Michael Heffernan is counsel in the White Collar Defense, Regulatory and Investigations practice in New York. He focuses on white collar criminal defense matters, and government and complex internal investigations. As a former Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Michael offers clients a unique skill set and a different perspective on investigations and engagement with the government.

During Michael’s ten years of experience as a Special Agent, he investigated a wide range of federal crimes, including those in the financial services sector. While serving within the FBI’s International Corruption Unit, he investigated numerous crimes related to violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), as well as anti-money laundering and international antitrust laws.

Since leaving the FBI for private practice, Michael has continued to work extensively on investigations led by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulatory agencies. He continues to focus on matters and investigations relating to the FCPA, U.S. sanctions and export controls, commercial bribery, antitrust, money laundering, and securities laws. Michael also counsels regarding compliance programs, and compliance audits/due diligence arising out of acquisitions and joint ventures.

Michael has an active pro bono practice. He has represented indigent veterans seeking legal assistance with claims against the Veterans Administration (VA).  He also works extensively with indigent clients as appointed counsel pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act (CJA). 

Michael worked as a Special Agent in the New York Field Office of the FBI where he brought cases in both the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. He served on various squads including a financial crimes squad, a violent crime squad, and on the DOJ’s International Corruption Unit. Before joining the FBI, Michael worked as an equities analyst at a $70B asset management company. Michael also served on active duty as a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy for seven years during which he deployed for the Iraq war.

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