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Mark D. Chutkow

Member

When clients face serious allegations of regulatory or criminal wrongdoing, Mark Chutkow is the clear-eyed, unflappable attorney they want at their sides.

A decorated former federal prosecutor who has won landmark cases and led the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Detroit, Mark has experience with the many challenges clients might encounter in the justice system. As the leader of Dykema’s government investigations and corporate compliance practice, he uses his extraordinary litigation skills and keen judgment to navigate companies and executives through complex, high-stakes government enforcement and civil litigation matters.

Responding to state and federal investigations requires in-depth knowledge of the process, pitfalls, and government’s ultimate goal—something Mark developed during more than 20 years of service and leadership at the Department of Justice.

If he cannot resolve a matter during or after the investigation, he can prepare and lead the successful defense of any civil or criminal action that might follow. Always calm and cool-headed, Mark has earned the trust and respect of his peers, the bench, prosecutors, and top management among law enforcement agencies.

Before joining the firm, Mark first served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Seattle. After transferring to the Eastern District of Michigan, he headed the Public Corruption Unit and later the 85-prosecutor Criminal Division.

In those roles, he investigated, tried, and supervised cases resulting in convictions of some of the most recognized names in local government. He also obtained and oversaw record-breaking criminal fines and penalties against global manufacturers and officials engaged in consumer fraud, corruption, and kickback schemes.

Mark’s practice extends from fraud, RICO, and corruption matters to environmental enforcement actions. His experience spans routine compliance audits, high-stakes, high-profile investigations, and courtroom litigation.

He is seen as the crisis counsel of choice for officers, directors, boards, and executives, and because he is based in Michigan, he brings deep local experience and presence that cannot be replicated by out-of-state lawyers with little or no familiarity with the region’s investigators, prosecutors, judges, and juries.

Managing clients’ needs frequently involves navigating the media; Mark’s many years handling corruption and criminal matters of deep journalistic interest honed his skillful interactions and positive rapport with the press.

Mark’s willingness to put out fires reaches outside of work, too. A state-certified firefighter, he volunteers with his village fire department.

“I know the challenges and complexities of government investigations because I’ve led them on the other side. Companies and corporate leaders trust me to handle their most sensitive and difficult matters.”
    • University of Chicago Law School,  J.D., Associate Editor, University of Chicago Legal Forum
    • Yale University, B.A., cum laude

  • Bar Admissions

    • Illinois
    • Michigan

  • Court Admissions

    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan

    • Named to Lawdragon's "500 Leading Litigators in America" Listing, 2024 and 2025

    • Leonard R. Gilman Award, Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan, 2018

    • Director’s Awards for Superior Performance, Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, 2018 and 2015

    • IRS Criminal Investigation Chief’s Excellence Award, 2013

    • U.S. Department of Justice Certificate of Commendation, 2009

    • United States President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency, Award for Excellence, 2006

    • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Award, 2004

    • Michigan State Bar Foundation, Fellow

    • International Academy of Trial Lawyers (IATL), Fellow, 2024-present

    • Federal Bar Association, Executive Board, Eastern District of Michigan, 2021-present

    • American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL), Fellow, 2015-present

    • International Association of Independent Compliance Monitors, Member

    • Bloomfield Village Fire Department, Volunteer Firefighter, State Certification, Firefighter I & II Examinations, Bloomfield Township, Michigan, 2013-present

    • Assistant U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Michigan

    • Assistant U.S. Attorney, Western District of Washington

Contact

Bloomfield Hills248-203-0715

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