Dan is a former federal prosecutor who helps clients navigate high-stakes litigation, investigations, and enforcement matters.
Overview
Clients turn to Dan for a clear-eyed assessment of litigation risk and strategy and for help when trial becomes unavoidable. He draws upon his government and trial experience to provide effective counsel on his clients’ greatest concerns, including in the financial services, funds, and technology sectors.
Called a “fraud expert” by the New York Times, Dan previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Minnesota, where he prosecuted cases concerning government-benefits conspiracies, jury tampering, embezzlement, and fraud upon financial institutions.
Earlier in Dan’s career, he was a partner at an international law firm headquartered in Chicago. There he represented large companies and high net worth individuals in lawsuits concerning the False Claims Act, breaches of fiduciary duty, and deceptive trade practices. He also worked on and led internal investigations for purposes of diagnosing risk, assessing compliance, interfacing with regulators, and crafting affirmative litigation.
Dan maintains an active pro bono practice, through which he has represented veterans, civil rights organizations, women’s refuges, and asylum seekers. That practice has included representations before all manner of administrative, state, and federal courts.
Experience
With U.S. Attorney’s Office
Represented the United States at trial in the Feeding Our Future cases, a 75+ defendant, $250 million conspiracy that the DOJ identified as the largest COVID-era fraud in the country.
Investigated and obtained convictions of defendants who attempted to bribe a federal juror in exchange for a not guilty verdict at trial.
Brought over a dozen charges in sprawling scheme to defraud Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services Program, a Medicaid benefit that paid out more than $300 million over five years despite an annual state budget forecast of only $2.6 million.
Investigated and secured convictions in cases concerning embezzlement from a major Minnesota company, fraud schemes targeting lenders and factoring firms, and conspiracies to steal and sell government benefits.
Brought indictments in cases involving crimes against children, including against a then-sitting Minnesota State Senator and a Minnesota State Trooper.
In Private Practice
Represented private equity firm in multi-million-dollar adversary action, achieving summary judgment and subsequent favorable settlement on marginal remaining claims.
Defended Fortune 100 company in False Claims Act lawsuit claiming billions of dollars in government losses, achieving dismissal with prejudice on the pleadings.
Represented franchisor as part of team winning summary reversal on appeal of adverse jury determination in federal lawsuit concerning alleged contractual breach and failures of good faith.
Represented high net worth individuals in litigation and arbitration concerning alleged fiduciary duty breaches in investment of trust assets and in hedge fund management.
Defended nationwide class action suits, including in matters concerning alleged right-of-publicity violations and allegedly deceptively marketed annuities.
Undertook investigation into past regulatory noncompliance at government contractor’s newly acquired subsidiary to evaluate enforcement exposure and recoupment of damages.
Counseled clients across various industries in investigations regarding possible executive self-dealing, improperly conflicted compliance functions, and deliberate misrepresentations to regulators.
Recognitions
Recognitions
Named to Minnesota Lawyer’s Attorney of the Year List, 2025
Professional & Civic Activities
Professional & Civic Activities
Federal Bar Association
Practices & Industries
Admissions
- Illinois
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Education
Stanford Law School, J.D., Gerald Gunther Prize, high pro bono distinction, 2016
Emory University, B.A., Political Science and English, Phi Beta Kappa, high honors, 2013
Clerkships
- Judge Harry D. Leinenweber, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois