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Mike’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation, with a concentration representing food and beverage, dietary supplement and consumer packaged good clients as well as matters involving accounting and financial issues. He has experience in a wide range of litigation, including jury trials, appeals, matters with governmental agencies and internal investigations. Having served as general counsel for a global food company, Mike has a unique perspective that leads to a practical and creative approach to optimize results for clients.

Mike began his career trying cases for the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of Virginia, and has focused on representing clients in litigation, regulatory and white-collar matters, and investigations. Mike has regularly practiced in state and federal trial and appellate courts in false advertising and employment class actions, professional liability cases, trade secret misappropriation and other complex litigation, including in actions relating to alleged contaminants in products (heavy metals, glyphosate, PFAS, mycotoxins, phthalates). Mike has also represented clients before FDA and USDA in connection with ingredient labeling, recall-related issues and the National Organic Program.  

After more than 15 years representing clients in high stakes litigation, Mike transitioned to general counsel of a globally branded food manufacturing company.  The company also opened several quick serve restaurant locations during his time there. As part of his role, Mike had responsibility for food safety and regulatory affairs and worked with in-house and outside experts to conduct root cause analyses and develop corrective and preventative actions. This experience provides valuable insight into the daily challenges faced by clients, including developing and executing a strategic approach to litigation and other dispute resolution, as well as developing creative approaches and proactive measures that can be taken to avoid disputes in the first place.

Full Bio

Matters

Defended Kind LLC in multiple class actions in New York and Illinois District Courts challenging a product name and ingredient name.

Secured victory for Campbell Soup in a false advertising class action in the Northern District of Florida.

Defended Bolthouse Farms utilizing preemption defense against organic labeling allegations.

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Matters

Defended Kind LLC in multiple class actions in New York and Illinois District Courts challenging a product name and ingredient name.

Secured victory for Campbell Soup in a false advertising class action in the Northern District of Florida.

Defended Bolthouse Farms utilizing preemption defense against organic labeling allegations.

Successfully obtained dismissal for Chobani in the Northern District of California in class action with respect to the labeling of Greek yogurt products.

Defended a Big 4 accounting firm in arbitration arising out of claims scrutinizing firm's audit.

Secured victories for Amy’s Kitchen against numerous class actions alleging false advertising based on an ingredient name.

Defended food manufacturers in donning/doffing class actions in California state court.

Represented more than 10 clients in the food and beverage industry in connection with FDA draft guidance and related written comments.

USDA meetings and related written submissions in connection with organic ingredient labeling.

Developed a food manufacturing company's comprehensive Covid-19 response plan, including planning safety, regulatory and litigation strategy and opening a Covid-19 vaccine clinic

Matters

Defended Kind LLC in multiple class actions in New York and Illinois District Courts challenging a product name and ingredient name.

Secured victory for Campbell Soup in a false advertising class action in the Northern District of Florida.

Defended Bolthouse Farms utilizing preemption defense against organic labeling allegations.

See more

Close

Matters

Defended Kind LLC in multiple class actions in New York and Illinois District Courts challenging a product name and ingredient name.

Secured victory for Campbell Soup in a false advertising class action in the Northern District of Florida.

Defended Bolthouse Farms utilizing preemption defense against organic labeling allegations.

Successfully obtained dismissal for Chobani in the Northern District of California in class action with respect to the labeling of Greek yogurt products.

Defended a Big 4 accounting firm in arbitration arising out of claims scrutinizing firm's audit.

Secured victories for Amy’s Kitchen against numerous class actions alleging false advertising based on an ingredient name.

Defended food manufacturers in donning/doffing class actions in California state court.

Represented more than 10 clients in the food and beverage industry in connection with FDA draft guidance and related written comments.

USDA meetings and related written submissions in connection with organic ingredient labeling.

Developed a food manufacturing company's comprehensive Covid-19 response plan, including planning safety, regulatory and litigation strategy and opening a Covid-19 vaccine clinic

Credentials

J.D., Washington and Lee University School of Law, cum laude

B.A., Pepperdine University, Magna Cum Laude

California

District of Columbia