Partner
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Washington, District of Columbia
Partner, Financial and Regulatory Litigation Group Co-Chair

Michelle Bradford leverages her more than a decade of experience as a federal prosecutor to find ways to outmaneuver opponents involved in white collar cases and complex civil litigation. Her incisive wit and unwavering resolve allow her to cut through legal intricacies, pinpointing core issues and charting the most effective path to resolution – whether through trial, arbitration, mediation, or settlement.
Michelle is unyielding in her desire to obtain positive results for her clients. She believes in advocacy that saves clients time, money, and stress. Michelle's former experience as a federal prosecutor enables her to anticipate and counter government strategies. Her efficiency in assessing a case’s strengths and weaknesses and preparing witnesses accordingly aims to ensure no stone is left unturned while keeping costs manageable.
In the courtroom, Michelle's trial experience shines. Having tried more than 50 felony jury and bench trials, as well as representing clients in other adversary proceedings, Michelle knows how to present facts compellingly to the final decision-makers, be it a judge, jury, or panel of arbitrators. This skill translates seamlessly to her work in internal investigations, where she is adept at uncovering critical information and presenting findings with clarity and impact.
Michelle is, first and foremost, a trial attorney. Her experience ranges from financial crimes to healthcare fraud to False Claims Act litigation. Additionally, she makes time to represent indigent criminal defendants in federal cases, demonstrating her commitment to justice for all.
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Washington, District of Columbia
Georgetown University Law Center
Washington, District of Columbia
Trial Advocacy
Murphy & McGonigle PC
U.S. Attorney’s Office
(appointed)District of Columbia
Investigate and prosecute allegations of fraud and abuse.
Jones Day
Washington, District of Columbia
U.S. District Court
(appointed)District of Columbia
Served as judicial law clerk to the Honorable Reggie B. Walton, researching and drafting opinions, orders, and bench memoranda.
Jones Day
New York, New York
April 2025
Represented a healthcare company in an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office regarding allegations of fraudulent billing. Represented a government contractor in a False Claims Act matter litigated by a private relator after the government declined to intervene. Conducted an internal investigation into allegations involving sexual abuse of college football players by a physical therapist. Defended financial institution and three employees in an arbitration proceeding stemming from a consumer dispute regarding management of investment account, which concluded with a unanimous decision in favor of the defendants. Conducted interviews as part of an internal investigation related to allegations involving racial harassment at a military institution. Defended a financial institution in a FINRA proceeding related to discharge of an employee. Serves as an investigator in the largest-scale federal corporate compliance monitorship in history. Represented a large financial institution in responding to a Congressional subpoena for financial records. Led an internal investigation on behalf of a healthcare company into allegations of false billing, which has involved interviews of corporate executives, managers, and hourly employees. Defended a student in a Title IX proceeding involving allegations of sexual assault, resulting in the university closing the matter with no findings of wrongdoing.
April 2025
Prosecuted and tried an $80 million healthcare fraud investigation involving allegations of fraudulent billing and money laundering. Prosecuted and tried multiple defendants in tax fraud conspiracy resulting in nearly $13 million in fraudulent tax returns being filed. Prosecuted defendant in bank fraud scheme worth in excess of $3 million loss to banks. Prosecuted defendant in international bribery conspiracy involving allegations of bribes being paid in exchange for award of U.S. AID subcontracts.
April 2025
The Best Lawyers in America, 2023-2025
April 2025
National Black Lawyers Top 100, 2019-2020
Daily Record
January 2019
U.S. Attorney’s Office
District of Columbia | January 2018
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
January 2016
FBI
January 2015
U.S. Attorney’s Office
January 2015
Global Investigations Review
April 2022
Barnes & Thornburg attorneys co-authored a chapter about concurrent monitorships in the Guide to Monitorships (3rd Edition), which the Global Investigations Review published on April 25 (ISBN: 978-1-83862-861-1). The book examines case studies and legal issues raised during domestic and international monitorships.
April 2024
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This month, host Michelle Bradford (co-host Meena Sinfelt was in trial) interviews David Devillers about his recent back-to-back trials and how the transition from being a U.S. Attorney to defense attorney has been thus far. In addition to his trials, David discusses his distinguished career at the Department of Justice, including how he helped prosecute Saddam Hussein.
November 2022
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