William Michael, Jr.

William Michael, Jr. (“Bill”) is Co-Chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Global Litigation Practice, which boasts more than 800 lawyers, and Co-Chair of the Trial Practice Group, comprising nearly 100 of the firm’s most experienced trial lawyers. A former federal prosecutor and experienced trial lawyer, Bill served as lead counsel in more than 100 jury trials in federal and state courts across the country. In recognition of his national trial reputation, he was inducted as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only organization that represents the top 1% of trial lawyers in the United States. In addition, Bill is ranked Band 1 by Chambers USA (Minnesota) in Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations.

Bill has been recognized as a leading white collar lawyer by Chambers USA and The Legal 500 United States. Clients describe him as “one of the deans of the trial Bar in the USA... an absolutely fantastic trial lawyer,” and commend his sharp judgment and client focus, saying he is “very smart and savvy... easy to work with.” Another observer notes he has “an incredible presence and probably the most trial experience of anyone in the United States... unflappable and always available.”

Bill represents individuals and corporations in complex federal white collar and regulatory defense and internal investigations across a wide range of sectors. He advises clients in matters involving health care fraud, internal investigations, qui tam actions, money laundering, conspiracy, environmental matters, criminal antitrust, securities fraud, criminal tax, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).He also regularly represents boards of directors in highly sensitive matters that present legal risk to multinational corporations, including complex litigation, government investigations, allegations of securities fraud, FCPA violations, sexual discrimination, and financial mismanagement.

Utilizing his deep trial experience, which includes more than 70 federal jury trials in United States District Courts around the country, as well as trials in state and military courts, Bill regularly leads high-profile internal investigations and cross-border matters. He has conducted FCPA investigations involving China, Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, Ecuador, Morocco, and Dubai.

Bill’s health care sector experience includes the handling of complex civil and criminal fraud matters and investigations for numerous health care industries, including pharmaceuticals, insurers, medical device manufacturers, hospital systems, durable medical equipment (DME), home health and skilled nursing facilities. He has represented these health care providers, as well as defense industry companies, in more than two dozen False Claims Act matters.

Bill’s prior experience includes 10 years with the U.S. Department of Justice, where he held positions such as Assistant United States Attorney and Deputy Chief, as well as head of a branch office in the Southern District of Florida. He also served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Minnesota, where he was the National and International Security Coordinator, Terrorism Coordinator, and Health Care Fraud Coordinator. Additionally, Bill served as an instructor in trial advocacy skills to Department of Justice lawyers at the National Advocacy Center.

Concentrations

•Trial practice
•False Claims Act
•Health care fraud
•Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
•Internal investigations
•Cross-border investigations
•Financial fraud
•Securities fraud
•Criminal antitrust
•Criminal environmental

Recognition & Leadership

Awards & Accolades

•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2024-2026
•Listed, Benchmark Litigation, “Litigation Star,” 2023-2026
•Listed, Minnesota Lawyer and Finance & Commerce, “Minnesota ICON,” 2022
•Listed, Chambers USA Guide, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, Band 1, 2022-2025
•Listed, The Legal 500 United States, Dispute Resolution Corporate Investigations and White-Collar Criminal Defense, 2022-2025
•Listed, Lawdragon, “500 Leading Litigators in America,” 2022-2026
•Listed, Minnesota Monthly, “Top Lawyers in Minnesota,” 2023-2025
•Recognized, Minnesota State Bar Association, “North Star Lawyers,” 2021-2023
•Team Member, a Law360 “Product Liability Practice Group of the Year,” 2021-2022
•Recognized, Distinguished Alumni, Gustavus Adolphus College, 2019
•Recipient, Minnesota State Bar Association, Elmer H. Walshauser Author’s Award, 2003
•Recipient, Department of Justice Director’s Award for Outstanding Performance, 1996