Michael Klotz is a litigator with a decade’s experience defending companies in complex commercial litigation including class action lawsuits under state and federal consumer protection statutes. He also has significant experience litigating complex bankruptcy, antitrust, insurance, and qui tam actions. His work encompasses all phases of litigation including motion practice, document discovery, taking and defending depositions, presenting oral argument, dispute resolution, and trial.
Michael is committed to pro bono legal service and has successfully represented individuals suing for civil rights violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, petitioning for asylum, and seeking child custody or child support.
Prior to attending law school, Michael received a Ph.D. in English Literature from Cornell University and he taught English literature and writing courses at Wake Forest University.
Before joining O’Melveny, Michael was an associate in the New York office of another international law firm for more than six years.
- Successfully defended a leading technology company and obtained a dismissal with prejudice of all claims in a putative class action asserting a novel theory of liability under state privacy statutes which was affirmed on appeal.
- Successfully defended a leading technology company and obtained a dismissal with prejudice of all claims in a putative class action lawsuit regarding cloud storage which was affirmed on appeal.
- Successfully defended a large grocer and obtained summary judgment for all claims in a putative class action under multi-state consumer protection laws.
- Successfully defended a well-known digital-imaging company and obtained a dismissal with prejudice of all claims in a contract dispute with business competitor.
- Successfully opposed class certification on behalf of a global education company in a putative class action under the TCPA (forcing resolution of the dispute on an individual basis as to the named plaintiff only).
- Defended an international financial institution in a putative class action brought under the Sherman Act regarding an alleged conspiracy in the interest-rate swaps market.
- Defended a large retailer in a coordinated public nuisance action through trial (resulting in a favorable settlement at trial)
- Represented a well-known credit reporting agency in dozens of individual and several putative class action lawsuits under the FCRA.
Admissions
Bar Admissions
- New York
Court Admissions
- US District Court for the Southern, Eastern and Northern Districts of New York
- US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Education
- Wake Forest University School of Law, J.D., 2015: magna cum laude; Law Review; Order of the Coif
- Cornell University, Ph.D., 2007: Sage Fellow; English Literature
- The Johns Hopkins University, B.A., 2001: Phi Beta Kappa
Honors & Awards
- Recognized by Best Lawyers® “Ones to Watch” list for Commercial Litigation in New York, NY (2025-2026)