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Patrick Miles

Former U.S. Attorney at United States Attorney's Office

Patrick Miles's profile photo
LocationGrand RapidsMichigan, United States
Current rolePartnerBarnes & Thornburg LLP · since May 2017
Government service5yrsU.S. Attorney’s Office

About

Patrick Miles is a former U.S. Attorney advising businesses and organizations on corporate compliance, governance matters and business transactions. He also leads internal investigations, monitorships and federal equity receiverships. Drawing on over 30 years of experience as both a federal prosecutor and business counselor, Patrick represents entities ranging from local startups and private ventures to international corporations, focusing on practical solutions to complex legal and regulatory challenges.

As the Obama-appointed U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan (2012-2017), Patrick was the chief legal and law enforcement officer covering 49 Michigan counties. This public service experience gave him unique insight into federal criminal and civil matters, as well as exposure to local, tribal, state and federal government officials.

Before his federal appointment, Patrick spent two decades in private practice handling business formation, mergers and acquisitions, financing and contracts. He helped minority and woman-owned businesses secure financing and certification and also guided clients through Michigan’s liquor licensing process. Patrick’s experience includes representing local governments in telecommunications public right-of-way management, cable television franchising, and Federal Communications Commission proceedings. This regulatory experience helps his clients as they navigate compliance requirements and government relations.

Patrick is an active volunteer in the community and a frequent author and speaker to professional audiences on legal issues, professionalism, diversity and inclusion and to youth audiences regarding leadership and service. He offers an extraordinary perspective to teenage audiences, as he graduated from high school at age 16.

Roles

May 2017–Present
Current role

Partner

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Mergers and AcquisitionInvestigationsWhite Collar CrimeComplianceCorporate Law

Business law and transactions, corporate compliance, board governance, internal investigations, monitor/monitorships, receiver/receiverships, telecommunications law

Jul 2012–Jan 2017
Former role

Chief Federal Legal and Law Enforcement Officer

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Enforcement

(appointed)Michigan Western District

AttorneySecurity and Law EnforcementCriminal LawCriminal Investigation

Chief Federal Legal and Law Enforcement Officer in the Western District of Michigan. Presidentially-appointed and Senate-confirmed. The District is comprised of 49 counties (including the entire Upper Peninsula) with 3.4 million population and 11 Federally-recognized Native American Tribes. We have offices in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Marquette with 38 attorneys and over 40 staff members.

Aug 2006–Jun 2012
Former role

Member

Dickinson Wright PLLC

Michigan

Communications LawBusiness / Corporate Services

Business and telecommunications law.

Jun 1991–Aug 2006
Former role

Partner

Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett

Communications LawWhite Collar CrimeCorporate Law

Business law and local government telecommunications legal counsel.

Recognition

Honors

Honorary Doctor of Humanities

Saginaw Valley State University

January 2023

The Best Lawyers in America

January 2025

Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers

March 2025

Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers, 2022-2024

Grand Rapids Business Journal's Notable West Michigan Lawyers

March 2025

Michigan Super Lawyers

March 2025

Michigan Super Lawyers, 2006-2011

Publications & speeches

Legal Primer For Small Business Owners: Building Your Business Acumen

February 2025

Link

DOJ Receiverships, Forfeitures, and Cooperation

October 2024

Link

Keynote Speaker for Grand Rapids Public Schools Yes for Kids Campaign Kickoff

September 2023

Link