Michelle brings considerable value to clients facing complex litigation by thoroughly and efficiently reviewing issues, identifying the heart of a matter and determining the appropriate path for a successful outcome – be it trial, arbitration, mediation or settlement. She also has extensive experience preparing witnesses for trial, grand jury appearances, depositions and interviews with law enforcement.
Outside the courtroom, Michelle serves as investigative counsel to companies conducting internal investigations, and she defends individuals and companies in multifaceted government investigations and proceedings relating to complex financial fraud, healthcare fraud and matters concerning the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute. She has also represented individuals in Title IX investigations.
While at the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division, Michelle tried nearly 30 felony jury trials, more than two dozen felony and misdemeanor bench trials, and prosecuted cases involving healthcare fraud, bribery and kickback statutes, criminal conflict of interest, false statements, and other financial crimes.
Michelle began her career in private practice, working in the New York and Washington, D.C. offices of an international law firm, as well as with a regional law firm in Washington, D.C. For the former, she defended clients in toxic tort class actions and labor and employment investigations and litigation, and for the latter, she represented clients in the areas of white collar criminal defense and securities litigation.
Michelle is an appointed member of the Criminal Justice Act panel, representing indigent defendants in federal cases, for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
With a dogged focus on presenting the facts of a case in a compelling matter to judge, jury, or other factfinder, Michelle is known for her steadfast decorum, retaining composure under intense pressure, and unwavering commitment to ensuring that her clients obtain a favorable outcome.
Professional and Community Involvement
Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
Member, William B. Bryant Inn of Court
Member, District of Columbia Women’s White Collar Defense Association
Adjunct faculty, Georgetown University Law Center
Faculty, National Institute for Trial Advocacy
Former president and board member, Center for Abused Persons
Former co-chair (Status of Women) and former legal consultant, Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.
Honors
The Best Lawyers in America, 2023-2025
National Black Lawyers Top 100, 2019-2020
Leadership in the Law Award, Daily Record, 2019
Special Achievement Award, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Criminal Division, 2012-2018
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General’s Award for Excellence in Fighting Fraud, Waste and Abuse, 2016
FBI Achievement Award, 2015
U.S. Attorney’s Office Team Award for Global Healthcare, 2015
Special Achievement Award, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Civil Division, 2007
Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers, 2020, 2024