Michael J. Missal

Mr. Missal concentrates in government enforcement, internal investigations and corporate governance matters. He has represented clients before numerous federal and state agencies including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Department of Justice, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, various state attorneys general, various state securities regulators, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, various Congressional Committees and the New York Stock Exchange. He has conducted more than two dozen internal investigations for companies in various industries, including the financial services, government contracts, aerospace, consumer products, education, non-profit, travel and leisure, consumer finance, technology and funeral services industries. Some of his more significant matters include:

• Lead counsel to a major financial institution in federal and state multi-jurisdictional investigations concerning mortgage foreclosure, origination and servicing practices.
• Examiner in the New Century Financial Corporation bankruptcy proceeding, one of the largest subprime lenders. Investigated a number of issues, including accounting and financial reporting irregularities and the potential use of post-petition cash collateral.
• Represented several Fortune 50 companies in investigations by the Department of Justice, SEC, FINRA and state securities regulators.
• Lead Counsel to the Independent Review Panel for CBS investigating the September 8, 2004 60 Minutes Wednesday segment concerning President Bush’s Texas Air National Guard Service.
• Lead Counsel to the Examiner in the WorldCom bankruptcy proceeding. Led team of lawyers and accountants investigating a number of issues, including accounting and financial reporting irregularities, WorldCom's relationships with investment bankers and auditors, loans to senior officers, WorldCom's acquisitions and the fiduciary duties of WorldCom's officers and directors.
• Advised Boards of Directors and Audit Committees of various public companies on corporate governance issues.
• Represented companies in False Claims Act proceedings involving the Department of Justice and private litigants.
• Investigated whistleblower complaints for public and private companies and non-profit organizations.