Bio
Jessie Michelin focuses on white collar criminal defense,
government investigations, internal investigations, and compliance counseling.
With a keen eye for detail, Jessie masters the facts and thinks critically on
how best to advocate for her clients, often tackling complex and novel legal
issues.
She has represented clients in domestic and cross-border
investigations by various government agencies, including the U.S. Department of
Justice (DOJ), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Bureau of Industry and
Security (BIS), U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (ED-OCR),
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (HHS-OCR),
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Complementing her government-facing work, Jessie is trusted to
conduct internal investigations on sensitive issues across a range of
regulatory regimes, including allegations of harassment, discrimination,
hostile workplace, and retaliation.
Jessie works closely with clients to develop and enhance compliance
programs in order to stay current with regulatory developments, industry best
practices, and government expectations. She is called upon to interpret new regulatory
developments, convey her analysis to clients clearly and concisely, and counsel
clients on measures to ensure compliance. She has drafted compliance policies
and procedures, conducted risk assessments, and developed trainings relating to
U.S. economic sanctions and export controls, anti-bribery and anti-corruption,
anti-money laundering, federal civil rights laws, and health care privacy.
Jessie has particular experience with U.S. sanctions and
export controls. In this space, she has represented clients in government
investigations, conducted internal investigations, prepared export license
applications, developed and enhanced compliance programs, advised clients on
regulatory developments and day-to-day compliance, conducted risk assessments, and
advised clients in connection with M&A, financing, and capital markets
transactions. In tandem with the internal investigations, Jessie has prepared
voluntary self-disclosure reports to the government regarding apparent
violations of U.S. sanctions and export controls, which resulted in a
cautionary or warning letter and no monetary penalties.
Jessie also represents clients in civil litigation. From
discovery to legal research to motion practice, Jessie distills complex facts
into persuasive arguments.
Experience
Representative Engagements – Government Investigations
- Represented a large regional health care system and a national retail pharmacy in an investigation by HHS-OCR into alleged violations of federal civil rights laws.
- Represented an opioid manufacturer in an investigation by DOJ into the company’s diversion control program.
- Represented a prestigious university in an investigation by ED-OCR relating to compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
- Represented a fitness company in an investigation by DOJ related to compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Act.
Representative Engagements – Internal Investigations
- Conducted an internal investigation for a publicly traded company into allegations of verbal abuse, toxic work culture, and retaliation by the Chief Executive Officer.
- Conducted an investigation into alleged discrimination against a student at a prestigious university and presented findings to the university through a written report and oral presentation.
Retained by a global sports and entertainment company to conduct an internal review of the company’s evaluation of strategic alternatives and ultimate take-private decision.
Representative Engagements – Sanctions and Export Controls
- Represented a multinational technology company in a cross-border, multi-year export controls investigation by the Bureau of Industry and Security concerning exports to China.
- Conducted an internal investigation for a global health care company and drafted a voluntary self-disclosure report to the Office of Foreign Assets Control regarding apparent violations of U.S. economic sanctions resulting in a cautionary letter and no monetary penalties.
- Conducted a broad internal investigation for a multinational technology company and drafted major voluntary self-disclosure reports to government agencies related to apparent violations of U.S. economic sanctions and export controls, which resulted in a warning letter and cautionary letter and no monetary penalties.
Advised a digital analytics software company on compliance with evolving and heightened U.S. sanctions and export controls restrictions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Representative Engagements – Securities Fraud
- Represented a student loan servicer in complex class action lawsuits asserting claims of securities fraud.
Represented a Fortune 500 global information technology services company in an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission alleging material misstatements in the company’s reporting and disclosures resulting in a settlement favorable to the client.
Representative Engagements – Compliance Program Assessments and Counseling
- Developed a compliance policy and procedure for a national retail pharmacy following a final rule by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen reproductive health care privacy protections.
- Developed anti-bribery and anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, and U.S. economic sanctions and export controls policies and employee trainings for a global consulting firm.
Credentials
Education
University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 2019
Virginia Journal of International Law, Editorial Board
Philip C. Jessup International Moot Court Team, Regional Runner-Up,
International Finalist
International Human Rights Law Clinic
Grand Traverse County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Pro Bono Volunteer
Michigan State University, B.A., Political Science, 2015, High Honors
Law Office of Esther Susin Carrasco (Sabadell, Spain), Legal Assistant Intern
Michigan State Model United Nations
Lansing Refugee Development Center, Volunteer
Bar Admissions*
*Jessie R. Michelin is licensed to practice in the District of Columbia but is not yet admitted in Illinois.
Professional Memberships
American Bar Association
Honors & Awards
Publications & Presentations
“DOJ and Treasury Take Crypto Enforcement to the Next
Level,” (co-author) Global Fintech & Digital Assets Blog (October
28, 2021)