Barnes & Thornburg adds Michelle N. Bradford as partner in the Litigation Department in Washington, D.C. As an experienced litigator and former federal prosecutor, Bradford handles issues in connection with white collar criminal defense and complex civil litigation.
“Michelle’s experience solving sophisticated issues on behalf of the federal government serves as a complement to the existing talent in our office,” said Roscoe Howard, Washington, D.C. office managing partner. “As a former federal prosecutor myself, I am privy to the unique challenges that come with handling government investigations and prosecutions, and I know Michelle’s background will help our team address the increasingly complex issues our clients are facing.”
Bradford spent over a decade serving as an assistant United States attorney for the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. In this capacity, she prosecuted cases related to healthcare fraud, tax fraud, money laundering, as well as public corruption matters. She tried nearly 30 felony jury trials and more than 20 felony and misdemeanor bench trials.
Bradford also served in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where she handled a variety of civil cases and defended federal agencies in issues regarding Title VII of the Civil Rights Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the American with Disabilities Act; the District of Columbia Human Rights Act; the Federal Tort Claims Act; the Administrative Procedure Act; as well as the Freedom of Information Act.
Prior to joining Barnes & Thornburg, Bradford was a shareholder at a financial services law firm, where she represented clients, individuals and companies, in government investigations and proceedings involving securities fraud; healthcare fraud, complex financial fraud; the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; the False Claims Act; and the Anti-Kickback Statute, among others. Further, Bradford has experience serving as counsel for companies conducting internal investigations.
“Michelle is a fierce, passionate advocate for her clients,” said Randy Brown, chair of Barnes & Thornburg’s Litigation Department. “Having successfully litigated numerous sophisticated cases, Michelle is a well-known and sought-after team member inside and outside the courtroom. We’re excited to welcome her to the firm, and look forward to adding her to our already robust team of litigators.”
Outside of the office, Bradford is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center, teaching trail advocacy, and has served as a faculty member for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA). She also serves as board vice president of the Center of Abused Persons, a nonprofit that provides support to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Bradford earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and her B.A. from Barnard College.