Areas of Practice
Michelle Peterson specializes in white collar criminal defense, civil litigation and government investigations. Michelle's experience includes representing businesses and individuals in all aspects of litigation, including employment matters, government investigations, white collar criminal prosecutions, qui tam matters and commercial disputes. She also works with Native American tribes on regulatory investigations and compliance issues. Michelle has extensive experience and knowledge of the federal courts having spent over four years as a judicial law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington and District of Minnesota.
Professional Experience
· Partner, Yarmuth Wilsdon Calfo PLLC
· Associate, Lane Powell PC
· Associate, Briggs & Morgan
· Judicial Law Clerk, Honorable James L. Robart, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
· Judicial Law Clerk, Honorable Richard H. Kyle, U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota
Practice Group and Specialty Team Memberships
· White Collar Criminal Defense, Regulatory Compliance and Special Investigations
· Litigation
· Native American Affairs
Publications
· "Lessons From the Failed Prosecution of In-House Pharmaceutical Counsel," American Bar Association Criminal Litigation Section Newsletter, Co-author (Fall 2011)
· "What is a Civil Investigative Demand and Why is the Government's Use of Them Increasing?" Puget Sound Business Journal ADR and Litigation Q&A Column Titled "Ask the Legal Professionals" (August 26, 2011)
Representative Matters and Clients
· Defended W.R. Grace executive in environmental criminal prosecution alleging obstruction of justice and knowing endangerment under the Clean Air Act, arising out of company's operation of a vermiculite mine in Libby, Mo.; company and individuals acquitted after trial
· Defended a natural gas pipeline company in Department of the Interior investigation into an alleged violation of the National Historic Preservation Act for failing to disclose an historic shipwreck during surveying of a potential pipeline; matter settled prior to formal proceedings
· Represented owner of brokerage firm in commercial dispute over sale of business; successfully tried to verdict
· Defended medical software company in qui tam proceedings arising out of U.S. Commerce Department grant, as well as Department of Labor and federal court proceedings arising out of whistleblower's retaliation claims; government declined prosecution and company prevailed on summary judgment in federal court
Awards and Honors
· Named as a "Washington Rising Star," Super Lawyers magazine, General Litigation (2006; 2008)
Professional and Community Activities
· Member, Federal Bar Association
· Co-chair, Local Rules Committee for the U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
· Member, The William L. Dwyer American Inn of Court
· Member, Board of Directors, Seattle Parkinson's Project
News
07.15.2011, Peterson Joins Lane Powell's White Collar Criminal Defense, Regulatory Compliance and Special Investigations Practice Group
Articles
10.25.2011, Friedman and Peterson Author Article in ABA Criminal Litigation Section Newsletter About the Government's Failed Prosecution of In-House Pharmaceutical Counsel