About Michael
Biography
I am honored to accept referrals and confidential inquiries from private practitioners, corporate counsel, professionals, or executives who need advice, trial counsel, someone to lead an internal investigation, or to assist them with other corporate governance matters. I work closely with other counsel to ensure that clients are getting appropriate advice.
A little more about me and my beliefs
I'm also an author, leader, and a part-time academic. While I stay quite busy with my professional obligations, there is far more to life than being an attorney--which can be an all-consuming profession. I value time with my family and consider myself to be, more importantly, a loving husband, father, and a Christian. And, from having worked since my teens, I appreciate the importance of hard work and in taking pride in what I do.
So much is at stake when people hire a lawyer that nothing less than giving it your best is sufficient. That does not mean, however, that an attorney must be a jerk to be effective. Instead, being an effective advocate means caring about your client, being professional and courteous other lawyers, and with court personnel, and government officials.
I put myself through law school while working full time. Later in my career, when I reached a very advanced position at a young age within the federal government as a prosecutor, I felt I needed to put my skills and experience to their best use--which led me into private practice. Before doing so, however, I returned to law school and obtained an advanced degree (an LL.M. in Tax Law) while working full time.
I was recruited into a blue chip firm in Houston, and a friend convinced me to get another LL.M. (Health Law) to further hone my knowledge and skills in this arcane area of practice. After obtaining this third law degree, I have maintained my ties with academia by teaching as much as my time permits.
At bottom, I am a blessed individual. I have many good friends and colleagues, a wonderful family, and believe that I have been blessed with the God-given talent and strength to serve others effectively. I still have the passion and desire to excel and to leverage my skills to the best of my abilities.
Disclaimer: The information in my profile does not create an attorney-client relationship, and it is not intended to constitute advertising. Answers provided to questions aresolely offered for informational purposes and do not constitute legaladvice.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 43 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 1982
No misconduct found
Location
Duane Morris LLP
1330 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 800, Houston, TX, 77056-3166
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Michael Emory Clark's Reviews
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Irene | December 29, 2010
Fraud Title Insurance Industry
I was under a federal goverment investigation, which the result of a very complicated investigation with my former employer and Texas Department of Insurance. This went on for many years while being represented by attorney's that were provided by my former employer. I finally decided that things s...
Posted by anonymous | August 27, 2007
The lawyer that will save you
Michael Clark is a mild mannered dynamo. He is dedicated, thorough and extremely efficient. No stone is unturned in finding the way to a good resolution of a lawsuit. Mr. Clark cares about his client, let's you know the reality of your situation and keeps you calm. He knows the prosecutions methods, ...
Michael Emory Clark's Lawyer Endorsements
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Michael Clark since we were Assistant United States Attorneys in Texas, prosecuting S&L fraud. Back then I found Michael to be a thoughtful, ethical and highly able white collar prosecutor. In the past 10 years, I have known Michael as a fellow white collar criminal defense attorney. He is based in Houston and I am in DC. Michael is almost always the first white collar attorney I refer people to in the Houston area. He is exceptionally bright, hard-working, and detail oriented. His up-to-date knowledge of health care fraud regulations and their interplay with possible federal crimes is unsurpassed. Of equal importance, Michael is tough but professional and even-tempered. This serves his clients well, whether he is representing them in front of juries or negotiating on their behalf with government officials. In short, I recommend Michael for white collar representation, including securities and health care regulatory matters, without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mike Clark is an outstanding criminal defense attorney. Prior to entering private practice, Mike served as Chief of the Criminal Division for the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of Texas. He is respected by both prosecutors and the judiciary. Finally, he is a true gentleman. You would be hard-pressed to find a better attorney to work with."
"Michael is smart lawyer who pays attention to the details and is able to advocate for his clients effectively. I have worked with Michael on legal matters and found his approach to a case to be professional and effective. I have also worked with Michael on some professional publications and found Michael to be detailed and enthusiastic to the process."
"Michael Clark is as quality a lawyer as there is for handling the most complex and sensitive of matters. I have in the past, and will continue in the future, to call on his expertise. His years as a prosecutor and tremendous scholarly record makes him a "go-to" lawyer to develop and implement effective strategies in any investigative scenario. "
"Mike has an outstanding reputation in the legal community. I have witnessed Mike's devotion to his clients, and his immense dedication to bar and civic service. He is extremely hard working and a true leader in our profession. "
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I know Mike primarily through American Bar Association activities. For approximatley the last three years, Mike has served as Chair of the ABA's Section of Business Law's White Collar Crime Subcommittee. In that capacity, Mike has moderated a number of panel discussions concerning emerging business crimes issues. He has also regularly written articles in the business crimes and health law practice areas, which I have reviewed. He has successfully handled a number of significant cases. I know Mike to be a very bright, conscientious, and well-regarded lawyer. He is a practical problem solver. In my view, he is the type of person whom you would want if faced with a significant legal issue. I don't think Mike does anything on a "9 to 5" basis. He seems to envelope himself completely in the issues that his clients face until they are resolved in the best manner possible."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Michael is a highly skilled and experienced trial attorney who works well in the framework of both pre-indictment and pre-trial white collar criminal proceedings. In the matter through which we met, he worked through more than four years and multiple investigative and prosecutorial contexts to achieve an outstanding, non-criminal disposition for his client. He also has particular strengths in legal analysis and brief-writing that were important components of his contributions to our successful joint defense effort."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mike is an AV-rated attorney who has written extensively and practiced in this field, and is board certified."
Lawsuits and disputes lawyer
Consumer protection lawyer
Health care lawyer
Health care lawyer
White collar crime lawyer
White collar crime lawyer
Family lawyer
Health care lawyer
Health care lawyer
White collar crime lawyer
Business lawyer
Antitrust and trade law lawyer
White collar crime lawyer
White collar crime lawyer
Health care lawyer
White collar crime lawyer
Experience
Honors
2010
Houston's Top Lawyers for 2010 (White collar defense), H Texas Magazine
2010
Texas Super Lawyer (Health Law), Texas Super Lawyers
2009
Best in Client Satisfaction Wealth Manager(SM) (Houston Region), FIVE STAR
2009
Texas Super Lawyers 2009 (white collar defense), Super Lawyers
2009
Houston's Top Lawyers for 2009 (white collar defense), H Texas Magazine
2008
Houston's Top Lawyers for 2008 (white collar defense), H Texas Magazine
2008
Texas Super Lawyers 2008 (white collar defense), Super Lawyers
2007
Texas Super Lawyers 2007 (white collar defense), Super Lawyers
2006
NITA Faculty, National Institute of Trial Advocacy
1997
Plaque of Appreciation, Internal Revenue Service
1994
Attorney General's Director's Award, U.S. Department of Justice
1990
Certificate of Appreciation, U.S. Customs
1990
Certificate of Appreciation, Federal Bureau of Investigation
1990
Certificate of Appreciation, Drug Enforcement Administration
1990
Texas Attorney General’s Certificate of Appreciation, Attorney General, State of Texas
1989
Board Certified, Criminal Trial Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy
1989
Certificate of Appreciation, U.S. Department of Commerce
1988
Board Certified, Criminal Law Specialist, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
Work Experience
2000 - Present
Partner, Hamel Bowers & Clark LLP
1998 - 2000
Partner, Gardere Wynne Sewell & Riggs LLP
1987 - 1997
U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of Texas
1982 - 1987
District Attorney, Galveston County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2008 - Present
American Bar AssociationPlanning Committee, Nat'l Inst. on Internal Corp. Investigations
2008 - Present
Defense Research InstituteFinancial Subcommittee Chair; Public Relations Contact
2007 - Present
ABA Section of Health LawGoverning Council
2007 - Present
The Business Lawyer (Publication of the ABA Section of Business Law)Member, Editorial Board
2007 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember, Standing Committee on Publishing Oversight
2006 - Present
State Bar College (Texas)Member
2005 - Present
University of Houston Law Center, Criminal Justice InstituteMember, Advisory Board
2005 - Present
American Bar AssociationPlanning Committee, National Securities Fraud Institute
2005 - Present
CCH Health Care Compliance LetterMember, Editorial Advisory Board
2005 - Present
American Bar FoundationFellow
2004 - Present
Business Crimes BullletinMember, Editorial Board
1998 - Present
Houston Bar FoundationLife Fellow
1998 - Present
Houston Bar AssociationMember
1982 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
Member
Member
2007 - 2008
ABA Section of Criminal JusticeCochair, South Texas Region of the White Collar Crimes Committee
2005 - 2008
ABA Health Law SectionChair, Publications Committee
2005 - 2008
ABA Section of Business LawChair, White Collar Crimes Committee
2004 - 2004
LJN's Bioethics NewsletterEditor-in-Chief
2002 - 2005
The Health Lawyer (Publication of the ABA Section of Health Law)Member, Editorial Board
1998 - 2003
Health Care Fraud & Abuse NewsletterEditor-in-Chief
Sample of Legal Cases
Deferred Prosecution Agreement
See below
See below
Preliminary Injunction Denied
Education
2000
LL.M - Master of Laws (Health Law)
1996
LL.M - Master of Laws (Tax)
1982
JD - Juris Doctor
1979
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2008
Subprime Markets and Theories of Liability
2008
Speaker, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: Evaluating and Minimizing the FCPA Risks When Conducting Business in Emerging Markets
2008
Battling Health Care Fraud: Criminal and Civil Perspectives
2008
Federal Sentencing Guidelines Update After Kimbrough vs. The US
2008
Hatch-Waxman Act Developments
2008
Pharma Post-election: Predictions for the Future
2008
Ugh!, The Investigation Reveals Misconduct: Advice, Ethical Considerations, Revelations and Pearls of Wisdom to Corporate Counsel on Next Steps (and Missteps!)
2008
Regulatory and Criminal Investigations of the Subprime Mortgage Meltdown
2007
Statutory and Regulatory Controls for Drug Development and Marketing
2007
Relators After Rockwell: What the Supreme Court's Latest Qui Tam Decision Means for Your Clients
2007
Securities Law Issues & Disclosure: Considerations for Pharma Companies (Teleconference)
2007
Perspective and Proportion--Keeping Civil and Regulatory Matters out of Criminal Court
2007
Trade Secrets and Confidential Business Information
2007
Foreign Corrupt Practice Act Issues in Emerging Markets: How to Evaluate and Minimize the Risks
2006
Current Update & Critical Developments in Anti-Fraud & Abuse/Stark & Physician Ventures
2006
The Attorney-Client Privilege: How to Protect the Privilege, Avoid Waiver and Pros and Cons of Deliberate Waiver
2006
ePrescribing & eDrug Labels
2006
Managing Parallel Proceedings in Securities Investigations
2006
Internal Investigations
2005
The Importance of the Supreme Court’s Landmark Decision in the Booker and FanFan Cases
2005
Corporate Compliance Programs: Here’s A Plan, Privilege and Work Product, and Words to Save Them
2005
Environmental Issues in Real Estate Transactions
2005
Internal Investigations (Seminar Chair)
2005
The Erosion of Attorney-Client Privilege: Is there Anything Left to Protect?
2005
Handling Complex Litigation Involving the Healthcare Industry
2005
Regulatory Inquiries: Is There an Alternative to Cooperation?
2005
Managing Complex Litigation
2004
Placing Bankers on the Front Line
2004
HIPAA for Litigators
2004
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
2004
Liability of Accountants: The Aftermath of Enron
2004
Protecting the Company During Securities Investigations
2004
A 12-Step Program for Effective Corporate Compliance and Corporate Governance in the Post-Sarbanes-Oxley World
2004
Trends in the Use of the False Claims Act Against the Healthcare Industry - Innovative Theories or Overreaching?
2004
Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Criminal and Civil Damages
2003
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act
2003
HIPAA for Litigators
2003
Implications of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for Internal Investigations, Corporate Compliance, and Covenants not to Compete
2003
Sarbanes-Oxley: The First Eight Months
2003
Criminal Securities Enforcement in the New Era: Simple Designs to Use for Living Well in Today's Environment
2003
Fundamentals of White Collar Crime and Practice
2002
Southwest Competitive Telecommunications Association’s Fall Seminar: Managing the Regulatory and Financial Aspects of a Telecommunications Business
2002
Internal Investigations and the Oxley-Sarbanes Act
2002
Fundamentals of White Collar Crime and Practice
2002
Keeping the Government Outside the Boardroom
2001
Understanding the Characteristics of Global Crime
2001
Criminal Enforcement Steps into the Boardroom (An ABA Presidential Showcase Program)
1999
Fraud & Abuse Laws
1999
Using the Internet in Health Law Practice
1999
Grand Jury Investigations
1999
Crime and the Business Lawyer: The Loss of Innocence - How to Avoid Indictment in Kansas City and Elsewhere
1998
Health Care Fraud and Abuse
1998
Swimming in Stark-infested Waters while Focusing on Practicing Good Medicine
1998
Crime and Medicine: Today and Tomorrow
1997
Health Care Fraud and Qui Tam issues
1997
Federal Sentencing Law: A Guide to the Guidelines
1997
Crime and Medicine: What Health Care Providers Never Learned in School, and What You Need to Teach Them
1996
Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Law Enforcement but Were Afraid to Ask
1996
DOJ's Bankruptcy Fraud Initiative, Parallel Procedures and Forfeiture Issues
Publications
2008
2008
2008
2008
2007
2007
2007
2007
2007
2006
2006
2006
2006
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2004
2004
2004
2003
2003
2002
2002
2002
2002
2002
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2000
1999
1996
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
What does it mean to seal a federal case?
30 Jun 2009
Do legal forms need to be filled out in black ink
09 Feb 2009
Doctor refuses to release medical records because of unpaid bill, what can I do
09 Jan 2009