Profile

Michelle Nicholson

Of Counsel,
Barnes & Thornburg

My Contact Information

Barnes & Thornburg
Columbus, OH
Work: 614-428-1425

Chapter Location

Ohio

Bio

The focus of Michelle’s work is guiding and assisting clients through investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), or other government agencies. She also helps clients respond to third-party inquiries and government subpoenas and advises clients on compliance issues pursuant to plea agreements and government monitorships.

Additionally, Michelle is skilled in conducting internal compliance audits and investigations of client operations, including determining the scope and goals of the investigation, supervising collection and review of key documents, conducting related interviews, and drafting reports of findings and other work product. 

She also represents clients in litigation, including white collar criminal defense, securities, breach of contract, and general commercial matters.

Driven to help in any way she can, Michelle is dedicated to pro bono work, having represented low-income clients in successful immigration, veteran’s affairs, family court, and habeas cases. 

Prior to joining the firm, Michelle gained valuable experience with a global law firm and a London-based international bank. 

During law school, Michelle served as a judicial extern for the Hon. Judge Norah McCann King in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

Practice Areas

  • Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
  • Government Contracting, Bid Protests and the False Claims Act
  • Government Investigations
  • Internal Investigations
  • Qui Tam; Whistleblower Defense
  • SEC Enforcement
  • Securities Litigation
  • White Collar Crime