Overview
(July 15, 2015, New York) — Steptoe & Johnson LLP is pleased to announce the arrival of Charles Michael as a partner in the Complex Commercial Disputes Group. Based in the firm’s New York office, Mr. Michael will primarily focus on commercial litigation matters as well as regulatory and criminal investigations.
Mr. Michael has successfully handled a wide range of commercial litigation matters. He has obtained favorable settlements and dismissals on behalf of clients accused of securities fraud, intellectual property infringement, antitrust violations, wrongful termination and breach of contract. He has represented clients bringing claims for breach of fiduciary duty, trademark infringement and professional malpractice. Mr. Michael was recently part of the trial team that obtained a complete victory after a bench trial of a $120 million suit relating to a collateralized debt obligation transaction. He also secured a preliminary injunction preserving a medical practice’s contractual option to buy the company supplying the practice’s non-medical support staff, and won an appellate decision reversing the trial court and dismissing a $200 million fraud and alter ego suit against a private equity firm.
Mr. Michael is also experienced in regulatory and criminal investigations. He has represented clients under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the US Department of Justice.
“Charles is a talented and versatile litigator who has successfully represented clients in a broad range of civil matters,” said Steptoe Chair Phil West. “He will further strengthen our ability to provide the most vigorous representation of clients in the financial services sector in New York.”
Mr. Michael added: “Steptoe has a great reputation for litigation, particularly involving the most complex commercial disputes. I’m extremely excited to be joining the firm, and am looking forward to growing my practice surrounded by such a deep bench of experienced litigators.”
Mr. Michael is the founder and editor of the SDNY Blog which covers civil litigation and trial practice in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Before going into practice, Mr. Michael clerked for Judge Clement on the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and then for Judge Marrero on the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. He has been recognized the past three years in New York Super Lawyers for business litigation.
Mr. Michael received his B.A. from Cornell University and his J.D., magna cum laude, from New York University where he was elected to the Order of the Coif.
About Steptoe
Steptoe & Johnson LLP is an international law firm widely recognized for vigorous advocacy in complex litigation and arbitration, successful representation of clients before governmental agencies, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. The firm has more than 500 lawyers and other professionals in offices in Beijing, Brussels, Century City, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, Palo Alto, Phoenix and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
