Press Release | May 18, 2026Former Executive Director of Federal Community Defender Office Joins Honigman in Detroit

DETROIT - Honigman LLP announced today that Michael E. Carter is joining the firm as senior counsel in the Investigations and White Collar Defense Practice Group within the Litigation Department. Based in Detroit, Carter joins Honigman after serving as Executive Director of the Federal Community Defender Office (FCDO) of the Eastern District of Michigan.

In transitioning to private practice, Carter will focus on white collar defense-representing individuals in investigations and prosecutions and advising on complex criminal proceedings.

"Having a seasoned federal criminal defense lawyer like Michael join our firm immediately strengthens our white collar defense practice," said J. Michael Huget, Chair of Honigman's Litigation Department. "The skills he has honed through years in the courtroom and leading a large defense organization will provide valuable perspective to the clients who rely on our litigation prowess."

In his previous role, Carter led an office of approximately 45 professionals, managed a multi-million-dollar budget, and supervised the handling of complex, high-volume federal cases. He has represented clients in federal and state courts and handled hundreds of criminal defense cases, including during his tenure with the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia.

"Michael's distinguished track record of leadership and federal criminal defense background make him a natural fit for our firm and practice group," said Matthew Schneider, Leader of Honigman's Investigations and White Collar Defense Practice Group. "The work he has done within Michigan reflects a strong commitment to the communities we serve."

"We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the firm after more than a decade of dedicated public service," said Jeffrey Lamb, Vice Chair of Honigman's Litigation Department. "His experience leading a large defense organization and managing complex caseloads will enhance our ability to serve clients facing high-stakes criminal matters."

Carter earned a J.D. from Wayne State University Law School and received his B.A. from the University of Michigan. He began his career as a criminal defense attorney in Michigan before spending four years with the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, returning to Detroit in 2016 to join the Federal Defender Office and later the Neighborhood Defender Service of Detroit.

About Honigman

Honigman LLP is an Am Law 200 full-service, general business law firm with over 400 attorneys counseling clients on complex issues across the country in Chicago, Michigan (Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Lansing), Washington, DC and Israel (through Honigman Law Israel). Honigman lawyers counsel clients on complex issues in more than 60 areas of law. For more information, visit www.honigman.com.