Atty. David M. Chaiken

Atty. David M. Chaiken

David Chaiken is an Atlanta-based former federal prosecutor and a co-founder of Chaiken Ghali LLP, a national boutique white collar litigation and government investigations law firm. He has more than 20 years of experience representing companies and individuals in financial fraud and securities litigation matters, including: ⚫️ white collar criminal cases (from indictment through trial and appeal) ⚫️ grand jury investigations (including subpoenas for documents and testimony) ⚫️ government investigations and enforcement actions conducted by federal and state regulators (DOJ, SEC, IRS, Offices o

Atlanta Atlanta 24 yrs experience 24 year
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Profile Summary

About David M. Chaiken at a glance

David M. Chaiken is a criminal defense, white collar, litigation, and energy attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia, practicing at Chaiken Ghali LLP. They have 24+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2002. Admitted to practice in Georgia (2002) and California (2004). Educated at Emory University (J.D., 2001) and Colgate University (B.A., 1995). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy) (2026), and Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy) (Atlanta) (2025). Serands clients in Atlanta, GA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • David Chaiken is an Atlanta-based former federal prosecutor and a co-founder of Chaiken Ghali LLP, a national boutique white collar litigation and government investigations law firm
  • He has more than 20 years of experience representing companies and individuals in financial fraud and securities litigation matters, including: ⚫️ white collar criminal cases (from indictment through trial and appeal) ⚫️ grand jury investigations (including subpoenas for documents and testimony) ⚫️ government investigations and enforcement actions conducted by federal and state regulators (DOJ, SEC, IRS, Offices of Inspector General (OIG), State Attorneys General) ⚫️ internal investigations on behalf of companies, boards of directors, board committees, and other entities into potential financial crimes and other misconduct by company officers, directors, and employees ⚫️ complex business litigation in state and federal courts and alternative dispute resolution forums (typically involving allegations of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty) He previously served as an Assistant U.S
  • Attorney in the Economic Crimes Section of the U.S
  • Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia for nearly ten years, was a partner in an AmLaw 50 law firm, worked in the Atlanta and San Francisco offices of elite global law firms, and completed a federal judicial clerkship with U.S
  • District Judge William C. O'Kelley of the U.S
  • District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
  • He has specific expertise with matters involving securities fraud, insider trading, fraudulent financial reporting, mail and wire fraud schemes, embezzlement, bank fraud, bribery and kickbacks, health care fraud, tax fraud, federal program fraud, and cybercrime

Practice Areas Explained

David M. Chaiken's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David M. Chaiken handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

David M. Chaiken is one of 214,271 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Georgia →

White Collar Crimes

David M. Chaiken is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in Georgia →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

David M. Chaiken is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Georgia →

Energy & Utilities Law

Energy attorneys for oil & gas, renewables, utility regulation, and energy sector transactions.

David M. Chaiken is one of 36,230 energy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse energy attorneys in Georgia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Georgia

Practicing law in Georgia. Legal matters in Georgia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Atlanta are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Georgia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Georgia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Georgia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Georgia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Atlanta or all attorneys in Georgia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about David M. Chaiken

Where is David M. Chaiken's law office located?
David M. Chaiken's law practice is located in Atlanta, Georgia. The firm is Chaiken Ghali LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does David M. Chaiken handle?
David M. Chaiken focuses on criminal defense, white collar, litigation, energy. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Georgia.
How long has David M. Chaiken practiced law?
David M. Chaiken has 24+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2002.
Where did David M. Chaiken go to law school?
David M. Chaiken earned their education at (J.D., 2001); (B.A., 1995).
How can I contact David M. Chaiken for a consultation?
You can contact David M. Chaiken directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has David M. Chaiken received?
David M. Chaiken's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy); Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy) (Atlanta).

Education

J.D.
Emory University
- 2001
B.A.
Colgate University
- 1995

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy) (Atlanta)
- 2025

Bar Admissions

Georgia
Admitted: 2002
California
Admitted: 2004

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