Gary J. Mouw

Litigation Attorney

Gary’s practice is primarily focused on representing companies and individuals – in Michigan and across the country – in connection with government enforcement actions and white collar criminal defense. He has extensive experience conducting internal investigations in a wide range of matters, including antitrust claims, False Claims Act suits and environmental matters. Gary has represented clients in investigations conducted by the United States Department of Justice, the United States Attorney’s Offices throughout the country, the United States Department of Defense and State Attorney General’s Offices. Moreover, he recently served as a member of the team assembled by the Independent Monitor appointed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York responsible for monitoring General Motors’ obligations under a Deferred Prosecution Agreement arising out of the ignition switch crisis. Stemming from this unique automotive experience, Gary also represents a variety of suppliers in connection with complex commercial litigation, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and other supply chain disputes.

Prior to joining the firm, Gary served as a law clerk for the Honorable Cornelia G. Kennedy of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Gordon J. Quist of the United States Court of Appeals for the Western District of Michigan. This behind-the-scenes experience has served him well in another focus of his practice: appellate law. Gary has successfully represented clients in federal and state appellate courts throughout the country, with a particular focus on Sixth Circuit and Michigan Supreme Court cases.

Experience

Currently a member of the team assembled by the Independent Monitor appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice to oversee General Motors’ compliance with its obligations under the Deferred Prosecution Agreement stemming from its recall of defective ignition switches.

Conducted internal investigation for automotive supplier and secured declinations of criminal prosecution in grand jury investigations conducted by two United States’ Attorneys’ offices and the Department of Justice Environmental Natural Resources Division for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act.

Represented foreign corporation in response to the Department of Justice Anti-Trust Division auto parts grand jury investigation involving multinational issues, and currently representing the foreign corporation in Antitrust class action lawsuits filed by automobile dealers and consumers.

Represented clients in response to False Claims Act investigations, including a regional hospital system with respect to a DOJ nationwide investigation of alleged false claims submitted for Medicare payments.

Conducted internal investigation for company involving grand jury investigation conducted by the United States Attorneys’ Office for Southern District of New York involving allegations of HUD violations, wire and mail fraud, and money laundering.

Secured reversal of the Court of Appeals by the Michigan Supreme Court in favor of a governmental agency involving an issue of governmental immunity for contempt damages.

Obtained peremptory reversal from Michigan Supreme Court in action concerning interpretation of the term “premises,” as used in virtually every homeowners’ insurance policy.

Represented proposed class action in case before the 8th Circuit resulting in decision of first impression regarding interpretation of CAFA.

Honors and Recognitions

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, White Collar Criminal Defense, 2020

Michigan Super Lawyers^®, Rising Star, 2016

Best Lawyers in America®, Appellate Practice, 2024

Professional Affiliations

Federal Bar Association

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Presentations

Strafford, speaker, DOJ Investigations of Fraud in PPP Loan Applications: False Claims Act, Corporate and Personal Liability, 2022