Mike is an experienced and accomplished trial lawyer, having successfully tried cases to verdict throughout the country. He has served as national, regional and state counsel in complex litigation matters, including federal and state class actions, multidistrict litigation and coordinated proceedings in state courts. Mike also has significant experience in the defense of environmental, pharmaceutical, medical device and biologic manufacturers in complex liability litigation involving regulatory and liability issues.
Mike is highly sought-after for his experience and acumen in complex product liability, toxic tort and environmental cases. Mike has represented the oil and gas industry in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit against public nuisance claims alleging that the industry contributed to global warming. Mike helped develop unique and creative removal strategies, asserting that plaintiffs were alleging a violation of federal common law and thus, the case was subject to federal jurisdiction.
Mike handles a broad spectrum of civil cases, including Proposition 65 (officially known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986), antitrust, contract disputes, premises liability, product liability and environmental matters. He also has represented clients in numerous fire claims, including fire prevention, investigation and defense of liability actions.
In addition to his trial work, Mike counsels clients regarding document management, product labeling (including the drafting of package inserts) and other litigation-preemptive strategies.
Before joining Shook, Mike was a partner and chair of Sedgwick LLP in San Francisco.
