Michael L. Simes
Over the past two decades, Michael L. Simes has devoted his practice to helping clients across the country navigate complex contractual disputes including, when necessary, litigating such disputes in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, the Commercial Division of the New York State Supreme Court, and other jurisdictions. Michael has 22 years of experience working for and against the world’s most prestigious law firms and largest corporations. At Simes Law, Michael can now bring world-class representation to an even more diverse range of clients on a wider variety of matters.
Michael has secured summary judgment and other pre-trial victories on matters collectively worth more than $600 million for parties ranging from large international banks to officers and directors of closely held corporations and other high net worth individuals. Michael has tried jury trials and bench trials in five separate contractual disputes, each with more than $20 million at stake.
Along with his background in complex commercial litigation, Michael has extensive experience representing companies in adversary proceedings in bankruptcy actions, internal investigations, and regulatory inquiries.
Experience
Lead trial counsel to international electronics and technology company in connection with $40 million contract and negligence action. Successfully defeated all of plaintiffs’ claims and secured settlement in favor of client.
Lead trial counsel to leading manufacturer of medical devices in litigation and investigations.
Lead trial counsel to seller in a $64 million contract and fraud action brought by buyer. Successfully defeated nearly all of plaintiff’s claims and secured wrongful termination judgment on behalf of seller.
Lead trial counsel to international industrial company in $50 million post-acquisition dispute against seller. Defeated $50 million in claims by the seller and secured multi-million-dollar jury verdict against seller.
Lead trial counsel to Fortune 25 company in connection with contract action against agency representing a major United States city.
Lead trial counsel to leading aviation investment company in connection with multi-million-dollar lawsuit over services agreement.
Lead litigation counsel to the former chief financial officer of a leading financial institution in connection with securities fraud class actions and derivative actions.
Lead litigation counsel to financial institution as plaintiff in actions against defaulted foreign derivatives counterparties. Secured pre-discovery summary judgment on behalf of client.
Counsel to leading financial institution as senior secured lender in connection with actions instituted by a financial services company’s offshore investors and creditors.
Counsel in connection with an automotive manufacturer’s investigation regarding rollovers of its sports utility vehicles.
Lead counsel to several individuals in federal antitrust and corruption investigations.
Representation of various banks and accounting firms in inquiries and investigations by the Securities & Exchange Commission.
Education
University of Michigan Law School, JD, cum laude, 2000
Rollins College, BA, magna cum laude, President’s List, Nina O. Dean Scholar, 1997
Admissions
New York
United States Second Circuit Court of Appeals
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York