Christopher G. Michel

Chris Michel is a litigation partner in the Washington, D.C., office and the leader of the Firm’s Supreme Court and appellate practice. He has argued 11 cases before the Supreme Court and dozens of appeals in federal and state courts. He is widely recognized for his command of issues facing clients in complex litigation, including in the areas of securities, antitrust, technology, administrative law, healthcare and foreign affairs. He has particular experience with constitutional and other appellate issues arising from public nuisance and mass tort cases, including in multidistrict litigation. In 2026 alone, The American Lawyer has recognized Chris five times for appellate victories, including a win before the Delaware Supreme Court in the largest compensation dispute in corporate history. He has also received national recognition from Law360, Chambers USA, Lawdragon and The Legal 500.

Chris has distinctive insight into the Supreme Court, having served over five years in the Office of the Solicitor General at the Department of Justice and clerked for both Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh. He has also served in the Office of the Attorney General, the White House Counsel’s Office and the White House Speechwriting Office, where he drafted more than 500 speeches (including five State of the Union addresses) for President George W. Bush.  A native of the San Francisco Bay Area and a graduate of Yale College and Yale Law School, Chris has taught at Georgetown University Law Center and speaks regularly on the Supreme Court and appellate law.