Michael G. Lewis

Michael G. Lewis

Of Counsel
New York
About

Michael Lewis is a trial lawyer who represents financial institutions, pharmaceutical companies, multinational corporations, individuals, and foreign governments in cross-border investigations, regulatory enforcement actions, and high-stakes proceedings in federal and state courts nationwide.

A core focus of Michael's practice is defending clients in high-profile, business-critical matters, including civil litigation under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), the False Claims Act, and the Anti-Terrorism Act. He also helps clients navigate regulatory challenges involving the Department of Justice, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Congressional committees. Additionally, Michael has significant experience handling New York real estate disputes, including mortgage and Uniform Commercial Code foreclosures, lender-liability claims, and commercial landlord-tenant matters.

Michael is committed to building lasting partnerships with clients and develops practical, business-oriented strategies designed to resolve disputes early – through negotiated settlements, affirmative litigation, and strategic challenges to jurisdiction and standing. When early resolution is not possible, he has secured favorable outcomes at trial and in arbitration.

Michael champions the firm's pro bono work, including by advocating for families in child support and custody matters, and was recognized for these contributions with the firm's 2025 Justice Seymour Simon Award. 

Areas of FocusWhite Collar and Corporate CrimeBusiness and Commercial LitigationCorporate and Securities DisputesReal Estate Disputes and RestructuringLife SciencesFinancial ServicesLitigation, Arbitration and Investigations
Bar admissionsNew York
CourtsUnited States District Court for the Southern District of New YorkUnited States District Court for the Eastern District of New YorkUnited States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

EXPERIENCE

Recent Representations Include:
Criminal and Investigatory Experience
  • The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in conducting an independent investigation into operational disruptions at JFK International Airport and issuing related public report
  • A construction company executive charged in the Southern District of New York with bribery and public corruption offenses
  • The audit committee of a publicly-traded telecommunications company in connection with criminal and civil Foreign Corrupt Practices Act investigations and a related internal investigation
  • A global pharmaceutical company in connection with its investigation into a former employee's allegations that his termination constituted retaliatory action
  • A global media company in a multi-jurisdictional investigation into corruption within international soccer
Commercial and Business Litigation
  • A leading D&O insurer in a jury trial in the Eastern District of New York defending against claims brought by director of publicly-traded technology company, resulting in complete defense verdict, which was affirmed on subsequent appeal before US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
  • An international media network defending against defamation claims
  • A global clothing retailer in a breach of contract dispute in the Southern District of New York
  • Insurance companies in litigations and arbitrations in multiple jurisdictions relating to a workers compensation profit-sharing program
  • A coal and petroleum provider and its officers in an adversary proceeding filed in the Southern District of West Virginia
  • A Canadian soil remediation company in an action brought by a US prime contractor arising from alleged bid-rigging activities at a superfund site in New Jersey
  • A former executive in employment dispute involving allegations of cyber piracy under the Lanham Act
  • A multilateral financial institution concentrating on Latin America in an action to recover US$7.5 million from a US company pursuant to the terms of a guaranty
Real Estate and Foreclosure Litigation
  • Major national bank and special servicer defendants in lender liability claims arising from leasehold mortgage for US$27 million loan in New York Supreme Court, New York County
  • Lender, special servicer plaintiff and special-purpose entity in foreclosure action on a US$16 million loan in New York Supreme Court, Nassau County
Education
  • J.D., St. John's University
  • B.A., Political Science and Spanish, Union College

Bylines

  • Co-author, "Gov't Contractors, Be Prepared For FCA Parallel Proceedings," Law360, April 24, 2019
  • Co-author, "Third Circuit joins other circuits in enforcing Escobar's strict materiality requirement," DLA Piper, May 4, 2017
  • Co-author, "DC Circuit joins other circuits in enforcing Escobar's strict materiality requirement: key takeaways," DLA Piper, February 21, 2017

Memberships And Affiliations

  • American Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association
  • New York State Bar Association
  • New York County Lawyers' Association

My latest insights

Publication

Snyder v. United States – What is the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision?

14 August 2024 .8 minute read

Publication

SCOTUS suggests expansive reach of "Bridgegate" ruling in directing Second Circuit to...

14 January 2021 .8 minute read

Publication

With unanimity comes clarity: In reversing Bridgegate convictions, a unanimous Supreme...

7 May 2020 .10 minute read

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Phone

+1 212 335 4945
(Work, New York)