Kathleen McGovern

Kathleen McGovern is the Chief Litigation and Intake Counsel of the PCAOB’s Division of Enforcement and Investigations (DEI). In this role, she oversees and directs the PCAOB’s litigation in the enforcement of violations of its rules, professional standards, and other applicable securities regulations.

Ms. McGovern has extensive trial, litigation and investigation experience. Prior to joining the PCAOB, she was a partner at an international law firm where she advised clients regarding sensitive litigation and regulatory enforcement issues across a broad range of industries. Ms. McGovern also served as a principal in EY LLP’s Forensics practice where she led global investigations involving allegations of securities and financial fraud, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations, healthcare fraud and other governmental investigations. In both roles, she regularly advised clients regarding complex risk, compliance, and corporate governance issues.

In addition to her private practice experience, Kathleen served in the public sector as a U.S. federal and state prosecutor. Kathleen served as the Senior Deputy Chief of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Fraud Section, Criminal Division, leading a team of more than 150 trial attorneys in corporate fraud investigations and multiple high-profile white collar prosecutions. She has tried over 50 federal and state cases to verdict. Prior to DOJ, Kathleen was a state prosecutor in New York for 11 years, holding various senior-level positions.

Kathleen received her B.S. in accounting from St. John’s University and her J.D. degree from St. John’s University School of Law. She serves as a member of the St. John’s University Tobin College of Business Board of Advisors and the Law School’s Alumnae Leadership Council. Kathleen was an adjunct professor at the Georgetown University Law Center from 2015 through 2023.