Melissa Jackson is a passionate and experienced trial lawyer with deep experience handling complex criminal matters, internal investigations, and government investigations. Prior to founding the firm, Ms. Jackson spent more than a decade at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where she tried over fifty cases to verdict in both federal and state court. As an AUSA in the Fraud Section of the Criminal Division, she led investigations focused on health care fraud, government procurement fraud, tax evasion, bribery, FCPA violations, and bank fraud—before ultimately becoming the Chief of the Federal Major Crimes Section.   

   

As Chief of the Federal Major Crimes Section, Ms. Jackson supervised a large team of federal prosecutors and led the teams for approximately twenty trials in federal court.  She oversaw hundreds of investigations and prosecutions including large conspiracy investigations, financial and health care fraud matters, child exploitation and human trafficking matters, and an array of violent crime matters. Her trial work and leadership at the U.S. Attorney's Office earned her numerous awards, including three USAO Team Awards (2018, 2022, 2023), the USAO Excellence in Management Award (2024), and an FBI Service Award (2024). 

  

Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Jackson was an associate in the White Collar Defense and Corporate Investigations practice at O’Melveny & Myers LLP. Her work focused on federal and state criminal litigation, internal investigations, and congressional inquiries. She represented individuals and companies in enforcement matters involving the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other regulators.  

 

Her representative matters included: 

  

• Representing multiple international companies in internal investigations into potential Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations 

• Representing a C-suite executive of a large private company in connection with a criminal investigation 

• Representing a corporation in connection with a health care fraud investigation 

• Representing an individual in connection with a federal financial fraud investigation  

• Conducting internal investigations related to export compliance and sanctions violations 

  

Ms. Jackson brings deep trial experience, a sophisticated understanding of complex investigations, and a steady, strategic approach to every matter she handles. She is particularly skilled at guiding individuals through the challenges of criminal investigations and prosecutions, combining strategic advocacy with clear, practical advice at every step.