A dynamic “rising star” in the aviation bar, Mike concentrates his practice on aviation regulatory and security matters. Recognized for his proactive and collaborative approach, clients appreciate that Mike takes the time to understand their business needs and provide well-rounded, clear, and concise advice.
Aviation Regulatory
Mike advises U.S. and foreign passenger and cargo airlines, Part 380 public charter operators, aviation industry trade associations, aircraft ferry operators, global business jet companies, and advanced air mobility/air taxi and uncrewed aircraft system (drone) operators and manufacturers on the full array of U.S. aviation laws and regulations, including those enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
He regularly counsels clients on DOT/FAA licensing and registration requirements, U.S. carrier citizenship laws, consumer protection issues, competition matters, investigations and enforcement actions, economic and code-sharing authority, flight schools, traffic rights under bilateral air service agreements, airport slot issues, and compliance with ICAO standards.
Mike also advises aviation investors, including banks, consulting firms, and private equity funds, on compliance with U.S. aviation regulations and issues concerning mergers and acquisitions, citizenship, licensing, and certification.
Aviation Security/TSA Compliance
Mike advises airlines, airports, aviation security vendors, indirect air carriers, authorized representatives, and other entities directly and indirectly regulated by TSA on compliance with TSA’s regulations and specific TSA programs, such as TSA’s Full All-Cargo Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program (FACAOSSP), Aircraft Operator Standard Security Program (AOSSP), Indirect Air Carrier Standard Security Program (IACSSP), Foreign Air Carrier Model Security Program (MSP), Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP), and Certified Cargo Screening Program – Canine (CCSP-K9). He regularly counsels clients on TSA’s administrative investigations and civil enforcement actions, and has successfully mitigated proposed TSA civil penalties.
As part of his TSA compliance work, Mike has conducted detailed reviews of client TSA programs and participated in on-site client audits to identify potential compliance concerns and improve clients’ TSA compliance posture. He advocates for a practical common sense approach that balances business considerations with regulatory compliance.
Mike also maintains an active pro bono practice, and was honored to be among the Top 50 Cozen O’Connor pro bono participants in 2023. As a dedicated “AvGeek,” he particularly enjoys counseling the National Aviation Hall of Fame, the only congressionally chartered aviation hall of fame in the United States, on a range of issues.
Mike has been recognized as a “Rising Star” by The Legal 500 United States for “Transport: Aviation and Air Travel” and has been named to Best Lawyers in America’s “Ones to Watch” category, which recognizes attorneys for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. He is an active member of the American Bar Association’s Forum on Air and Space Law, and currently serves as co-chair of the Forum’s Young Lawyers Division.
Before entering private practice, Mike worked in the FAA’s Office of the General Counsel and as a DOT Honors Attorney, where he completed rotations with the Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Mike earned his law degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law, and his bachelor's degree, cum laude, from Georgetown University.