Bio
Education:
University of Southern California
Georgetown University Law Center
Selected Honors and Recognition
Recipient, U.S. Department of Justice Distinguished Service Award
Editor, American Criminal Law Review
Admissions:
· Supreme Court of the United States
· Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
· United States District Court for the Central District of California
· Supreme Court of the State of California
Biography:
Craig Missakian is an accomplished trial lawyer, criminal defense lawyer, and well-known former state and federal prosecutor. During his 30+ years of experience he has garnered national and international attention for cases including government fraud, terrorism and environmental crimes, software piracy and cyber intrusions, organized crime and racketeering, and public and labor union corruption.
Craig’s cases have been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, the Times of London, the Washington Post, the National Enquirer, and many other publications. Attorney General Michael Mukasey awarded him the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service—one of the Department of Justice’s Highest Honors.
Most recently Craig worked as Deputy Chief Counsel on the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on Benghazi’s investigation into the 2012 terrorist attack in Benghazi, Libya that killed four Americans.
Craig's work as Assistant U.S. Attorney included the conviction of Martin Ludlow, then-head of the powerful Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and a former Los Angeles City Councilman, for embezzling funds from a local labor union. He also led a multi-year health care fraud investigation that resulted in the conviction of one of the country’s most active health care fraud money launderers and the indictment of numerous individuals in Southern California for their role in a nationwide health care fraud scheme involving well over $100 million in fraudulent Medicare claims.
In addition to Craig's long career in law enforcement, he also has years of experience as a commercial litigator. He has handled countless matters in virtually every industry and field, including complex business disputes, qui tam litigation, employment, real estate, and entertainment matters.
Craig also worked as the general counsel of a large real estate investment, management, and development firm and so understands what it means to be a client. He brings the lessons he learned there—a relentless focus on timely, practical solutions and the bottom line—to the work he does counseling businesses as an outside attorney.
Craig graduated Phi Beta Kappa from USC with a degree in political science and from Georgetown Law School where he was selected to be an editor of the American Criminal Law Review. He has authored a number of legal articles, including an article about the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
Craig is a sought-after speaker who talks to groups about his experiences as a federal prosecutor, the Patriot Act, FISA, the Stolen Valor Act, the Russia collusion probe, and the Benghazi investigation. A few of the comments from audiences: “Craig had our members on the edge of their seat.” “Craig was one of our best speakers ever.” “Craig spoke for over an hour and no one moved a muscle. People were riveted.” “Craig is a great speaker and his talk was interesting and informative from beginning to end.” If you would like Craig to speak to your group, please contact him for topics and availability.