As an assistant U.S. attorney in Newark, Megan Linares investigated and prosecuted a broad range of criminal matters, including complex international cyber intrusions, malware and malvertising schemes, wire fraud, identity theft, money laundering, narcotics and narco-terrorism cases, violent crimes, racketeering offenses and drug conspiracies.
She also conducted grand jury proceedings, secured indictments, and tried cases in federal court to guilty verdicts. Linares also worked extensively with federal agencies, including the FBI, ATF, DEA, and IRS, as well as with attorneys from the Department of Justice’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section on international cyber investigations.
Starting this week, she’s bringing all that experience to FBT Gibbons, where she will be a partner in the firm’s White Collar & Investigations practice group.
Linares, who will work out of the Newark office of the newly created firm, will focus on a wide range of white-collar matters.
Ricardo Solano, the leader of the practice group, said he is thrilled to add Linares to an ever-expanding team.
“This year has already started on a high note for us, and welcoming Megan as the first partner to join our White Collar & Investigations practice group since the formation of our newly combined firm is a significant milestone,” he said.
“Her deep experience — from prosecuting sophisticated cyber-crimes and fraud schemes to handling money laundering and racketeering matters at the U.S. Attorney’s Office — combined with her perspective from private practice, makes her a powerful resource for our clients and a tremendous addition to our team as we continue to grow.”
Linares said she’s eager to join the group.
“Throughout my career, I have strived to achieve justice for all who enter our courts or the judicial system, and I will continue those efforts as I join FBT Gibbons,” she said. “The firm’s White Collar & Investigations group has earned a strong reputation for its thoughtful, impactful work, and I am excited to contribute to that tradition while helping clients navigate some of their most challenging matters.”
While her experience in government service is strong, Linares has served in the private sector.
Prior to her government service, Linares was an associate at Norton Rose Fulbright, where she represented financial services institutions, private investment funds, and individuals in a wide range of matters, including contract disputes, bank fraud, international investigations, and white-collar criminal defense.
Among her other accomplishments, Linares was named a 2024 Top Lawyers Under 40 by The Hispanic National Bar Association and Master of Ceremonies for the District Court of New Jersey’s Hispanic Heritage Program. Linares was also named to BINJE’s list of the top Hispanic business leaders.
Linares joins FBT Gibbons during a growth period. At the beginning of the year, the highly regarded Gibbons firm announced it was merging with Frost Brown Todd, creating a national firm of 800 attorneys in 25 offices.
