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Email: jdixon@fredlaw.com
Office: 612.492.7258
Assistant: Deb Synowczynski, 612.492.7927
Joseph Dixon is an accomplished trial attorney with a unique blend of government, in-house and business experience. He knows how to guide clients through a wide range of precarious matters to achieve results.
As a former Assistant United States Attorney, Joe’s DOJ background ensures an insider’s understanding of the perspective and the investigative strategies employed by the government. His in-house corporate legal experience brings an understanding and focus on the strategic interests of the client and its business objectives, while navigating through crisis.
Joe represented the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis in responding to parallel criminal and civil charges brought by the State of Minnesota. The criminal charges were ultimately dismissed following a landmark civil settlement. Joe also co-led an independent investigation of the University of Minnesota Athletics Department and has represented the Minnesota State Auditor in constitutional litigation defending her office. He has also represented numerous corporate clients and individuals who have faced a wide array of allegations and other unique challenges. Recently, in response to a defense motion to dismiss, the Department of Justice dismissed its Indictment of one of Joe’s clients alleging that she had participated in a $200 million bank fraud conspiracy.
Joe has significant experience handling complex litigation. He has tried over two dozen matters to a jury verdict and argued over three dozen cases before appellate courts. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
Prior to joining Fredrikson, Joe served as the Deputy General Counsel for UnitedHealth Group, a diversified Fortune 10 health and well-being company. In this role, he managed significant internal investigations and responded to government inquiries for the enterprise. Joe’s experience includes investigating allegations relating to the False Claims Act, privacy breaches, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)-related concerns, as well as responding to Congressional inquiries.
Joe was also a federal prosecutor for 10 years and served as the Chief of the Fraud and Public Corruption Section for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota.
Before his public service, Joe practiced at a Wall Street law firm where he successfully handled litigation arising out of complex commercial transactions.
When should an organization retain the services of an attorney after learning they are the subject of a federal or state investigation?
How should an organization cooperate with investigators?
What are the best practices that organizations can implement in order to prevent federal or state investigations?
How can companies reduce the risk of exposure to false claims act litigation?
How does representing an organization differ from representing an individual?
Joe brings a proven record as a highly capable trial advocate and was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers. He has managed complex civil and criminal litigation in a variety of proceedings. He has a well-developed skill for strategic thinking and affirmative development of the client’s litigation position, including understanding the real-life dynamics that impede resolution.
Joe has represented large organizations and individuals defending themselves against government investigations and regulatory enforcement actions. In June 2015, the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis was criminally and civilly charged by the State of Minnesota. In December 2015, the civil litigation was settled with a landmark agreement providing for child protection protocols. In July 2016, after the exchange of briefing on a motion to dismiss, the Archdiocese and the State of Minnesota agreed to dismiss the criminal case. The case received substantial media coverage, including:
Joe has represented individuals in defense against allegations ranging from large-scale federal fraud charges, state criminal charges to regulatory actions and administrative proceedings. Joe recently obtained the dismissal of all charges by the Department of Justice in a case where the DOJ had alleged Joe’s client conspired to commit a $200 million bank fraud. Joe filed numerous motions to dismiss, and ultimately, the federal prosecutors dismissed the Indictment against Joe’s client.
Joe also recently represented a city councilman who was cleared following a Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigation into bribery allegations.
During his tenure at the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, where he handled some of the most significant cases prosecuted by that Office, Joe developed a reputation as one of the leading complex criminal practitioners in the state. He has wide experience in the criminal area as well with state and federal regulators.
In his role at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Joe:
Joe has personally led successful prosecution of numerous, high profile cases, including:
Joe offers clients a unique combination of government and in-house, business-side legal experience. His Department of Justice (DOJ) background ensures an insider’s understanding of the proceedings and the investigative strategies employed by the government. His in-house corporate legal experience and perspective ensures an understanding and focus on the best interests of the client and its business objectives. In addition, his experience interacting with Congress during the Healthcare.Gov rollout crisis is applicable to clients managing crises in high-profile matters.
In the Fall of 2015, Joe co-led an investigation on behalf of the University of Minnesota of its Athletics Department. As part of the inquiry, the investigation interviewed over 100 witnesses, reviewed relevant documents and emails, and conducted broad surveys. At its conclusion, the team produced a report that was publicly presented to the Board of Regents and the State Legislature. The high-profile investigation attracted national media coverage, including:
In 2016, Joe also represented Fagen, Inc. in an investigation into embezzlement committed by the company’s former chief financial officer who was subsequently prosecuted by the Department of Justice.
Joe’s experience also includes:
September 26, 2017
Fredrikson & Byron shareholder, Joseph T. Dixon, III has become a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America.
April 4, 2017
On May 3, 2017, Fredrikson & Byron’s White Collar & Regulatory Defense group hosted a panel presentation on the real issue of employee malfeasance in large and small organizations.
March 8, 2016
On March 29, 2016, John Lundquist, Dulce Foster and Kevin Riach, together with Howard Root, provided an insider’s view of this landmark case.
May 11, 2015
Prominent trial attorney Joseph T. Dixon, III has joined Fredrikson & Byron as a shareholder and co-chair of the White Collar & Regulatory Defense Group. Dixon offers clients a unique blend of trial, government and strategic business experience.
Joe is frequently asked to address groups on a variety of topics, including:
Pro Bono
