Overview
Zach focuses his practice on white collar crime, government investigations and trial work, drawing on significant experience as a former federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Tax and Criminal Divisions, where he focused on tax and other white collar prosecutions. He is accomplished in navigating all aspects of white collar investigations and trials, particularly federal criminal trials.
Zach’s approach is shaped by his experience on both the prosecution and defense sides, allowing him to anticipate opposing strategies and develop effective, relationship-driven solutions. He is known for treating all parties with respect, which helps foster productive negotiations and increases the likelihood of favorable outcomes for his clients. Zach’s background as a federal prosecutor provides him with a unique perspective on how government attorneys approach cases, and he leverages his relationships with federal prosecuting offices to benefit those he represents.
Clients value Zach’s quick thinking, diligence and commitment to providing honest, realistic assessments of their legal options. He is dedicated to clear and timely communication, ensuring clients understand the risks and potential paths forward at every stage—and has been recognized for his ability to lead all aspects of federal criminal cases, including obtaining guilty verdicts from juries in multiple criminal tax prosecutions.
Before joining Benesch, Zach was honored with the Department of Justice’s Tax Division Outstanding Attorney Award. He has also demonstrated commitment to public service through pro bono work, including appellate matters, parole hearings and constitutional challenges.
Zach is particularly comfortable speaking on federal white collar crime, especially criminal tax matters. He is excited to be part of Benesch’s collaborative and nimble environment, where top-tier legal talent works together to deliver exceptional client service.
Credentials
Education
- Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar, 2015-2016, 2016-2017
- with honors
Bar & Court Admissions
More
- Law Clerk for the Honorable Barbara Milano Keenan, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2020-2021
- Law Clerk for the Honorable Mary Geiger Lewis, U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, 2019-2020
Related News & Insights
Who Cares About the Wires: Texas Federal Court Rules that Certain Wire Fraud Charges Violate Due Process in Tax Case
A Texas federal court dismissed 13 wire fraud charges in a major tax shelter case, ruling that prosecutors cannot use the wire fraud statute to pursue conduct that should be charged under criminal tax laws, which require a higher standard of intent.
Texas Attorney General Targets Music Streaming “Payola”: What the Civil Investigative Demands Signal for Digital Platforms
On April 22, 2026, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that he has issued Civil Investigative Demands (“CIDs”) to five major music streaming platforms—Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music—launching an investigation into alleged “payola” schemes. According to the Attorney General’s office, the investigation “will examine whether streaming services have entered into undisclosed financial arrangements with record labels, promoters, or third parties to boost visibility, playlist placement, or recommendation rankings in violation of Texas law.”
HHS OIG Sends a Strong Warning to State Medicaid Fraud Control Units: Signals Aggressive Federal Oversight of State Medicaid Fraud Enforcement
On May 13, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (“HHS OIG”) sent a letter to the Attorneys General of every state warning that the federal government will impose strict compliance requirements on the state’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (“MFCU”).
Word on the Street: Insights from Federal Enforcement Leaders in the Northern District of California
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) remains active on both investigative and litigation fronts. Associate Director Lee emphasized that investor protection continues to be the agency’s central mandate, with enforcement efforts concentrated on misrepresentation and disclosure failures, market manipulation, insider trading and fraud using artificial intelligence.