Michael K. Atkinson

Partner, Crowell & Moring

Michael K. Atkinson has led some of the most significant criminal fraud, public corruption, and national security cases in the United States and offers clients a rare combination of extensive knowledge of both criminal white collar defense and corporate compliance. Michael is the former presidentially appointed and Senate-confirmed Inspector General of the U.S. Intelligence Community in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and he previously served in senior Department of Justice roles spanning two decades in the National Security Division, the Criminal Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where he headed the Fraud and Public Corruption Section. Michael has been publicly described as “unflappable,” “meticulous,” one you “trust with investigations,” and a lawyer who handles himself with “class,” “intelligence,” “sensitivity,” and “strength.” He co-leads the firm’s National Security Practice Group.

Michael conducts sensitive internal investigations and advises publicly traded and privately held corporations, academic institutions, national laboratories, and individuals across the spectrum of internal and government investigations, including criminal trials, regulatory enforcement actions, and congressional investigations. With a focus on national security, white collar defense, procurement fraud, and public corruption, he draws on his 30 years of experience to conduct internal investigations, negotiate favorable resolutions, lead trial teams, and advise on remedial measures, compliance programs, and training. Michael is valued by his clients as a strategic adviser, an effective trial lawyer, and a trusted counsel.

As the Intelligence Community’s top watchdog, Michael had oversight responsibility for the IC’s initial efforts to adopt and implement ethical principles and increased transparency for programs involving artificial intelligence (AI). At Crowell & Moring, Michael advises organizations on the emerging regulations, laws, enforcement actions, and public policies around AI. He is also a professorial lecturer in law on artificial intelligence law and policy at The George Washington University Law School.

Michael’s recent engagements include representing academic institutions in matters involving alleged violations of government procurement and U.S. export controls and sanctions laws and regulations; representing publicly traded and privately held companies in national security matters, including export controls investigations, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act matters, and other alleged business crimes; representing technology companies and defense contractors in AI legal, regulatory, and compliance strategies; and representing individuals accused of financial fraud and campaign finance violations.