Featured Practices
Michael Landman is an experienced trial lawyer who has tried and won numerous trials, including an acquittal in one of the largest fraud prosecutions ever brought by the U.S. Department of Justice. He is frequently engaged by clients before charges are filed and helps them avoid charges and enforcement actions.
Mr. Landman began his career in the Attorney General Honors Program at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), where he first-chaired over a dozen trials. Mr. Landman utilizes his trial experience and knowledge of government investigations to assist clients facing federal or state criminal charges related to financial fraud, including those relating to cryptocurrency.
On the criminal side, Mr. Landman has represented individuals and entities in matters investigated by the DOJ, the IRS, the SEC, the California Attorney General’s Office, and various local District Attorney’s Offices. On the civil side, Mr. Landman has been brought on to represent large national and international companies when it is clear the case is headed to trial. Given his extensive experience as a trial lawyer, he is well-suited to take civil and criminal cases to trial.
During his time at the DOJ’s Tax Division, Mr. Landman earned consecutive Outstanding Attorney awards for his investigations and trial victories. During his investigations, Mr. Landman examined numerous lay and government witnesses in the grand jury. Mr. Landman was also involved in the Tax Division’s review and authorization of criminal tax prosecutions throughout the country. His knowledge of the review and approval process is particularly useful for clients wishing to resolve criminal tax cases short of indictment.
Mr. Landman dedicates a sizable portion of his time to pro bono matters. Some of his recent pro bono matters include assisting domestic violence survivors who have unfairly and unknowingly accrued significant tax or tax-related debts stemming from their ex-spouse’s conduct. Prior to working at the DOJ, Mr. Landman served as a law clerk for District Court Judge Stefan R. Underhill in the District of Connecticut.
Education & Admissions
- University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., Dillard Fellowship, 2015
- Amherst College, B.A., 2009
- New York, 2016
- California, 2022
- U.S. District Courts: Central District of California, Northern District of California, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of New York
- Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Awards & Recognition
- Outstanding Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, 2020-2021
- Special Commendation, U.S. Department of Justice, 2019
Notable Matters
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 individual facing parallel criminal and civil securities fraud actions brought by the DOJ and SEC. Mr. Landman successfully briefed and argued against the SEC’s request for a preliminary injunction. The Court denied the SEC’s request for an injunction and 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.
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.
News & Insights
Bird Marella Wins Acquittal on All Counts in High-Profile Criminal Fraud Trial of Former Autonomy Executive
After a decade-long battle involving tech titans Hewlett-Packard and Autonomy, Bird Marella name partner Gary Lincenberg, attorneys Ray Seilie and Michael Landman, and paralegal Rachel Capata won a …
Friday, June 7, 2024
Go to the postMichael Landman Assists Pro Bono Client in Resolving Identity Theft-Related Debt with IRS and FTB
In a pro bono partnership with the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice, attorney Michael Landman aided a domestic violence survivor whose husband had used her identity …
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Go to the postGary Lincenberg and Michael Landman Speak at 38th Annual National Institute on White Collar Crime
Bird Marella principal Gary S. Lincenberg and associate Michael C. Landman were featured speakers at the 38th Annual National Institute on White Collar Crime, hosted by the American …
Friday, March 10, 2023
Go to the postBird Marella Defeats SEC’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction in Rare Occurrence
Bird Marella attorneys Ron Nessim and Michael Landman represent Hasan Sario, a Turkish national, who has been charged civilly with securities fraud by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the Southern …
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Go to the postFormer U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Michael Landman Joins Bird Marella
Bird Marella is proud to announce that former Department of Justice Trial Attorney Michael C. Landman has joined the firm. Mr. Landman comes to Bird Marella from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tax Division in D.C., …
Friday, April 29, 2022
Go to the postPublications
- Author, "Five Years Since Marinello v United States," February 2023