Michael M. Sawers (Mike)

Mike Sawers advises clients in high-stakes civil and criminal litigation, internal investigations, and government enforcement matters. Drawing on 15 years as a federal prosecutor, civil litigator, and defense lawyer, he has handled complex disputes and investigations involving more than 20 countries. Before joining Jones Day in 2025, Mike served in senior roles at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and in private practice. Mike's combination of government and private sector experience allows him to navigate sensitive matters strategically, with informed judgment, and a deep understanding of how investigations and litigation unfold on a global scale.

At DOJ, Mike led multijurisdictional investigations in industries including government and defense contracting, information technology, financial services, health care and life sciences, engineering, education, and consumer goods. His investigations covered offenses such as fraud, money laundering, public corruption, bid rigging, and price-fixing, often navigating parallel proceedings with government bodies and private litigants. Mike led investigations in cases and investigations arising under the False Claims Act and under the Sherman Act and Clayton Act, as well as other federal statutes.

In private practice, Mike represents plaintiffs and defendants in complex civil and criminal litigation. He guides clients through every stage of the process — from pre-claim investigations and motions for injunctive relief to trial and appeal — and has tried cases to verdict in federal and state courts, before juries and judges alike.