Michelle Nicholson represents clients in white collar criminal matters, government investigations, and tort and contract disputes. Conscientious and practical, Michelle brings a results-oriented approach to guiding clients through matters, one step at a time.
Michelle helps clients navigate both internal and government investigations, as well as respond to third-party inquiries and government subpoenas. She conducts internal investigations and witness preparation for grand jury appearances, federal agency proffers and depositions. Skilled in handling electronic discovery, Michelle manages virtually all phases of discovery for criminal and civil matters.
With a practice that spans multiple fields, Michelle has particularly extensive experience in the finance and healthcare sectors. She defends clients in False Claims Act actions and regularly represents plaintiffs and defendants in civil litigation including securities, breach of contract, tort and general commercial matters.
Notably, Michelle has harnessed her monitorship-focused experience by coordinating compliance with monitorships for multiple clients. She is a member of the team assisting the Special Compliance Coordinator appointed by the U.S. Department of Commerce to monitor, assess and report on the U.S. export control compliance of Zhongxing Telecommunications Equipment Corporation, of Shenzhen, China, and ZTE Kangxun Telecommunications Ltd. of Hi-New Shenzhen, China (collectively, ZTE).
Dedicated to pro bono work, Michelle represents low-income clients in immigration, veteran’s affairs, family court and habeas cases. She also counsels non-profit organizations in connection with internal and government investigations.
Credentials
Education
- Columbia Law School, J.D., 2013, finance editor for the Journal of Law and Social Problems, Stone Scholar
- Columbia University, B.A., economics and history, 2010, Dean’s List, Judge Freedman Scholarship
Bar Admissions
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio

