Skip to content
DWT logo
People Expertise Insights
About Locations Careers
Search
People
Expertise
Insights
About
Locations
Careers
Search
Desktop Image:
Mobile Image:

Michael V. Rella

Partner

T 212.880.3973 New York
From planning to execution.
  •  

Download vCard Download bio Print this page
Share

Michael's practice focuses on complex commercial disputes and securities-related litigation. He serves as a trusted advisor to investment advisers, broker-dealers, registered representatives, and registered investment advisor firms. He also represents clients in investigations and enforcement proceedings initiated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the Department of Justice, and other enforcement agencies. He has deep experience in complicated regulatory matters and trading-related issues.

Michael frequently counsels and represents individuals and financial services firms in connection with trade secret claims and restrictive covenants, including non-competes, non-solicits, and confidentiality provisions. He has significant experience litigating disputes concerning advisors, registered representatives, and employees transitioning between firms, often aggressively pursuing or defending against motions for TROs and preliminary injunctions.

Michael has taken many matters to trial, acting as lead trial counsel in both state and federal courts, as well as in various arbitration forums, including FINRA and AAA. He has argued motions and appeals in courts across the country, and has submitted briefs in the U.S. Supreme Court, four federal circuit courts, and federal district courts and state courts nationwide.

Drawing on his keen understanding of the legal and business issues his clients face, Michael has also represented Fortune 500 companies, hedge funds, financial institutions, market makers, securities exchanges, and corporations and their executives.

Michael was a shareholder and member of the Executive Committee at McGonigle, P.C., before it combined with Davis Wright Tremaine.

Practice Highlights

Advisor transitions

Michael has represented numerous teams of advisors transitioning between firms. In one case, he represented a large team transitioning from a "wirehouse" that was sued for a temporary restraining order in federal court. After expedited briefing and a full-day hearing, Michael and his team defeated the TRO, allowing the advisors to continue servicing clients in their new business.

Business solutions

Michael has negotiated multiple favorable settlements in business disputes. In various matters, he successfully negotiated TROs on behalf of advisors that allowed them to continue their business growth.

Trial experience

Michael's experience includes numerous bench and jury trials, as well as extensive oral advocacy in courts and arbitration forums throughout the nation, where he has obtained favorable outcomes for his clients.

Commercial Litigation

*Denotes experience prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine
Searching...

Securities Litigation and Enforcement

*Denotes experience prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine
Searching...

Admitted to Practice

  • New York, 2005
  • New Jersey, 2004
  • U.S. Supreme Court, 2017
  • U.S. Court of Appeals Federal Circuit, 2015
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 2nd Circuit, 2006
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, 2015
  • U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 2014
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of New Jersey, 2004
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York, 2005
  • U.S. District Court Southern District of New York, 2005

Education

  • J.D., Brooklyn Law School, 2004, magna cum laude
  • B.A., Fordham University, 2001

Memberships & Affiliations

  • New York Bar Association

Professional Recognition

  • New York Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Clear Filter
Searching...
Your search returned no results. Please try another search or remove search criteria.
DWT logo
©1996-2022 Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
NAVIGATE
Home People Expertise Insights
About Locations Careers Events Blogs
STAY CONNECTED

Subscribe to stay informed.

Subscribe
Employees
DWT Collaborate
EEO
Affiliations
Legal notices
Privacy policy
©1996-2022 Davis Wright Tremaine LLP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Close
Close

CAUTION - Before you proceed, please note: By clicking “accept” you agree that our review of the information contained in your e-mail and any attachments will not create an attorney-client relationship, and will not prevent any lawyer in our firm from representing a party in any matter where that information is relevant, even if you submitted the information in good faith to retain us.