Michelle Levin is an accomplished trial lawyer and strategic advisor with over 20 years of experience defending companies and executives in high-profile white-collar criminal enforcement matters, regulatory enforcement proceedings and complex commercial litigation. She also conducts internal investigations on behalf of companies and boards, often involving sensitive matters and complex cross-border issues.
Ranked by Chambers USA as a leading lawyer for white collar and government investigations, Michelle has been described as having "enormous talent" and "great judgment." Her strategic approach to complex issues has resulted in a number of high-profile successes and trial wins. Most recently, she secured a rare complete acquittal for the former CEO of a public company arising from a multi-billion dollar acquisition in one of Silicon Valley's largest fraud prosecutions.
Michelle handles matters involving allegations of securities and accounting fraud, foreign and public corruption, sanctions violations, and cryptocurrency-related fraud, among other issues, and has particular expertise in matters related to the financial services industry.
She represents clients before various federal and state regulatory bodies, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), New York State Attorney General's Office, Manhattan District Attorney's Office, and congressional committees.
She also litigates a wide range of complex civil litigation, including securities class actions, and contract and insurance disputes.
Michelle serves as the managing partner of Steptoe's New York office, overseeing a team of 100+ attorneys and staff, and is a member of Steptoe's Executive Committee.