Former Fortune Global 500 Chief Compliance Officer and Federal Prosecutor Michael Koenig Joins Friedman Kaplan

Friedman Kaplan proudly announces that Michael Koenig has joined the firm as a litigation and white collar defense partner. With over thirty years of combined experience as a defense lawyer in private practice, as a federal prosecutor, and most recently, as the Global Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer of a Fortune Global 500 company, Mike helps clients minimize risk, favorably resolve matters when possible, and try cases when necessary. He is known for his judgment, practical advice, and zealous advocacy for clients facing legal, regulatory, or reputational challenges.

Mike’s multifaceted practice encompasses representing companies, executives, elected and public officials, and other individuals in white collar criminal defense, government investigations, regulatory enforcement, internal investigations, crisis management, and compliance counseling. He has guided clients across a wide range of industries on matters including allegations of securities fraud, violations of the False Claims Act and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, public corruption, obstruction of justice, bribery, pay-to-play violations, kickback schemes, and bank fraud. He also has extensive experience in commercial litigation and arbitration, including breach of contract claims, partnership disputes, and other complex disputes.

In his most recent role as Global Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at JBS Foods, a publicly traded $85 billion multinational company, Mike designed and implemented a global compliance program across multiple jurisdictions, conducted sensitive workplace investigations, and vigorously advocated for the company before regulators, banks, investor groups, and rating agencies. As a result, he has first-hand understanding of what boards, audit committees, general counsels, and C-suite executives need and expect from outside counsel.

“Mike’s unique combination of experience as a federal prosecutor, the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer for one of the world’s largest food companies, and a seasoned defense lawyer makes him an exceptional addition to our firm. His ability to counsel clients from all these vantage points—whether they are navigating a government investigation, managing a sensitive crisis, or engaged in high-stakes litigation—will be a tremendous asset. We are excited to welcome him to Friedman Kaplan,” said Management Committee member Anne E. Beaumont.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Friedman Kaplan. I was drawn to the firm because of its reputation for tenacious advocacy, creativity, and attorneys who genuinely collaborate to deliver the best possible results for clients. In addition to its stellar reputation for sophisticated litigation and white collar defense work, a number of Friedman Kaplan’s attorneys have been friends for decades. It’s a great fit, and exactly what I was looking for in returning to private practice,” said Mike.

Mike previously served as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division, Fraud Section, where he investigated and prosecuted white collar crimes with a focus on corporate fraud. His background also includes over twenty years in private practice, including as a shareholder at Greenberg Traurig and as a partner at Hinckley Allen, where he served as co-chair of the firm’s government enforcement and white collar practice.

Mike received his law degree, cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center, and his bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Rochester, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.