Michael C. Theis | Denver | Hogan Lovells

Michael C. Theis

Partner Litigation, Arbitration, and Employment

Theis Michael

Michael C. Theis
Theis Michael
  • Overview
  • Experience
  • Credentials
  • Insights and events
quote mark

"Outstanding performance and exceptional expertise."

Chambers

For more than two decades, Mike Theis has been on the frontlines of litigation involving allegations of fraud and false claims. Nationally recognized for his experience with and understanding of the False Claims Act and qui tam litigation, Mike leads the False Claims Act practice for Hogan Lovells.

Before joining Hogan Lovells, Mike was a pioneer in the health care fraud enforcement efforts undertaken by the Department of Justice following the 1986 amendments to the federal False Claims Act. As a trial lawyer in the Civil Division from 1988 to 1997, he was responsible for the recovery of millions of dollars under the False Claims Act and established some of the key precedents interpreting the qui tam provisions of the Act.

Today, Mike is a partner in the Investigations, White Collar and Fraud practice of Hogan Lovells. He is highly skilled in counseling individuals and companies who face government scrutiny for fraud and false claims. He draws on his comprehensive experience in both government and private practice, civil and criminal investigations, and trial work to provide clear, creative, and collaborative advice to companies targeted in federal law enforcement investigations. He is routinely called upon to negotiate "global" settlements of complex criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement matters.

As an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Colorado from 1997 to 2005, Mike handled dozens of False Claims Act cases. He also investigated and prosecuted health care fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud offenses, trying several cases to verdict in federal court.

quote mark

"Outstanding performance and exceptional expertise."

Chambers

Representative experience

Represented state university in False Claims Act case alleging NIH grant fraud, obtaining a dismissal on jurisdictional grounds.
Negotiated global settlement for national healthcare provider, securing criminal declination, release of FCA liability, and waiver of exclusion.
Defended maker of mobile phone protective cases in FCA suit alleging importation fraud, obtaining settlement of Tariff Act and FCA claims.
Defended grand jury investigation of medical device manufacturer, negotiating settlement of FCA allegations and declination of criminal charges.
Persuaded Department of Justice to decline FCA suit against manufacturer accused of selling mobility devices not compliant with Trade Agreements Act.
Secured dismissal with prejudice of False Claims Act complaint alleging complex financial fraud against member-owned nonprofit financial cooperative.
Represented physician accused of importing unapproved oncology drugs, and negotiated misdemeanor plea and forfeiture.
Secured dismissal of FCA suit against cardiac surgeon accused of violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.

Credentials

Education
  • J.D., University of Colorado School of Law, 1987
  • B.S., Colorado State University, with distinction, 1980
Bar admissions and qualifications
  • Colorado
Court admissions
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
Memberships
  • Member, Faculty of Federal Advocates
  • Member, Litigation and Health Law Sections, American Bar Association
  • Member, Litigation and Health Law Sections, Colorado Bar Association

Recognition

Life Sciences Star

LMG Life Sciences

2019
Colorado Super Lawyers

2008-2014, 2018-2019
Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (Colorado)

Chambers USA

2011-2023
Top Lawyers - Health

5280

2015
Healthcare: Health Insurers

Legal 500 US

2013-2014
Healthcare: Service Providers

Legal 500 US

2014
Litigation: White-Collar Criminal Defense

Legal 500 US

2013
Litigation: General Commercial (Colorado)

Chambers USA

2013
Best Health Care Lawyer - Barrister's Best/People's Court

Law Week Colorado

2012-2013
Civil Division Special Commendations for Outstanding Service

U.S. Department of Justice

1990 and 2001
Inspector General's Integrity Award

1996 and 2001