Atty. Michael J. Leotta

Atty. Michael J. Leotta

Michael Leotta conducts internal investigations and represents corporations and individuals in white collar criminal law and regulatory enforcement matters. He regularly represents US consumer banks, global correspondent banks, broker-dealers, investment advisers, and FinTech companies in a broad range of matters, including defending financial institutions’ compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and related anti-money laundering (AML) rules, securities law, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).

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Profile Summary

About Michael J. Leotta at a glance

Michael J. Leotta is a criminal defense and white collar attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar and Maryland, Maryland State Bar Association. Educated at Harvard University (J.D., 1997) and University of Maryland (BA, 1994). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Michael Leotta conducts internal investigations and represents corporations and individuals in white collar criminal law and regulatory enforcement matters
  • He regularly represents US consumer banks, global correspondent banks, broker-dealers, investment advisers, and FinTech companies in a broad range of matters, including defending financial institutions’ compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and related anti-money laundering (AML) rules, securities law, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
  • He represents clients in investigations and examinations by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and state prosecutors
  • domestic and international financial regulators such as the Federal Reserve Board of Governors (the Fed), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), the New York Department of Financial Services, and the UK Financial Conduct Authority
  • state attorneys general
  • and Congressional committees

Practice Areas Explained

Michael J. Leotta's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael J. Leotta 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.

Michael J. Leotta is one of 214,271 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in District of Columbia →

White Collar Crimes

Michael J. Leotta is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar attorneys in District of Columbia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia

Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael J. Leotta

Where is Michael J. Leotta's law office located?
Michael J. Leotta's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael J. Leotta handle?
Michael J. Leotta focuses on criminal defense, white collar. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
Where did Michael J. Leotta go to law school?
Michael J. Leotta earned their education at (J.D., 1997); (BA, 1994).
How can I contact Michael J. Leotta for a consultation?
You can contact Michael J. Leotta 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 Michael J. Leotta received?
Michael J. Leotta's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar.

Education

J.D.
Harvard University
- 1997
BA
University of Maryland
- 1994

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026

Bar Admissions

District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar
Maryland, Maryland State Bar Association

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