Verified profile

Michelle Bradford

Partner, Financial and Regulatory Litigation Group Co-Chair

Michelle Bradford's profile photo
LocationWashingtonDistrict of Columbia, United States
Current rolePartnerBarnes & Thornburg LLP · since Jan 2020
Government service14yrsU.S. Attorney’s Office · U.S. District Court

About

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.

Roles

Jan 2020–Present
Current role

Partner

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Washington, District of Columbia

Civil LitigationRegulatory SpecialistLegal Officers and PractitionersHealth LawLegal InvestigatorWhite Collar CrimeComplianceCorporate LawData PrivacyCriminal InvestigationFinance

Jan 2019–Present
Current role

Adjunct Professor

Georgetown University Law Center

Washington, District of Columbia

Professor

Trial Advocacy

Aug 2018–Jan 2020
Former role

Shareholder

Murphy & McGonigle PC

Finance Management
Oct 2006–Jul 2018
Former role

Assistant United States Attorney

U.S. Attorney’s Office

(appointed)District of Columbia

Criminal LawProsecutorCriminal Investigation

Investigate and prosecute allegations of fraud and abuse.

Sep 2004–Oct 2006
Former role

Associate, Labor & Employment law

Jones Day

Washington, District of Columbia

Legal Officers and Practitioners

Feb 2002–Aug 2004
Former role

Law Clerk

U.S. District Court

(appointed)District of Columbia

Legal Assistance

Served as judicial law clerk to the Honorable Reggie B. Walton, researching and drafting opinions, orders, and bench memoranda.

Jan 2000–Jan 2002
Former role

Associate

Jones Day

New York, New York

Legal Officers and Practitioners

Representative matters

Selected Private Practice Matters

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.

Selected Government Matters

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.

Recognition

Honors

The Best Lawyers in America

April 2025

The Best Lawyers in America, 2023-2025

National Black Lawyers Top 100

April 2025

National Black Lawyers Top 100, 2019-2020

Leadership in the Law Award

Daily Record

January 2019

Special Achievement Award

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

Inspector General’s Award for Excellence in Fighting Fraud, Waste and Abuse

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

January 2016

FBI Achievement Award

FBI

January 2015

Team Award for Global Healthcare

U.S. Attorney’s Office

January 2015

Publications & speeches

Guide to Monitorships

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.

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Maximizing Your Business Potential

April 2024

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9th Annual American Bar Association Southeastern White Collar Crime Institute

September 2023

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Trial Ready: David DeVillers

April 2023

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.

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Trial Ready: John Kelly

November 2022

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Trial Ready: Jenn Wylie and Carla Montiel

June 2022

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Sixth Amendment Right To Confrontation In A Post-COVID Age

April 2022

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