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Michael J. Gunnison

Senior Counsel

Overview

Businesses operating in the U.S., Middle Eastern, and European marketplaces need counsel with the right experience to identify risks, comply with multiple regulatory regimes, and respond to inquiries in the United States and other jurisdictions. Michael J. Gunnison helps our clients navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape. With unparalleled knowledge both as a former Department of Justice prosecutor and DOJ Resident Legal Advisor, Mike has 10 years’ experience working with Gulf Cooperation Council governments on export controls, sanctions, anti-money laundering, counter financing of terrorism, cybercrimes, and legislative drafting. Private- and public-sector clients trust him to find comprehensive solutions when international legal challenges arise.

Mike is an experienced white collar investigations and trial lawyer known for successfully handling complex cases in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ Fraud Section. His cases involve defense contract fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, health care fraud, international money laundering, cybercrime, bribery, and corruption. He has conducted hundreds of federal grand jury investigations and numerous jury trials before serving in senior roles as the acting U.S. attorney in New Hampshire and the U.S. rule of law coordinator in Iraq.

As the DOJ Resident Legal Advisor to countries that include Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, and Oman, Mike possesses deep institutional knowledge of the legal landscape in the GCC region. He has designed and delivered numerous training programs for officials in those countries. Mike has also worked closely with the Department of the Treasury on anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism, sanctions, and related issues both in U.S. embassies and as a member of the U.S. observer delegation to the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force. Mike’s experience allows him to help companies implement successful AML/CFT and sanctions programs that comply with the laws of multiple jurisdictions. He also conducts internal investigations on behalf of clients and provides effective representation in all government-facing matters.

Career & Education

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    • Department of State: Embassy of Qatar
      Resident Legal Advisor, 2018 — 2021
    • Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
      Trial Attorney, DOJ Fraud Section; and Associate General Counsel, 2016 — 2017
    • New Hampshire
      U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Hampshire, 1990 — 2006; 2008 — 2009; 2011 — 2013
    • New York
      U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York, Brooklyn, New York, 1987 — 1990
    • U.S. Court of International Trade
      Law Clerk to Hon. Dominick L. DiCarlo
    • Department of State: Embassy of Qatar
      Resident Legal Advisor, 2018 — 2021
    • Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction
      Trial Attorney, DOJ Fraud Section; and Associate General Counsel, 2016 — 2017
    • New Hampshire
      U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Hampshire, 1990 — 2006; 2008 — 2009; 2011 — 2013
    • New York
      U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of New York, Brooklyn, New York, 1987 — 1990
    • U.S. Court of International Trade
      Law Clerk to Hon. Dominick L. DiCarlo
    • The George Washington University, B.A., International Affairs/Economics, 1981
    • St. John's University School of Law, J.D., 1984
    • The George Washington University, B.A., International Affairs/Economics, 1981
    • St. John's University School of Law, J.D., 1984
    • New York
    • New Hampshire (Inactive)
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
    • New York
    • New Hampshire (Inactive)
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
    • Member, International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators
    • Vice Chair, Law Enforcement and Rule of Law Committee of the International Stability Operations Association
    • Member, International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators
    • Vice Chair, Law Enforcement and Rule of Law Committee of the International Stability Operations Association

Michael's Insights

Firm News | 2 min read | 12.01.23

Crowell & Moring Named to “GIR 100” for Ninth Consecutive Year

Global Investigations Review has named Crowell & Moring’s Investigations and White Collar & Regulatory Enforcement groups to its prestigious GIR 100 list, an annual guide to the world’s leading cross-border investigations practices.

Recognition

  • Attorney General’s Special Commendation Award for Exceptional Service in Furthering the Rule of Law in Iraq
  • Assistant Attorney General’s Award for Furthering U.S. Interests Overseas 
  • DOJ Director’s Award for Superior Performance as an Assistant U.S. Attorney 
  • New Hampshire Bar Association: Daniel Webster International Lawyer of the Year Award
  • International Association of Financial Crime Investigators: Prosecutor of the Year Award

Michael's Insights

Firm News | 2 min read | 12.01.23

Crowell & Moring Named to “GIR 100” for Ninth Consecutive Year

Global Investigations Review has named Crowell & Moring’s Investigations and White Collar & Regulatory Enforcement groups to its prestigious GIR 100 list, an annual guide to the world’s leading cross-border investigations practices.

Michael's Insights

Firm News | 2 min read | 12.01.23

Crowell & Moring Named to “GIR 100” for Ninth Consecutive Year

Global Investigations Review has named Crowell & Moring’s Investigations and White Collar & Regulatory Enforcement groups to its prestigious GIR 100 list, an annual guide to the world’s leading cross-border investigations practices.