Michael Vatis

Represented insurance company in half-billion dollar coverage litigation concerning whether art works were damaged in house fire.*

Represented union’s pension and benefit plans in appeals arising from bankruptcy of one of nation’s largest coal mining operations.

Successfully represented retailer in appeal to Second Circuit concerning whether the Americans with Disabilities Act requires retailers to issue Braille gift cards for visually impaired customers.*

Persuaded Sixth Circuit to interpret insurance policy as excluding all damage and loss resulting from flood in high-hazard zone, unanimously reversing district court.*

Represented health care facilities, LGBTQ-services organizations, national associations of health professionals, and individual health professionals in constitutional and administrative law challenge to federal regulations repealing or limiting protections against discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sex stereotyping.*

Won unanimous decision by US Supreme Court reversing decision of Federal Circuit and holding that contracts with foreign companies for enriched uranium constituted the sale of goods, not of services, and were therefore covered by U.S. anti-dumping laws. This was the Supreme Court’s first anti-dumping case.*

Successfully represented City of Durham, North Carolina in suits raising multiple constitutional and tort claims against city and its police officers arising from investigation of Duke lacrosse players for alleged rape and assault of exotic dancer. Obtained dismissal of nearly all claims in federal district court and Fourth Circuit.*

Successfully represented child of African American man who died after being tasered multiple times by police officer in rural Louisiana despite not posing any safety or flight risk. Persuaded US Supreme Court to vacate and remand Fifth Circuit decision granting officer qualified immunity from suit.*

Represented insurer in suit over damage arising from NotPetya virus, which US and other governments have attributed to Russian military intelligence.*

Represented producer of children’s electronic learning products in class action lawsuits and FTC enforcement action arising out of data breach. Won dismissal of class action complaints, obtained favorable settlement of FTC action, helped law enforcement apprehend hacker behind breach, and secured copies of breached data.*

Regularly advised companies and non-profit organizations on privacy and cybersecurity issues, including response to data breaches and ransomware attacks and compliance with US and international privacy and data security laws and regulations.*