Law firm hires ex-US attorney

Law firm hires ex-US attorney

Patrick Miles Jr. Photo via justice.gov

The former U.S. attorney for the Western District of Michigan has joined the Grand Rapids office of a national law firm.

Patrick Miles Jr. will serve at Barnes & Thornburg as an of-counsel attorney, specializing in corporate compliance, investigations, monitorships and business transactions.

“I’m delighted to join Barnes & Thornburg, which has the size, scope and collaborative culture that fosters excellence in legal service,” Miles said.

Robert Sikkel, managing partner of the Grand Rapids office of Barnes & Thornburg, said Miles is a “preeminent legal professional” who will be a fitting addition to the firm.

“With a track record in this market that is second to none, Pat is capable of making immense business and civic contributions, and his decision to continue his legal career at Barnes & Thornburg is a testament to the work we’re doing in western Michigan and throughout the country,” Sikkel said.

Miles is the third former U.S. attorney to join Barnes & Thornburg in the past two years, including Michael Battle and Roscoe Howard in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. They all practice as part of the firm’s white collar and investigations team.

Miles’ background

Appointed by former President Barack Obama in 2012, Miles was the first black U.S. attorney for the Western District of Michigan and served until his resignation, effective Jan. 20.

In his role, Miles combated gang violence, child exploitation, financial fraud and organized crime, including racketeering, firearm and drug distribution, and other civil and criminal matters. He also focused on improving community relations with law enforcement, aiding former prisoners with re-entry and assisting veterans with employment opportunities.

Miles is a Grand Rapids native and worked in private practice for more than 20 years before holding public office. He also ran as the Democratic nominee for Michigan’s Third District Congressional seat in 2010.

Prior to his confirmation as U.S. attorney by the Senate, Miles served on more than two dozen charitable and professional boards and committees and presided over the Grand Rapids Bar Association as its president.

His accomplishments have been recognized by the State Bar of Michigan, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, West Michigan United Way, Grand Rapids chapter of the NAACP, Grand Rapids and Michigan Jaycees and several local and regional business publications.

In 1991, Miles earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he was editor-in-chief of the Harvard Law Record. He earned a B.S. in business administration from Aquinas College.

Barnes & Thornburg

With more than 600 attorneys and other legal professionals, Barnes & Thornburg is one of the largest law firms in the U.S.

The firm serves clients worldwide from 13 offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Delaware, Indiana, Los Angeles, Michigan, Minneapolis, Ohio and Washington, D.C.