Michael R. Brown

Michael Brown is a Partner at Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP and is located in the Boston office. He is a seasoned litigator with nearly twenty years of experience handling complex business, insurance, construction, class action and commercial litigation matters. Michael is a member of the Commercial Litigation/Directors & Officers National Practice Section and the Data Security, Privacy and Technology Practice Group. His practice includes litigating shareholder disputes and employment matters and advising clients on privacy compliance programs, incident response preparedness, breach response, investigation, notification and recovery.

Michael represents a broad range of clients across the commercial, construction and technology sectors. He is known for his practical approach to litigation and his commitment to helping clients navigate complex legal challenges with clarity and confidence. His work is distinguished by a focus on proactive risk management and strategic counsel tailored to each client’s business goals.

He is a frequent speaker and author on topics related to risk management, insurance and data security and privacy. Michael is actively involved in professional organizations and regularly contributes to thought leadership in his practice areas. He earned his law degree with honors and continues to be recognized for his contributions to the legal community.

Connecticut

Massachusetts

New Hampshire

New York

U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit

U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts

U.S. District Court, District of New Hampshire

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York

U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York

• “Consent becoming a forceful defense at the motion to dismiss stage in privacy claims,” FMG Blogline

• Counsel to healthcare client on data security, compliance, and reporting obligations.
• Obtained dismissal for board of directors from complex breach of fiduciary duty and corporate “freeze out” claims brought by large real estate developer.
• Successfully defended at trial a condominium association in a corporate governance dispute.
• Successfully defended large construction companies in complex construction defect and contract dispute cases.
• Won a favorable ruling at arbitration on behalf of a national banking client in a commercial lease dispute.
• Defended and achieved favorable settlement of a class action on behalf of a national real estate business.
• Obtained dismissal on behalf of a condominium board of trustees of claims alleging discrimination and other tortious conduct.
• Successfully defended middle market manufacturing client in complex commercial dispute.
• Defended a Massachusetts medical device start-up against shareholder fraud claims. Assisted the company navigate the litigation while it simultaneously progressed through funding rounds, requiring diligence in the litigation and sensitivity to the client’s business needs.
• Served as coverage counsel to a global insurance company whose insured was targeted in a massive antitrust lawsuit. Advised the insurer on coverage and strategy issues in the multi-tower litigation and participated in multi-lateral settlement negotiations among the coverage group.
• Defended and achieved favorable settlement on behalf of former CEO of large staffing company against breach of contract claim from purchaser of company.
• Advised an insurer client on claims from multiple insureds arising out of the mishandling of FEMA post-hurricane relief funds. Coordinated and developed a uniform insurer response to claims arising from multiple claimant contracts.
• Defended a large law firm and its principals against a malpractice action alleging improper corporate and tax advice. Used expert witness testimony to establish the propriety of the law firm’s advice and achieved a favorable result for the firm.
• Served as national coordinating counsel for large products liability defendants. Directed and managed outside counsel, devised unique strategies for cases pending nationwide, helped develop clients’ expert witness program, and coordinated discovery in multiple cases across the country. Successfully negotiated global settlement agreements encompassing multiple lawsuits for his clients.

• Member, American Bar Association (Tort & Insurance Practice Section) – Cyber liability and Data Privacy Committee; Professional Liability Insurance Committee Vice-Chair (former); Insurance Coverage Litigation Vice-Chair (former).
• Boston Bar Association – Cybersecurity Committee; Litigation Committee; Steering Committee Member (2012 – 2014).
• Massachusetts Defense Lawyers Association, Board Member
• New Hampshire Bar Association – Insurance Law Committee (2014 – 2017).