Biography
Michael Sochynsky is an Associate in the Firm's Litigation department. Mr. Sochynsky's practice focuses on consumer class actions and false advertising disputes between competitors, where he has represented clients in the food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, medical device, software, and technology industries in both state and federal courts. He also represents clients in connection with both internal and government investigations, as well as other commercial matters.
From 2016 to 2017, Mr. Sochynsky served as a law clerk to the Hon. Alvin K. Hellerstein of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Prior to his clerkship, he was an associate at a large New York law firm.
Mr. Sochynsky is a regular contributor to the Firm's Misbranded blog.
False Advertising
Represented enterprise software company in false advertising dispute with competitor, resulting in favorable settlement shortly before trial.
Represented global medical device company in false advertising dispute against competitor. Obtained summary judgment on all claims.
Represented leading consumer packaged goods company in defense against Lanham Act false advertising claims asserted by a competitor, resulting in favorable settlement.
Represented cough syrup and immune support company in competitor’s challenge to brand name brought before the National Advertising Division.
Consumer Class Action Defense
Representing hard seltzer manufacturer in putative class action regarding absence of particular ingredient in product.
Representing leading cosmetics company in putative class action challenging labeling of dual-use foundation/sunscreen product.
Represented leading cosmetics company in consumer class action challenging labeling of a hair care products. Obtained decertification of previously-certified class based on defects in plaintiffs’ damages model.
Represented leading confections company in putative class action challenging label statements on a chocolate product. Obtained summary judgment on all claims.
Represented leading beverage company in multiple putative consumer class actions challenging brand name of flagship product. Obtained early dismissals, which were affirmed by both the Second and Ninth Circuits.
Represented manufacturer of at-home COVID-19 test in putative class action challenging product labeling. Obtained voluntarily dismissal of all claims.
Represented technology-based legal services company in putative class action brought under the California Consumer Privacy Act arising from ransomware attack.
Represented consumer goods company in putative class action alleging fraud and spoliation claims arising from historical product liability litigation.
Investigations
Representing prominent European bank in connection with government investigation into interest rate derivatives trading.
Represented non-profit education organization in connection with False Claims Act investigation by Department of Justice.
Represented global healthcare company in connection with internal investigation concerning potential compliance violations.
Other Matters
Representing global pharmaceutical company in business tort matter brought against insurance industry consulting firm.
Advising consumer packaged goods company regarding potential trademark and trade dress claims against competitor.
Representing law firm in connection with response to non-party subpoena.
Pro Bono
Representing tenants’ rights organization in defamation claim brought by landlord trade group.
Represented client on death row in Alabama state court post-conviction proceedings.
Represented abortion provider in constitutional challenge to several Oklahoma laws that restrict access to abortion.
- U.S. District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
- New York
- Co-Author,Cybersecurity Governance: A Guide for Corporate Officers, Directors and General Counsel, Bloomberg Law’s Privacy & Data Security Practice Portfolio Series (May 2019)