Michelle Mitchell, Counsel, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, 30

Job: I solve complex problems facing multinational companies in the economic sanctions, anti-money laundering and anti-corruption space. This work can be forward-looking compliance program development, monitoring and testing, transaction diligence and risk mitigation strategy or backward-looking internal investigations.

Community involvement: Barred in Maryland and DC. I am supporting a project studying diversity issues within a federal agency and also supporting an organization as it vets high-value funding sources and social project opportunities for AML, sanctions or corruption concerns. Past projects have focused on anti-human trafficking efforts and cleaning up the Anacostia River.

Career highlights: Mastering the Russian sanctions program, in the early days, due to our firm’s deep clientele in Moscow and London and becoming a go-to resource. Helping clients to understand how the constantly shifting sanctions rules apply to their business and transactions.

Why this career: It is interesting, challenging and, at this moment, everything that I expected it would be—maybe a little more.

Where you grew up: Right here in the District!

Why DC: It is the perfect blend of all the things that make a city great!

First job: I worked as a sales associate at a fine art gallery and learned the craft of custom framing.

Family: Mom and Dad—married 34 years! I have an older sister who is local and a younger brother who lives out on the West Coast. Oh yes, there is my boyfriend who loves to travel and introduce me to great restaurants in every city!

Free time: What is that? Never heard of it!

10 years from now: Continuing to challenge myself and living a balanced and enjoyable life.

Favorite vacation spots: Anywhere that has a blend of culture, history, great food, shopping and music—Barcelona, Cape Town, Paris, Pattaya, Kerala, etc.

Bucket list: Hike Machu Picchu, visit an active volcano, start a cool and socially responsible fashion company.

Daily habit: Drink tea, call my mother on the 15-minute drive to work and lose my signal in the parking garage abruptly, every day, just as the conversation gets really good.

Startling fact: I was home-schooled –K-12! Cue the questions!

Continue reading this story with a free account

Log in or register
Sign up for more articles like this
Subscribe to Bisnow's Washington, D.C. Newsletters
Related Stories

270-Unit Manassas Gated Community Sells: The D.C. Deal Sheet

BXP Closes In On Next D.C. Office Development As It Shrinks Assets

How Metropolis Is Bringing Parking Into The Future With AI And Recognition Technology

Montgomery County Approves 18-Month Data Center Moratorium

With New $250M Deal, Elme Is Fully Set To Liquidate

Simpson Thacher Appears In Talks For What Could Be One Of D.C.'s Largest Office Leases In 2026

Hines Nabs 4 Prince William Housing Sites: The D.C. Deal Sheet

AvalonBay Sells 217-Unit Community Next To Greensboro Metro

GSA Head Says Federal Government Has 'Place To Play' In Southwest D.C. Redevelopment

Downtown D.C. Office In Receivership Hits Market For Conversion

Nonprofit Takes On $105M Silver Spring Project: The D.C. Deal Sheet

Janeese Lewis George Wants To Stabilize Rent. The Question Is How