Michael Simes

Michael Simes

Commercial Litigation Attorney

New York
New York
Licensed in
NY
University of Michigan
5.0 5
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines
out of 2 reviews
About
Over the past two decades, Michael devoted his practice to helping clients navigate complex contractual disputes, including 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 now brings world-class representation to a diverse range of clients on a wider variety of matters.

Michael has secured summary judgment and other pre-trial victories on matters collectively
… read more worth more than $600 million for parties ranging from large international banks to officers 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 $40 million at stake.
3
Projects on
upcounsel
23
Years
experience
Top 200 Firm Badge
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Representative Clients

Practice Areas

Client Reviews

5.0
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines
out of 2 reviews
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"Mr. Michael Simes has been an outstanding partner as counsel. He possesses a wide array of subject matter expertise, is highly responsive, and imbeds himself seamlessly into our organization with a strong servant leadership style. I would recommend him without reservation."

chief executive
Non-UpCounsel Client
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"“Mike is the go-to conflict and resolution counsel when you’re down by 10 points with 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter of the Super Bowl. Few attorneys possess his ability to analyze a set of facts – including and especially unfavorable ones – and devise a strategic game plan that positions a business for success based on the law and other practical considerations. He works tirelessly with his clients to define what success looks like. It may be a trial verdict, an award of summary judgment, or a pre-answer dismissal. Or it might be crafting a creative business resolution that bridges a seemingly insurmountable gap between the parties. Mike is uniquely talented at doggedly pursuing a favorable litigation outcome while simultaneously maintaining the sort of relationship with opposing counsel that invites productive settlement discussions; a balance that many litigators struggle to strike. Most recently, I engaged Mike to represent a global technology company sued in federal court for fraud, breach of contract/warranty, and strict products liability, among other causes of action. The plaintiffs sought tens of millions of dollars in damages and, as one might imagine, the complaint caused quite a bit of anxiety and consternation among top brass at the company. But Mike quickly put us at ease. First, he secured a ruling dismissing several counts of the complaint, including fraud, and severely capping any damages the plaintiffs might be awarded even if liability were established. Next, he successfully moved for preclusion of plaintiffs’ damages expert; kneecapping a key element of their trial strategy. The final blow was a series of successful pre-trial motions limiting the evidence that plaintiffs could put on at trial. It was a masterful display that resulted in our company not only evading liability, but plaintiffs actually paying us nearly 7 figures on our counterclaim. To say we were pleased with the result would be quite the understatement. I wouldn’t hesitate to turn to Mike again for sophisticated litigation work, day-to-day counseling, or any other legal advice I might need.”"

$40,000,000 Contract Dispute
Non-UpCounsel Client

Work History

Simes Law P.C.

Founder

Jan 2023 - Present

Founder and sole shareholder of practice focused on complex commercial and contract litigation.

Jan 2023 - Present

McGuireWoods

Partner

Nov 2011 - Dec 2022

Lead trial counsel in two post-acquisition disputes, each worth more than $40,000,000.

Nov 2011 - Dec 2022

Mayer Brown

Partner

Nov 2008 - Oct 2011

Lead litigation counsel to leading financial institution in preparation for largest constructive fraud action in U.S. history.

Lead litigation counsel to leading global financial institution as plaintiff in actions against defaulted foreign derivatives counterparties.

Lead litigation counsel to the former CFO of a leading financial institution in connection with securities fraud class action.

Nov 2008 - Oct 2011

Davis Polk

Associate

Oct 2000 - Oct 2008

Managed multinational internal inquiry into operations and internal controls of an automotive electronics and mechatronics supplier in connection with U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) global corruption investigation.

Served as lead counsel to several individuals in federal antitrust and corruption investigations.

Managed internal investigation into allegations of misconduct by Fortune 500 CEO.

Oct 2000 - Oct 2008

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