Experience

Cozen O'Connor

• United States
• Law Practice
• 300 - 400 Employee

• Associate Attorney

  • May 2022 - Present

  Mike concentrates his practice on aviation regulatory matters and advises clients, which include U.S. and foreign airlines and other aviation entities, on the full array of aviation laws and regulations, including those enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). He advises clients on economic and code-sharing authority, international routes, frequencies and traffic rights, antitrust immunity, export controls and sanctions, aircraft registration, taxes and fees, airport slots, rates and charges, consumer enforcement, safety and security, unmanned aircraft systems (drones), and compliance with ICAO standards. Mike also assists with maritime regulatory matters and advises clients on various U.S. maritime laws (e.g., the Jones Act) and on foreign maritime laws (e.g., the Republic of Liberia).



Thompson Coburn LLP

• United States
• Law Practice
• 700 & Above Employee

• Associate Attorney

  • Jan 2019 - May 2022

  Mike focuses on transportation and international trade matters and provides guidance to clients in a variety of sectors.Mike represents clients on litigation, regulatory, and finance matters. His clients include major air carriers, ship-owners, ports, trade associations, trucking companies, import/exporters, and several of the nation's largest transit agencies.Mike has drafted litigation documents in federal district and appellate courts and government contracts bid protest documents before the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Mike regularly counsels clients on contract and procurement issues and compliance with the requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and its operating modes, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).His work on international trade includes advising clients on compliance with import/export regulations, international sanctions, and Buy America requirements.Mike is active in the firm's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) practice, where he works with UAS users, manufacturers, and interested third-parties in this developing area of the law. Drawing on his previous experience at the FAA, Mike has extensive UAS experience in the FAA authorization and exemption process, preparing Standard Operating Procedures, drawing and reviewing UAS service contracts, and interpreting complex UAS regulations. Mike participates in the Firm's UAS podcast, Three Lawyers and a Drone, which provides regular updates on hot-button UAS issues.Prior to joining the firm, Mike worked at the FAA and as a DOT Honors Attorney. As a DOT Honors Attorney, Mike completed rotations with the Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).



Federal Aviation Administration

• United States
• Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Attorney

  • Sep 2017 - Jan 2019

  Prepared FAA witnesses and drafted testimony for congressional hearings. Collaborated with senior FAA officials throughout all of the Agency’s lines of business to develop and implement regulations and legislative policy proposals. Worked on issues pertaining to aviation safety, airports, air traffic, unmanned aircraft systems (drones), commercial space, and appropriations law. Prepared FAA witnesses and drafted testimony for congressional hearings. Collaborated with senior FAA officials throughout all of the Agency’s lines of business to develop and implement regulations and legislative policy proposals. Worked on issues pertaining to aviation safety, airports, air traffic, unmanned aircraft systems (drones), commercial space, and appropriations law.



U.S. Department of Transportation

• United States
• Truck Transportation
• 700 & Above Employee

• Honors Attorney

  • Aug 2016 - Aug 2017

  Completed four-month rotations with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Provided legal advice to high-level officials on fiscal law and appropriations, contracts, employment law, enforcement, litigation risk, and constitutional law issues. Drafted policy papers, regulations, and final agency decisions. Completed four-month rotations with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Provided legal advice to high-level officials on fiscal law and appropriations, contracts, employment law, enforcement, litigation risk, and constitutional law issues. Drafted policy papers, regulations, and final agency decisions.



U.S. Department of Justice

• United States
• Law Enforcement
• 700 & Above Employee

• Legal Intern, Fraud Section

  • Jun 2015 - Aug 2015

  Researched legal issues relating to a wide range of white-collar crimes, including securities and financial fraud, health care fraud, and fraud under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Drafted litigation documents, such as a motion to intervene and stay discovery in a parallel civil case. Prepared presentation on corruption in the international oil and gas industry for attorney to present at a law enforcement conference in Paris. Researched legal issues relating to a wide range of white-collar crimes, including securities and financial fraud, health care fraud, and fraud under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Drafted litigation documents, such as a motion to intervene and stay discovery in a parallel civil case. Prepared presentation on corruption in the international oil and gas industry for attorney to present at a law enforcement conference in Paris.



United States District Court, Southern District of Florida

• Judicial Intern to the Honorable Alicia M. Otazo-Reyes

  • Jan 2015 - Apr 2015

  Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on a variety of issues, including Social Security appeals and motions for attorney’s fees and costs. Reviewed complaints, motions, and pleadings. Observed court proceedings. Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on a variety of issues, including Social Security appeals and motions for attorney’s fees and costs. Reviewed complaints, motions, and pleadings. Observed court proceedings.



U.S. House of Representatives

• United States
• Legislative Offices
• 700 & Above Employee

• Legislative Intern to Congressman Ted Deutch

  • Jan 2011 - Dec 2011

  Attended congressional hearings of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee and drafted memoranda on findings. Engaged and responded to constituents’ inquires. Attended congressional hearings of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee and drafted memoranda on findings. Engaged and responded to constituents’ inquires.