
This article covers a brief filed by a group of parents, teachers, and lawyers in a case challenging a New Hampshire law that regulates what can be taught in classrooms. The brief, which objects to attempts to dismiss the parties’ lawsuit, highlights concerns that the law discourages public school teachers from teaching and talking about race, sex, sexual orientation, disability, and gender identity in the classroom. NP is mentioned as one of the organizations that filed the initial lawsuit in December 2021. The NP team includes Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo, Boston Complex Disputes partner Morgan Nighan, and New York GIWC partner Travis Hill.
NH Journal | May 09, 2022
This article covering reaction to the New Hampshire state Senate’s approval of a $100 million settlement fund for victims of alleged abuse at the state’s Youth Development Center (now known as the Sununu Youth Services Center) includes comments from Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo, the lead attorney for hundreds of victims. Dave mentions that 450 lawsuits have been filed against the state with 100 more to be filed soon.
New Hampshire Bulletin | May 02, 2022
Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo, the lead attorney for approximately 500 victims of alleged abuse at the state’s Youth Development Center, is quoted throughout this article for his concerns related to caps on claims and the exclusion of emotional abuse claims from a proposed $100 million compensation fund. Dave and team have submitted proposed changes they believe would make this a truly victim-friendly bill.
The Boston Globe | April 22, 2022
This feature article examining decades of alleged institutional abuse and violence at New Hampshire’s Youth Development Center mentions Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo, who is representing approximately 500 alleged victims while the state’s legislature considers a settlement plan that would set aside funds for them.
New Hampshire Union Leader | April 07, 2022
This article covers Manchester Government Investigations &White-Collar Defense partner Dave Vicinanzo’s comments to the New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee. Dave, who is the lead attorney for nearly 500 victims of alleged abuse at the state’s Youth Development Center, told the Committee that proposed legislation including a $100 million compensation fund for victims of alleged sexual and physical abuse at the facility requires significant changes.
New Hampshire Bar News | January 28, 2022
Boston Complex Commercial Disputes partner Morgan Nighan, Manchester Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense partner David Vicinanzo, and Manchester Complex Commercial Disputes associate Kierstan Schultz contributed this article related to healthcare providers that have received coronavirus relief funds, and what those organizations should be aware of as we enter the audit and enforcement phase of government relief programs.
Associated Press | January 20, 2022
This article covering New Hampshire’s proposed $100 million settlement fund related to claims of child sex abuse by former workers at a state-run youth detention center quotes Manchester partner and Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense leader David Vicinanzo, who is representing alleged victims in the case. The NP team also includes Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Deane and associates Kierstan Schultz and Nate Warecki, and GIWC partner Mark Knights and associate Michael Strauss, all of Manchester.
Associated Press | January 18, 2022
This article covering New Hampshire’s proposed $100 million settlement fund related to claims of child sex abuse by former workers at a state-run youth detention center quotes Manchester partner and Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense leader David Vicinanzo, who is representing alleged victims in the case. The NP team also includes Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Deane and associates Kierstan Schultz and Nate Warecki, and GIWC partner Mark Knights and associate Michael Strauss, all of Manchester.
New Hampshire Public Radio | December 20, 2021
This following article covers a new lawsuit in New Hampshire challenging a state law that regulates what can be taught in classrooms—arguing the law’s vague language prevents students from having an open and complete dialogue about the perspectives of historically marginalized communities, as well as on topics concerning race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. The federal lawsuit was brought by the National Education Association – New Hampshire and two school administrators, with the plaintiffs represented by a broad coalition including NP, the ACLU, the ACLU of New Hampshire, Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire, and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders.
The NP team working on this case includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice group leader David Vicinanzo, of Manchester, Boston Complex Commercial Disputes partner Morgan Nighan, and New York City GIWC partner Travis Hill.
Associated Press | December 20, 2021
This following article covers a new lawsuit in New Hampshire challenging a state law that regulates what can be taught in classrooms—arguing the law’s vague language prevents students from having an open and complete dialogue about the perspectives of historically marginalized communities, as well as on topics concerning race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. The federal lawsuit was brought by the National Education Association – New Hampshire and two school administrators, with the plaintiffs represented by a broad coalition including NP, the ACLU, the ACLU of New Hampshire, Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire, and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders.
The NP team working on this case includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice group leader David Vicinanzo, of Manchester, Boston Complex Commercial Disputes partner Morgan Nighan, and New York City GIWC partner Travis Hill.
Bloomberg Law | December 20, 2021
This following article covers a new lawsuit in New Hampshire challenging a state law that regulates what can be taught in classrooms—arguing the law’s vague language prevents students from having an open and complete dialogue about the perspectives of historically marginalized communities, as well as on topics concerning race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability. The federal lawsuit was brought by the National Education Association – New Hampshire and two school administrators, with the plaintiffs represented by a broad coalition including NP, the ACLU, the ACLU of New Hampshire, Disability Rights Center – New Hampshire, and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders.
The NP team working on this case includes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice group leader David Vicinanzo, of Manchester, Boston Complex Commercial Disputes partner Morgan Nighan, and New York City GIWC partner Travis Hill.
The Banking Law Journal | December 13, 2021
A cross-practice team contributed this article covering the first False Claims Act settlement over Paycheck Protection Program funds that arose from a whistleblower complaint, and it offers insight on the implications of this action for other beneficiaries of coronavirus relief. The NP team comprises Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice group leader and Manchester partner David Vicinanzo; Washington, DC partner Adam Tarosky, and Chicago partner Christopher Hotaling, both of the GIWC group; Boston Complex Commercial Disputes partner Morgan Nighan; and New York Financial Restructuring & Bankruptcy partner Robert Christmas.
New Hampshire Business Review | October 25, 2021
Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice group leader David Vicinanzo, of the Manchester office, and Boston Complex Commercial Disputes partner Morgan Nighan co-authored this article on the threat whistleblowers can pose to businesses that received PPP funds, using a recent DOJ settlement as an example to put PPP beneficiaries on alert.
New Hampshire Business Review | June 11, 2021
Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice group leader and partner David Vicinanzo, GIWC partner Mark Knights and associate Michael Strauss, and Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Deane, all in Manchester, contributed this article on the Biden administration’s enforcement priorities, outlining a response plan for businesses faced with government investigations.
Manchester Ink Link | April 30, 2021
This article on convicted violent armed robber Anthony Shea getting a new sentence for one of his charges quotes Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice group leader and Manchester partner Dave Vicinanzo, one of the original prosecutors on the case, on why Shea should never be released from prison.
The Boston Globe | February 13, 2021
This article, covering a national class action lawsuit that seeks compensation for thousands of families separated at the border under the previous administration, quotes Manchester Complex Corporate Disputes associate Nate Warecki on how the facts in the case may lead to an upending of precedents. In addition to Nate, Government Investigations & White Collar Defense practice group leader David Vicinanzo and Boston associate Lauren Maynard are also working on the case.
New York Times | July 29, 2020
Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice group leader and partner David Vicinanzo, based in Manchester, was mentioned for representing art adviser Gregory Baltser against allegations that he and his art agency transacted with U.S.-sanctioned individuals in the art industry. Boston Complex Commercial Disputes counsel Ronaldo Rauseo-Ricupero is also supporting this matter.
CNN Business | July 29, 2020
Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice group leader and partner David Vicinanzo, based in Manchester, was mentioned for representing art adviser Gregory Baltser against allegations that he and his art agency transacted with U.S.-sanctioned individuals in the art industry. Boston Complex Commercial Disputes counsel Ronaldo Rauseo-Ricupero is also supporting this matter.
Law360 | June 17, 2020
This article, covering a federal judge’s order that immigration detainees at Strafford County (NH) Department of Corrections can challenge their living conditions amid COVID-19, quotes Manchester Complex Commercial Disputes associate Nathan Warecki. The article also mentions the team of NP attorneys representing the detainees in the case: Litigation Department Head Scott O’Connell; Government Investigations & White-Collar Defense practice group leader Dave Vicinanzo and associate Colin Missett; Complex Commercial Disputes partner Dan Deane, and associates Marx Calderon and Michael Strauss.
Concord (N.H.) Monitor | April 24, 2020
This article covers the temporary release of two ICE civil detainees from the Strafford County (N.H.) Department of Corrections in connection with the class action lawsuit filed by Nixon Peabody, the ACLU and four regional law firms. The lawsuit seeks the immediate release of all ICE civil detainees from SCDOC to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The article quotes Government Investigations and White Collar Defense practice group leader Dave Vicinanzo and Complex Commercial Disputes associate Nate Warecki, both of Manchester.
Fordham University School of Law, J.D.
National Autonomous University of Mexico, Graduate Studies as a Rotary Fellow
Harvard University, B.A., with honors
U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court
New York
New Hampshire
David was selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2022 in the fields of Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. David has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2009.
David has been recognized for exceptional standing in the legal community in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2022 for Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (New Hampshire), and has been described as “one of the go-to guys in white-collar crime.” He has also been recognized in Chambers USA in previous years and is accorded the highest professional and ethical standards (AV) by Martindale-Hubbell.
David is also recognized in the 2020 and 2019 editions of Benchmark Litigation, the definitive guide to America’s leading litigation firms and attorneys.
David has been featured as one of the top lawyers worldwide in International Who's Who of Business Crime Lawyers since 2007.
David Vicinanzo is the recipient of the firm’s Peabody Award for donating more than 3000 hours of pro bono time defending victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and indigent defendants.
