WASHINGTON – March 22, 2011 – Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP announced today that Michele A. Roberts will join the firm as a litigation partner in the Washington, D.C. office.
Ms. Roberts is widely recognized as one of the nation's premier trial lawyers. She has tried over 100 civil and criminal cases to jury verdicts in federal and state court, handling a wide range of cases and litigation related to fraud, contract matters and securities regulations. At the beginning of her legal career, Ms. Roberts spent several years in the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, and became chief of the Trial Division.
"For clients seeking courtroom victories, Michele is an obvious choice," said Clifford (Mike) Naeve, head of Skadden's Washington office. “She is widely lauded as one of the top trial lawyers in the country. Her abilities before juries in high-stakes matters will be of extraordinary value to our clients."
"Skadden is known for its extensive client base and diversified range of practices, which serve as a terrific platform for me to continue trying interesting, important cases. What I enjoy most is talking to juries and I look forward to this new chapter in my career," said Roberts.
David M. Zornow, Skadden’s global head of litigation/controversy, added, “We believe that our clients are increasingly interested in taking cases to trial. They will be in good hands with Michele Roberts."
Ms. Roberts's professional recognition includes the 2010 Chambers recognition as a "Band 1" trial lawyer; and in 2007 she was named one of Washingtonian's Big Guns: Top 30 Lawyers in Washington, D.C. Also, in 2002 Washingtonian Magazine called her “the finest pure trial lawyer in Washington – magic with juries, loved by judges, feared by opposing counsel.” A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law-Boalt Hall (J.D., 1980), Ms. Roberts earned her undergraduate degree at Wesleyan University (B.A., 1977).
Ms. Roberts is the most recent of several important lateral additions that have enhanced Skadden's litigation and courtroom capabilities.
Earlier this year, nationally renowned trial lawyer Allen Ruby joined Skadden's Palo Alto office.
Last year, Greg Craig, former White House counsel to President Barack Obama, joined the firm's Washington office; The Honorable Stephen Robinson joined the New York office after seven years as a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York and prior service as U.S. Attorney for Connecticut; Michael Loucks, best known for his 25 years as a health care fraud prosecutor, joined the firm's Boston office after serving as Acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts; and former United Kingdom Serious Fraud Office prosecutor Matthew Cowie joined Skadden's London office.