Gary J. Mouw

Litigation Attorney

Gary is a partner on the Litigation Practice Team whose practice focuses on representing companies and individuals in Michigan and across the country in government enforcement actions and white collar criminal defense matters. He has extensive experience conducting internal investigations involving antitrust claims, False Claims Act suits, environmental issues, corporate compliance efforts, and monitorships, and has represented clients in investigations led by the United States Department of Justice, United States Attorneys’ Offices nationwide, the United States Department of Defense, and state attorneys general’s offices. He also represents suppliers in complex commercial litigation, including matters involving temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and other supply chain disputes. Gary’s expertise in antitrust matters has been cited by The New York Times, where he provided analysis of a state antitrust lawsuit involving alleged coordinated conduct in the oil and gas sector.

In addition, Gary maintains an active appellate practice and has successfully represented clients in federal and state appellate courts across the country, with particular experience before the Sixth Circuit and the Michigan Supreme Court. Before joining the firm, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Cornelia G. Kennedy of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the Honorable Gordon J. Quist of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, experience that continues to inform his approach to appellate advocacy.

Experience

Government Enforcement & White Collar Defense

Served on the team assembled by the Independent Monitor appointed by the DOJ to oversee General Motors’ compliance with its obligations under the Deferred Prosecution Agreement stemming from its recall of defective ignition switches.

Served on the independent investigation team that prepared a report on threat assessment practices following the Oxford High School shooting.

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 DOJ Environmental Natural Resources Division for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act.

Represented a foreign corporation in response to the DOJ Antitrust Division auto parts grand jury investigation involving multinational issues and in related 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 a company involving grand jury investigation conducted by the United States Attorneys’ Office for the Southern District of New York involving allegations of HUD violations, wire and mail fraud, and money laundering.

Represented a client in connection with a RICO investigation in the Southern District of Florida and Western District of North Carolina.

Defended a client in the Eastern District of New York in connection with money laundering allegations and secured a favorable resolution.

Defended companies in connection with False Claims Act investigations and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) matters in Michigan, Ohio, and Florida.

Represented a medical device manufacturer in False Claims Act involving the FDA, the Department of Health and Human Services, and multiple United States Attorney’s offices.

Appellate Litigation

Secured reversal by the Michigan Supreme Court of a Court of Appeals decision 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 before the Eighth Circuit resulting in a decision of first impression regarding interpretation of CAFA.

Secured affirmance of the dismissal of a multimillion-dollar fraud claim against a Fortune 500 company before the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

Commercial Litigation

Secured a preliminary injunction on behalf of a Tier 1 automotive manufacturer ensuring continued production of its most profitable vehicle line.

Secured over $14 million on behalf of client in connection with breaches of representations and warranties in stock purchase agreement.

Secured over $4 million for client in connection with an internal fraud investigation.

Successfully defended Fortune 500 company in preliminary injunction action involving supply of critical automotive component.

Secured dismissal for a Bank of regulatory, contract, and tort claims in the Southern District of California.

Secured favorable resolution for high-net worth family in invasion of privacy claim.

Secured summary judgment on multi-million dollar supply dispute claim in Northern District of Ohio.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Appellate Practice, since 2024

DBusiness, Top Lawyers, Appellate Law, 2026

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

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