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Michael Easley

Michael F. Easley, Jr. Partner

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Former U.S. Attorney Michael Easley represents companies, boards, and executives in complex government enforcement actions, internal investigations, and litigation. He has advised clients facing inquiries by the DOJ, SEC, and state attorneys general, helping them navigate enforcement scrutiny, mitigate risk, and resolve complex disputes.

Nominated by the President and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Michael served as U.S. Attorney, spearheading federal enforcement efforts against financial crimes, health care fraud, cyber threats, and violations of environmental and export control laws. He has overseen high-profile investigations, shaped federal enforcement policy, and launched strategic task forces in priority areas. He launched a Money Laundering Task Force with the Treasury Department to enhance AML enforcement and a Disruptive Technology Strike Force with the Commerce Department to combat emerging national security threats.

Michael served on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committees for White Collar Crime and Cybercrime & Intellectual Property. As a member of the Corporate Criminal Enforcement Policy Working Group, he helped draft the voluntary self-disclosure policy that guides enforcement by U.S. Attorneys nationwide.

During his tenure, Michael oversaw the extradition and prosecution of an FBI Most Wanted cybercriminal and personally tried a career offender, securing conviction of a defendant linked to a violent shooting. His leadership earned widespread recognition, with law enforcement praising him as a hands-on prosecutor who “made a demonstrated difference” and “was always available for wise counsel.”

In private practice, Michael defends companies and individuals in high-stakes enforcement actions and litigation. He has secured declinations and favorable resolutions in civil, criminal, and regulatory matters.

A recognized authority on federal enforcement, Michael has lectured at Duke Law School and UNC Law and speaks frequently on anti-money laundering, regulatory compliance, and national security. He has been quoted by major media outlets, including The Washington Post, Law360, Fox News, Barron’s, CNBC, and others.

He has been recognized as one of Business North Carolina‘s Legal Elite and a Super Lawyers Rising Star.

Experience

Government Investigations

  • Counsel to the nation’s largest aerospace and defense manufacturer in Justice Department investigation and overhaul of compliance program following two high-profile aviation incidents.
  • Representation of one of the nation’s largest utilities in civil litigation and securities fraud investigations by a U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and a state Attorney General arising from failed $9 billion nuclear project.
  • Led an internal investigation and data breach response for one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies following cyber-related misconduct, involving significant digital forensics and coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office and multiple state Attorneys General. The third-party perpetrator was convicted in federal court.
  • Counsel to one of the world’s largest agribusiness companies on compliance with federal trade practice audits by the United States Department of Agriculture.
  • Defense of indigent defendants in federal criminal cases as a member of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel, including significant pro bono work.

Litigation

  • Defended an international brokerage firm against claims of secondary liability arising from a $7 billion fraud involving a Caribbean bank.
  • Counsel to Fortune 200 financial institution in litigation arising from nearly $100 million in losses incurred in the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.
  • Represented one of the nation’s largest utilities in a successful challenge to civil penalties issued in an environmental enforcement action alleging groundwater contamination.
  • Trial counsel to one of America’s top food retailers in litigation arising from breach of contract and property damage claims. Obtained a successful jury verdict at trial.
  • Defended one of America’s leading research universities in regulatory action arising from alleged Uranium release from a nuclear laboratory.

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