Overview

Michael Cockson is called on as a fixer when complex, anomalous corporate and chancery litigation and class action matters need resolution. Crafting customized strategies based on each client’s unique business objectives and internal dynamics, Michael alleviates worry when the stakes are high for C-suite executives, boards of directors and private equity clients.

A Tough Litigator

With over 20 years of experience as a trial attorney, Michael has experience in state and federal courts in 15 states. Michael’s comfort in a courtroom and skill in persuasively presenting a case are assets to his clients. He has handled key cross-examinations in major jury trials, won multimillion-dollar judgments for clients, and presented cases so effectively that several opposing parties have chosen to settle during trial.

Corporate & Chancery Litigation

Clients seek Michael’s advice when complicated matters span categories and fit neatly nowhere, with Michael often stepping in as lead attorney when cases are unable to resolve without trial. Michael heads complex M&A disputes, shareholder litigation and represents private equity clients in difficult corporate disputes.

Landlord/Tenant Class Actions

Michael is an experienced litigator on both the plaintiff and defendant sides of landlord/tenant class actions. Representing defendants in single family rental disputes in Colorado, Washington and Minnesota, Michael also litigates on the plaintiff side for tenants.

Industry Experience

Michael puts clients’ business goals first, developing case strategies that avoid or prepare for litigation as appropriate. He has represented financial institutions, Fortune 500 companies, private companies, banks, hedge funds, shareholders, insurance companies, indenture trustees, manufacturers, technology companies and professional service firms.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

Minnesota
New York

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
U.S. Immigration Court
U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois

Clerkships

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, Hon. Gerald W. Heaney, 1997-1999

Education

George Washington University Law School
J.D. (1997)

University of Wisconsin
B.A. with honors (1992)

Insights & Events

Leadership & Community

Pro Bono

Michael led a pro bono trial team in a high-impact, building-wide tenant remedies case on behalf of a nonprofit tenant advocacy organization against one of Minneapolis’ largest private landlords, winning a record-breaking Rent Abatement Order, as well as a record-breaking sanction for egregious bad-faith litigation conduct.

Professional Associations

  • Federal Bar Association
  • Minnesota State Bar Association
  • American Bar Association
  • American Bar Foundation — Fellow

Civic Activities

  • Helping Paws — Board of Directors, 2010-17
  • Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association — Board of Directors, 2013-present

Honors

  • Minnesota Lawyer — The POWER 30: Business Litigation, 2022
  • Chambers USA — Minnesota, Litigation: General Commercial, 2022
  • Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2020-21
  • Hennepin County Bar Association — Excellence Award, pro bono service, 2018
  • Minnesota Lawyer — Attorney of the Year, 2017
  • Faegre Baker Daniels — Baker Benson Pro Bono Award, 2016
  • Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2014-19
  • Minnesota Super Lawyers — Business Litigation, 2014-22; Rising Star, Business Litigation, 2004-09
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