Lousene M. Hoppe

Lousene is a litigator and criminal defense attorney who represents corporations and individuals accused of health care fraud, financial or tax crimes, and criminal felony and misdemeanor cases at both the state and federal levels.

She also focuses on foreign corruption practices act (FCPA) investigations and due diligence, false claims act (FCA) litigation, investigations of alleged regulatory or licensing violations, and related commercial litigation matters.

Lousene is experienced in dealing with representatives/agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Justice (DOJ), the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Labor (DoL), and other government agencies on behalf of clients under investigation for civil or criminal penalties. She assists companies and individuals with responding to grand jury or administrative subpoenas and civil investigative demands (CIDs). Lousene offers practical guidance for those who face exclusion from state and federal programs, including Medicare/Medicaid. Her commercial litigation practice focuses on shareholder disputes, civil fraud and misrepresentation, and the healthcare industry.

Criminal Proceedings

• Represented a nonprofit foundation president in a six-week federal trial involving alleged participation in an $80 million ponzi scheme.
• Represented a doctor in a multi-count sexual abuse trial, resulting in acquittal on all counts.
• Represented several oil and gas companies in criminal misdemeanor case involving the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, resulting in dismissal of all charges.
• Represented a business owner in a federal income tax evasion prosecution and achieved a favorable result.
• Represented large nursing home organization in criminal neglect case; avoided threat of debarment and loss of licensure for 35 care centers and senior living programs.

False Claims Act Defense

• Represented large healthcare system in first overpayment case under the 2009 amendments to the False Claims Act that expanded potential overpayment liability.
• Represented over 80 orthopedic and neurosurgeons on a qui tam False Claims Act Case alleging receipt of illegal kick-backs and off-label marketing of a medical device. The federal district court dismissed all counts against the physicians and the First Circuit Court of appeals affirmed the result.
• Represented major multi-specialty medical center in FCA litigation.  The qui tam relator voluntarily dismissed the suit after the court’s favorable decision on motions to dismiss.
• Won dismissal of a 180-million dollar False Claims Act high-profile lawsuit brought by a qui tam relator against a major municipality. The individual appealed and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court’s dismissal of the action.
• Represented a large general contractor in a False Claims Act investigation under the disadvantaged business enterprise regulations.
• Won dismissal of a multi-million dollar False Claims Act lawsuit brought by a qui tam relator against a Minneapolis hospital. The individual appealed and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court’s dismissal of the action.

Foreign Corrupt Practices

• Conducted Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) due diligence for Fortune 500 companies on more than 10 deals.
• Conducted an investigation into allegations that a medical device company gave kickbacks to physicians in China, and advised the company about disclosures to the Department of Justice.
• Advised companies on developing anti-corruption compliance programs and policies in a variety of industries including: medical device, restaurant franchising, industrial equipment manufacturing, mining, construction, and others.

Civil Litigation

• Represented a bank in a dispute with an insurance company over payment under the bank’s fidelity bond for employee dishonesty and forgery. The suit was resolved on terms very favorable to our client following our success on a summary judgment motion and a mediation.
• Helped resolve shareholder disputes in both state and federal court, achieving favorable settlements for her clients.
• Defended an energy company and its principals in a shareholder derivative suit, resulting in dismissal of all charges.

Administrative Proceedings

• Represented healthcare providers in Medicare reimbursement appeals.
• Represented healthcare professionals in licensing board matters.

Pro Bono Representation

• Represented hearing-impaired individual who was unjustly arrested and jailed without access to state-mandated communication devices or translator.
• Helped obtain asylum for Ethiopian women subjected to torture and oppression in her home country.
• Assisted Pulitzer-prize winning journalist with favorable resolution of criminal charges.

Education

• University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 2006, cum laude
• Luther Seminary, M.A., 1999
• St. Olaf College, B.A., 1994, magna cum laude

Admissions

• Minnesota, 2006
• U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, 2006
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, 2007
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2023
• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2012
• Lower Sioux Community in Minnesota Tribal Court, 2006

Clerkships

• Clerk, Honorable Michael J. Davis, U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, 2007
• Internship, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California, 2004

• Minnesota Super Lawyers, Criminal Defense: White Collar, 2017-2024
• North Star Lawyer, Minnesota State Bar Association, 2012-2023
• 100 People to Know in 2022, Twin Cities Business
• Rising Star, Minnesota Super Lawyers, 2013-2016
• Honoree, Best LGBT Attorneys Under 40, National LGBT Bar Association, 2011
• National Criminal Defense College, Trial Practice Institute Participant
• Phi Beta Kappa, Member
• Eta Sigma Phi, Member

Professional Activities

• American Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section, Co-Chair of Regional White Collar Crime Subcommittee, Chair of LGBT Committee, August 2014-present
• National LGBT Bar Association, President, 2021-2023 President-Elect, 2020-2021, Board of Directors, 2017-present
• Minnesota State Bar Association
• Hennepin County Bar Association
• Minnesota Lavender Bar Association, Co-Chair, 2013-2015
• Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Journal of Law Reform, Executive Editor

Community

• One Voice Mixed Chorus, Board of Directors, 2008-2010
• American Constitution Society—Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter, Co-Chair, 2010-2013, Advisory Board, 2015-present