Former DOJ Trial Attorney Michael Sawers joins Jones Day in Minneapolis
Michael Sawers has joined Jones Day as a partner in the Business & Tort Litigation Practice, based in the Firm's Minneapolis Office.
Mr. Sawers has served for the past four years as a Trial Attorney in the Antitrust Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he represented the United States in matters arising under various criminal and civil statutes, including the Sherman Act and the False Claims Act. He has led a number of prominent government investigations and prepared cases for litigation involving alleged price fixing, bid-rigging and market allocation schemes, often serving as first-chair attorney. Mr. Sawers was most recently the Assistant Deputy Director for Federal Spending in the U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division, where he coordinated the investigation and prosecution of fraud and collusion at all stages of the federal procurement process.
"Michael's extensive experience in litigation as both a defense lawyer and a federal prosecutor will be a tremendous resource for assisting our clients with government investigations and prosecutions alleging criminal conduct," said John Majoras, who co-leads the Firm's Business & Tort Litigation Practice. "He brings with him valuable first-chair experience as a trial lawyer in high-stakes disputes with the federal government, which is an important complement to the extraordinary strengths of our practice. I am delighted to welcome him to Jones Day."
At Jones Day, Mr. Sawers joins an acclaimed worldwide team of more than 400 experienced trial lawyers who serve clients in business and government disputes, torts and civil litigation, from pre-suit counseling through trial and appeal. He will collaborate with the Firm's trial lawyers around the globe who represent major companies and organizations in business and tort litigation across many sectors, the Firm's Investigations & White Collar Defense lawyers who advise clients with many of the most significant U.S. and cross-border investigations and white-collar matters of our era, and the Firm's Issues & Appeals lawyers who address complex legal issues at all stages of litigation and dispute resolution.
"Michael has deep roots here in Minneapolis but also brings with him a global perspective and deep understanding of how the Justice Department approaches criminal investigations and litigation related to government enforcement," said Brian Easley, Partner-in-Charge of the Minneapolis Office. "His proven track record in managing complex matters across various jurisdictions and industry sectors is an excellent addition to our team. We are pleased that he has joined Jones Day and welcome him back to Minneapolis."
Prior to entering government service, Mr. Sawers worked in private practice at two law firms in Minneapolis, representing various entities and individuals in investigations and prosecutions brought by the federal government, including the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission. He began his legal career in St. Paul, Minnesota, as a Law Clerk to The Hon. Jeanne J. Graham, judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.
Mr. Sawers earned his law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School and his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He is a past director of the Minnesota chapter of the Federal Bar Association.
"Jones Day's litigation capabilities are recognized by clients worldwide for work on important disputes that are litigated across all major jurisdictions, and the Firm is particularly renowned for its successful work on behalf of entities and individuals involved in some of the most significant U.S. government investigations and prosecutions," said Mr. Sawers. "I am excited to join such an elite team of trial lawyers and look forward to working alongside my new colleagues back in Minneapolis and throughout the Firm."
