Jessica R. Chao
Overview
Jessica focuses on government investigations, mergers and acquisitions, ethics, and compliance supporting clients in government contracts transactions. In her practice, Jessica counsels and trains clients on Federal Acquisition Regulation issues, contracting fundamentals, and the False Claims Act.
Career & Education
- University of Denver Sturm College of Law, J.D., Corporate and Commercial Law Certificate and Workplace Law Certificate
- Pepperdine University, B.A., cum laude
- Colorado
- Appellate Judicial Clerk to the Honorable Lino S. Lipinsky de Orlov, Colorado Court of Appeals
- Colorado Bar Association
- American Bar Association
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- Young Lawyers Division
- Public Contract Law
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- Colorado Asian Pacific American Bar Association
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- Board of Directors
- Co-chair, Community Outreach Committee
- Member, Mentorship Committee
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- Korean
Jessica's Insights
Client Alert | 3 min read | 08.26.25
On July 31, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Illumina, Inc. will pay $9.8 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by selling genomic sequencing systems with software containing cybersecurity vulnerabilities to federal agencies. This is the first FCA settlement involving claims that a medical manufacturer failed to incorporate adequate product cybersecurity into its software design and development.The allegations were first made in United States ex rel. Lenore v. Illumina Inc., No. 1:23-cv-00372 (D.R.I.), a qui tam action filed by Illumina’s former Director for Platform Management, On-Market Portfolio in September 2023. The relator alleged that, between February 2016 and September 2023, Illumina knowingly sold genomic sequencing systems to government agencies without adequate security programs or quality systems to identify and address software vulnerabilities. The complaint further alleged that Illumina failed to properly resource personnel and processes responsible for product security, did not remediate design features introducing cybersecurity risks, and misrepresented the software’s adherence to required cybersecurity standards.According to the government, Illumina’s actions included:
Client Alert | 4 min read | 04.01.25
For Better or MORSE: Another Settlement Under DOJ’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative
Client Alert | 2 min read | 03.31.25
Canadian CMMC? Canada Proposes Cyber Compliance Regime for Canadian Defense Suppliers
Insights
Jessica's Insights
Client Alert | 3 min read | 08.26.25
On July 31, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that Illumina, Inc. will pay $9.8 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by selling genomic sequencing systems with software containing cybersecurity vulnerabilities to federal agencies. This is the first FCA settlement involving claims that a medical manufacturer failed to incorporate adequate product cybersecurity into its software design and development.The allegations were first made in United States ex rel. Lenore v. Illumina Inc., No. 1:23-cv-00372 (D.R.I.), a qui tam action filed by Illumina’s former Director for Platform Management, On-Market Portfolio in September 2023. The relator alleged that, between February 2016 and September 2023, Illumina knowingly sold genomic sequencing systems to government agencies without adequate security programs or quality systems to identify and address software vulnerabilities. The complaint further alleged that Illumina failed to properly resource personnel and processes responsible for product security, did not remediate design features introducing cybersecurity risks, and misrepresented the software’s adherence to required cybersecurity standards.According to the government, Illumina’s actions included:
Client Alert | 4 min read | 04.01.25
For Better or MORSE: Another Settlement Under DOJ’s Civil Cyber-Fraud Initiative
Client Alert | 2 min read | 03.31.25
Canadian CMMC? Canada Proposes Cyber Compliance Regime for Canadian Defense Suppliers
