Johnna Purcell

Johnna Purcell maintains a multifaceted practice that includes regulatory compliance, public policy strategy, government investigations and white collar defense, with a particular focus on matters related to cyber policy, financial services and national security.

Johnna advises corporate, nonprofit and public sector clients on government affairs strategy and federal regulatory obligations. She works in a variety of policy areas but has a particular focus on cybersecurity and financial services issues. Johnna’s experience also includes guiding clients through investigative inquiries and enforcement actions. She has represented clients at all stages of litigation, from initial investigation through discovery and trial, with an emphasis on white collar defense, government investigations and congressional inquiries.

Johnna leverages her background in politics to assist clients in achieving their government affairs goals. Prior to attending law school, she worked as campaign manager of a congressional campaign in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District.

Johnna also assists clients in taking advantage of the liability protections offered through the SAFETY Act, a federal safe harbor program operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that grants liability protections to private sector companies following a terrorist attack.

Representative Experience

Advised leading cybersecurity companies on federal government affairs and advocacy strategies, securing favorable legislative language, raising their profiles in Washington, DC, and helping obtain federal contracts and funding.
Advised clients across sports, entertainment, real estate and security services on DHS SAFETY Act applications, securing new and renewed Designation and Certification awards for venues, security programs and detection technologies, and providing ongoing compliance guidance.
Successfully defended a senior executive of a multinational energy company in obtaining dismissal of a federal criminal indictment alleging conspiracy, wire fraud and securities violations, after demonstrating that prosecutorial misconduct before a biased grand jury violated the client’s constitutional rights.

Advocated before Congress and the U.S. Department of State for the release of a U.S. citizen detained abroad, coordinating diplomatic and legal efforts to address due process concerns and secure his return.

Advised a U.S. aviation services provider on government affairs strategy, securing legislative changes in the National Defense Authorization Act to reform DLA contracting practices for fixed-base operators supporting military missions.

Advised a maritime intelligence technology company on government relations, securing congressional support and appropriations while providing broader strategic and legal counsel with DHS, State, and DoD.

Advised Blackhawk Network on federal and state government relations strategy, congressional inquiries, and development of a national coalition that successfully advanced model legislation on gift card fraud prevention enacted in multiple states.

Professional Highlights

Membership Director of the Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy, Vol. 30.
Executive Bench Editor of the Cornell Law Moot Court Board.
A Switch in Time to Destroy Nine, 30 Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy, Spring 2020.

Speaking Engagements

“Partnering with Local, State and Federal Authorities to Fight Fraud,” Innovative Payments Conference, April 30, 2025. Panelist.

Education

J.D., Cornell Law School, 2021
cum laude

B.A., Political Science and Global and International Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, 2018
magna cum laude

Admissions

District of Columbia

Clerkships

Legal Extern for the Office of Chief Counsel for the Department of State, Pennsylvania Governor's Office of General Counsel, May 2019–August 2019.

Areas of Focus

Practices

Representative Experience

Professional Highlights

Johnna's Insights