Butzel Long attorney George Donnini named a ‘Notable Veteran’ by Crain’s Detroit Business

White collar criminal defense attorney profiled in November 9, 2020 edition

DETROIT, Mich. – Butzel Long attorney George B. Donnini has been named a “Notable Veteran” by Crain’s Detroit Business. He is among a group of local business leaders profiled in the November 9, 2020 edition.

Donnini knew early on that he wanted to become an attorney and serve in the military. He found a way to combine both interests. A 1998 graduate of Duke University School of Law, Donnini wrapped up a clerkship for federal Judge William H. Pauley III (SDNY) in New York City on a Friday before driving to Quantico, Va. to report for active duty and start a six-month officer training course with the United States Marine Corps.

He became a Judge Advocate serving for much of his active duty time as a criminal defense counsel, an experience similar to being a public defender. He was a Judge Advocate for four years and was honorably discharged in 2003 after serving as counsel of record in numerous criminal trials. The experience also provided him with an excellent foundation for his career as a lawyer and courtroom advocate.

Donnini joined Butzel Long, where he is now a shareholder (and former Board member) and Practice Department Chair of the Litigation Group with 17 years under his belt in Detroit as a white-collar criminal defense practitioner. He has handled a variety of cases including, but not limited to, health care fraud, public corruption, antitrust, environmental, tax, and securities fraud cases. In addition, a significant portion of his practice involves the handling of corporate internal investigations for public and private companies.

He serves in leadership roles with the Eastern District of Michigan’s Federal Bar Association (currently serving as Treasurer/Secretary), American Bar Association (ABA), Criminal Justice Section, White Collar Crime Committee; Midwest Regional Co-Chair (2005-Present) and the ABA Criminal Justice Section, Book Board, Appointed Member (2008-Present). Donnini, along with a group of local attorneys, formed the Detroit chapter of the Veteran’s Bar Association, to gather for networking and mentorship.