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Michael K. Atkinson is the former chief watchdog of the U.S. intelligence agencies and served in senior U.S. Department of Justice roles spanning two decades. He has led dozens of high-profile investigations and offers clients a rare combination of experience in criminal defense and corporate compliance. Michael's practice focuses on white collar defense, national security, internal and congressional investigations, and parallel civil and regulatory enforcement proceedings. His work also includes high-stakes compliance advice on strategic issues such as cross-border investigations and the use of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) programs. He is a partner in the firm's Washington, D.C. office, working with the White Collar & Regulatory Enforcement and Investigations groups. Michael is also a co-leader of the firm’s National Security Practice and Whistleblower Working Group.

On April 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it would not prosecute the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) for alleged violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This marks the DOJ’s second declination in the last twelve months under the National Security Division’s (NSD) Enforcement Policy for Business Organizations (NSD VSD Policy)

  • The U.S. Department of Defense identified a series of Chinese, Russian, and Iranian institutions and universities that have elevated risks. All universities and labs should ensure their restricted party screening providers screen for entities on this list going forward.
  • Just because a university or research laboratory complies with U.S. export controls on the

While the Biden’s administration’s recent corporate enforcement actions and initiatives have garnered significant press attention, China has engaged in recent months in a series of less-publicized corporate enforcement actions and initiatives against non-Chinese companies (mostly, but not exclusively, U.S.-based) operating in the country, including through new investigations, raids of China-based offices, and even detention of

Last week the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and U.S. Department of Commerce announced a new Disruptive Technology Strike Force (the “DIS-TECH Strike Force”). The Strike Force will bring together experts throughout government – including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and 14 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in 12 metropolitan regions across