Jennifer McManus is a seasoned attorney with more than two decades of experience as a federal prosecutor. As a Member in Miller Johnson’s Grand Rapids office, she concentrates her practice on internal and government investigations, as well as complex and appellate litigation. Her deep litigation background and experience at the U.S. Department of Justice have earned her a reputation as a trusted advocate and strategic advisor.

Professional Experience

Jennifer served for 22 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Michigan, where she held key leadership roles including First Assistant U.S. Attorney and Appellate Chief.

As First Assistant, Jennifer managed the day-to-day operations of the office, supervised the district’s Criminal, Civil, and Appellate divisions, and provided counsel to the United States Attorney on all legal and operational matters affecting the district and its 90-person team. She oversaw cases involving white collar crimes, including fraud and public corruption, as well as national security matters, cybercrimes, and violent crimes, among other matters.

As Appellate Chief, Jennifer oversaw the office’s appellate practice, drafted and reviewed hundreds of briefs, argued dozens of cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, including an en banc argument, and collaborated with the Appellate Section of the Department’s Criminal Division and the U.S. Solicitor General’s Office on matters before the U.S. Supreme Court. Jennifer is nationally known within the Department as an experienced and effective appellate advocate. As a line assistant, Jennifer prosecuted violent crime cases and litigated a broad array of civil matters, including False Claims Act, environmental, tort, and regulatory compliance cases.

Before her government service, Jennifer practiced commercial litigation at a major Chicago law firm and maintained an active pro bono practice, including criminal defense matters.

Professional Affiliations, Activities and Honors 

Jennifer is a Member of the Federal Bar Association, West Michigan Chapter, a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation, and a Life Member of the Judicial Conference of the U.S Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Additionally, Jennifer was recognized by Women in Federal Law Enforcement with the Outstanding Federal Law Employee award. She also received an “Influential Women of Law” award from the Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

Education, Bar and Court Admissions, Clerkships

After receiving her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, Jennifer attended Harvard Law School. Jennifer served as a law clerk to the Honorable David W. McKeague at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.