Michael represents clients in high-stakes matters at trial and all stages of litigation in state and federal courts throughout the country. His practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, specializing in representing creditors and pursuing asset recovery and judgment enforcement, often through litigation focused on piercing fraudulent schemes and offshore asset protection devices.
Michael also has a track record of successfully representing clients in litigation matters involving real estate, employment, and intellectual property disputes concerning copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets. He has been involved in every stage of litigation, from pre-suit investigations and pleadings through trial and post-trial briefing and appeal.
Prior to joining Mintz, Michael clerked for the Honorable Andrew G. Schopler of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. During law school, he was an editor of the San Diego Law Review.
Experience
- Recovered more than $300 million for U.S. creditor in federal district court action to enforce international arbitration award against foreign award debtors and related alter ego.
- Secured trial victory for real estate client after a two-week bench trial over violations of a restrictive covenant and obtained seven-figure attorneys’ fee award.
- Argued and obtained summary judgment for global telecommunications company against a suit seeking more than $10 million in damages for breach of contract and other related claims.
- Successfully represented cutting-edge semiconductor company in complex trade secret litigation involving breaches of confidence and competitive activities by former consultant.
- Secured reversal in the California Court of Appeal of the erroneous denial of a city’s anti-SLAPP motion filed against claims based on the political activities of the city’s elected officials.
- Obtained summary judgment for real estate private equity client in breach of contract case related to one of its high-value commercial properties.
News & Press
The Thermonuclear Option: Civil RICO As An Asset Recovery Tool In US Enforcement Efforts Post-Smagin
December 21, 2023
San Diego Managing Member and Cross-Border Asset Recovery Practice Co-chair Daniel Pascucci and Associate Michael Godwin co-authored an article published by the International Academy of Financial Crime Litigators discussing Civil RICO as an asset recovery tool in US Enforcement Efforts post-Smagin.
SCOTUS Clarified RICO’s Domestic Injury Requirement, Did Not Create New Civil Right Of Action For Enforcing Arbitration Awards
July 21, 2023
San Diego Managing Member and Cross-Border Asset Recovery Co-Chair, Daniel Pascucci and Associate Michael Godwin authored an article published by The Recorder analyzing the Supreme Court's decision in Yegiazaryan v. Smagin, No. 22-381 and how this decision affected the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
Recent Insights
The Thermonuclear Option: Civil RICO As An Asset Recovery Tool In US Enforcement Efforts Post-Smagin
San Diego Managing Member and Cross-Border Asset Recovery Practice Co-chair Daniel Pascucci and Associate Michael Godwin co-authored an article published by the International Academy of Financial Crime Litigators discussing Civil RICO as an asset recovery tool in US Enforcement Efforts post-Smagin.
San Diego Managing Member and Cross-Border Asset Recovery Co-Chair, Daniel Pascucci and Associate Michael Godwin authored an article published by The Recorder analyzing the Supreme Court's decision in Yegiazaryan v. Smagin, No. 22-381 and how this decision affected the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
