Michael Gilbert

Michael Gilbert is a partner in the Governmental Practice in the firm's New York office, focused on government and internal investigations, compliance policies and procedures and white collar criminal defense. He also has an active civil litigation practice.

Areas of Practice

Michael, a former federal prosecutor, served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) in the Southern District of New York prior to entering private practice. While serving as an AUSA, he investigated and prosecuted matters involving a wide variety of federal criminal laws, including mail and wire fraud, bribery, healthcare fraud and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). He represented the government in numerous jury trials and argued appeals before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

In private practice, Michael has focused on government and internal investigations and white collar criminal defense. He advises individuals and companies in a range of industries – including financial services, healthcare, life sciences, fintech and cryptocurrency – in navigating sensitive, complex government investigations conducted by a range of enforcement authorities, including the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the Enforcement Division of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York Attorney General’s Office, the New York City Department of Investigation, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

Michael has also represented individuals and entities in connection with matters under investigation by regulators and enforcement authorities in other countries, including Canada, Hong Kong, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom. Michael has extensive experience with FCPA matters and is regularly consulted about FCPA issues in the context of transactions such as potential mergers and acquisitions. He has extensive experience with criminal tax investigations. Michael provides advice on compliance policies and procedures, including in the Anti-Money Laundering and Bank Secrecy Act compliance. He regularly assists investors in due diligence when considering if counterparties or proposed business partners are in compliance with applicable rules and regulations. Michael also litigates civil cases, including cases arising under the False Claims Act and securities enforcement issues.

Industry Focus

Michael is a member of various Sheppard Mullin industry teams, including Blockchain & Digital Assets, Cannabis, Life Sciences, and Healthcare.

Particularly in the crypto area, Michael brings his background as a federal prosecutor and extensive experience with SEC and CFTC Enforcement investigations to an industry that is the focus of intense regulatory scrutiny. His experience in this sector includes representing one of the larget cryptocurrency exchanges in connection with a Grand Jury investigation, among other matters.