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Michael McCarthy’s practice focuses on complex litigation in several fields, including class actions, mass arbitrations, products liability, false advertising, entertainment, financial institutions and construction. Michael has considerable experience in consumer class action litigation, representing companies in the consumer electronics, retail, ecommerce, home appliance, transportation and homebuilding industries.

Michael also volunteers his time for pro bono matters, including asylum, convention against torture and special immigrant juvenile claims.

Concentrations

  • Consumer class actions
  • Consumer protection litigation
  • Product defect litigation
  • False advertising
  • Unfair and deceptive trade practices
  • Complex commercial litigation
  • Financial institutions litigation
  • Entertainment litigation
  • Construction litigation
  • Trials
  • Appellate

Capabilities

Experience

  • Obtained dismissal of three putative consumer class actions against Fortune 50 electronics company alleging consumer protection violations and breaches of warranty.
  • Obtained dismissal of putative consumer class action against online retailer involving alleged data breach.
  • Obtained summary judgment for commercial lender in lawsuit alleging fraudulent lending scheme.
  • Obtained dismissal of tortious contract interference claims against Fortune 50 national bank.
  • Obtained dismissal of discrimination claims against appliance manufacturer after multiweek arbitration.
  • Obtained dismissal of TCPA claims against homebuilder seeking multimillion-dollar penalties.
  • Obtained dismissal of lawsuit against professional athlete alleging breach of marketing contract.
  • Defended entertainment studio in lawsuit alleging breach of contract over exploitation of television series.
  • Defended talent agency in lawsuit alleging misrepresentations about film project.
  • Defended national plumbing products supplier against class action alleging violations of Americans with Disabilities Act.°
  • Defended regional construction company against class action involving alleged use of improper materials in residential developments.°
  • Defended regional bank against wrongful foreclosure claims involving commercial center.°
  • Defended Fortune 50 retailer against construction change order and mechanic’s lien claims.°
  • Defended Fortune 50 retailer against numerous California Proposition 65 claims.°
  • Defended Fortune 50 retailer against Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code pricing overage claims.°
  • Obtained relief for regional bank pursuing fraudulent transfer claims in bankruptcy adversary proceedings.°
  • Represented international insurers in complex coverage disputes and litigations.°

°The above representations were handled by Mr. McCarthy prior to his joining Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

  • Extern, Justice Richard M. Aronson, California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, 2013

Recognition & Leadership

  • Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, "Ones to Watch," Commercial Litigation, 2024
  • Listed, The Legal 500 United States, 2022 and 2023
    • Dispute Resolution > General Commercial Disputes, 2022 and 2023
      • "Rising Star," 2022 and 2023
      Dispute Resolution > Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action - Defense: Consumer Products (Including Tobacco), 2022 and 2023
      • "Rising Star," 2022 and 2023
    Listed, Benchmark Litigation, “40 & Under Hot List,” 2022-2023
  • Team Member, Law360 “Products Liability Practice Group of the Year,” 2021
  • Team Member, U.S. News - Best Lawyers’ “Best Law Firms” Tier 1 Ranking, “Mass Torts/Class Actions – Defendants,” 2021
  • Team Member, Chambers “Chambers USA Guide” Nationwide Ranking, “Product Liability: Consumer Class Actions,” 2022
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Los Angeles County Bar Association

Credentials

Education
  • J.D., cum laude, University of California, Irvine School of Law
    • Lead Article Editor, UC Irvine Law Review
  • B.A., University of California at San Diego
Admissions
  • California
  • U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California