Michael C. Landman

Representative Matters at Bird Marella

Trial counsel defending the former VP of Finance of Autonomy Corporation in one of the largest federal fraud prosecutions brought by the U.S. Department of Justice. At trial, Mr. Landman handled numerous key witnesses, including an audit partner at a Big Four accounting firm and the Government’s accounting expert. After a three-month jury trial, secured an acquittal on all fifteen counts.

Defended a client charged in a money laundering investigation related to converting illicit cryptocurrency into cash. Successfully argued for a probationary sentence where the Guidelines range was significantly higher, and the Government vigorously sought a period of incarceration.

Complete defense victory for Compass Inc. in multi-million-dollar fraud dispute brought by rival brokerage. Plaintiff had alleged that Compass fraudulently induced it to join Compass under false pretenses and sought compensatory and punitive damages. Mr. Landman joined the team only a few weeks before trial and handled key witnesses, including both parties’ experts.

Defended a healthcare start-up being investigated by the SEC for potential violations of various federal securities laws, including exemptions to the SEC’s registration requirements. Mr. Landman conducted an internal investigation into the alleged misconduct and directed the company’s responses to the SEC. The SEC promptly closed its investigation without finding any fault with the company or its executives.

Represented a business and its CEO whose business was raided by local law enforcement and who was arrested on allegations that he was in receipt of stolen property.

Represented a corporate executive of a multinational entertainment company in a DOJ antitrust investigation.

Successfully negotiated the voluntary return of a client charged with six-figure loan fraud who was charged while residing overseas, enabling him to plead guilty while securing permission for him to reside abroad during the pendency of the case. The client ultimately received a probationary sentence and was permitted to serve it abroad, overcoming Government opposition to any supervision outside the U.S. and avoiding the Government’s recommended prison term.

Assisted client charged by the City Attorney’s Office with a criminal offense for violating the Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 56.08, which prohibits a property owner for obstructing the public right-of-way. Mr. Landman helped the client secure a complete dismissal of the criminal charges.

Secured dismissal of a client’s public corruption charges following the Supreme Court’s decision in Snyder v. United States, 603 U.S. 1 (2024), which held that 18 U.S.C. § 666, which criminalizes public theft and bribery, did not criminalize giving a gratuity to a public official. Despite the client previously waiving his right to appeal his conviction, Mr. Landman convinced prosecutors to join in the request to vacate the conviction and dismiss the charges such that the client is no longer a federal felon.

Defended an individual facing parallel criminal and civil securities fraud actions brought by the DOJ and SEC. Mr. Landman secured a critical and rare denial of the SEC’s request for a preliminary injunction and the Court dissolved the TRO restraining the client’s assets.

Advised client who had failed to file reports of foreign bank accounts (FBARs) and wanted to get into compliance while avoiding criminal prosecution. The client came into compliance and avoided criminal prosecution.

Advised client in connection with insider trading investigation conducted by the SEC. No charges were filed.

Advised client in connection with a public corruption investigation conducted by the California Attorney General’s Office. No charges were filed.

Advised doctor in connection with federal criminal investigation into health care fraud. No charges were filed.

Represented individual in connection with alleged Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud. No charges were filed.

Mr. Landman has also advised numerous clients regarding matters that were ultimately resolved without any formal criminal charges, including:

• Failing to report foreign assets and bank accounts (FBAR violations)
• Healthcare fraud, including representing doctors, healthcare organizations, and healthcare workers accused of violating the False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Act, and their state-law equivalents
• PPP loan fraud
• Insider trading
• Illegal Gambling
• Money Laundering
• Mortgage fraud

Representative Matters at the U.S. Department of Justice

Lead trial counsel in a four-week jury trial of two defendants charged with conspiracy to defraud the IRS and tax evasion, resulting in a conviction. At trial, Mr. Landman examined the Government’s key cooperating witness, cross-examined the defendant, and gave closing arguments.

Trial counsel in a week-long jury trial of a defendant charged with tax evasion and related offenses, resulting in a conviction. At trial, Mr. Landman handled closing arguments as well as the examination of key lay and IRS witnesses.

Led the investigation and successful prosecution of an individual charged with pitching an investment opportunity in pre-IPO shares of a major public company. After a lengthy investigation, the defendant pleaded guilty and received a significant sentence.

Led the investigation and successful prosecution of the owner of a prominent Las Vegas restaurant who was charged with underreporting cash from his business, lying to the IRS during an audit, and falsifying business records.