Associate
Complex Commercial Litigation
Michael focuses his practice on white collar defense, congressional investigations and crisis management, complex commercial litigation, and False Claims Act (FCA) matters.
He represents corporations and individuals in federal and state investigations and enforcement actions involving allegations of fraud, public corruption, money laundering, and regulatory violations. He has experience defending clients before the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other federal and state agencies. He also advises clients navigating congressional inquiries, helping them manage the procedural and political dynamics of legislative oversight.
Michael has particular experience in False Claims Act litigation, including qui tam actions and government-initiated suits, with a special focus on the defense contracting industry leveraging his government and military experience. His FCA practice encompasses the full lifecycle of these cases—from pre-intervention strategy and seal-period management through discovery, dispositive motions, and trial.
Represented a global security services company in a False Claims Act investigation and litigation arising from defense services contracts in Afghanistan, resulting in a resolution with the U.S. Department of Justice
Represented a cabinet-level official in connection with congressional investigation before U.S. Congress
Represented a major medical center in a highly complex and novel FCA settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice
Secured dismissal of novel claims brought under the Torture Victim Protection Act against a corporate client
Education
Admissions
Client Alerts
On June 9, 2025, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ” or the “Department”) will resume investigating and prosecuting violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) with a decidedly new “America First” approach to enforcement.
June 18, 2025 • V&E White Collar Update
June 18, 2025 • 6-minute read
Client Alerts
On May 12, 2025, the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ” or the “Department”) issued a series of significant policy changes outlining the Trump administration’s new approach to white-collar enforcement.
June 3, 2025 • V&E White Collar Update
June 3, 2025 • 9-minute read
Deals & Cases
Chord Energy Corporation Announces Upsizing and Pricing of $750 Million Offering of Senior Notes
Vinson & Elkins served as initial purchasers’ counsel in connection with an upsized private offering by Chord Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHRD) of $750 million aggregate principal amount of 6.000% senior notes due 2030.
September 30, 2025
September 30, 2025 • 1-minute read
Deals & Cases
Vinson & Elkins Advises Blackstone on Acquisition of Shermco from Gryphon Investors
Vinson & Elkins advised Blackstone Inc. in its entry into an agreement to acquire Shermco Intermediate, LLC, a leading independent provider of electrical system maintenance, engineering, testing, and repair services for various industries across the U.S. and Canada, from funds managed by Gryphon Investors.
August 22, 2025
August 22, 2025 • 1-minute read
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