Michael Yaghi

Michael is a partner in the firm’s State Attorneys General and Regulatory Investigations, Strategy + Enforcement (RISE) Practice Groups, nationwide teams that advise clients on consumer protection enforcement matters and other regulatory issues. The Legal 500 United States recognizes Michael as a key lawyer in its State Attorneys General Practice. Based in the firm’s Orange County office, Michael represents clients in regulatory enforcement investigations involving all facets of their business, including but not limited to, advertising and sales practices, monthly membership programs, auto renewal programs, telemarketing and telephone solicitations, door-to-door sales practices, consumer financial services, and testimonials and endorsements. Having begun his career as a commercial litigator, he also supports clients throughout litigation, should an investigation move in that direction.

Mike works with companies facing regulatory enforcement cases brought by state attorneys general, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). These enforcement actions typically involve federal and state regulators inquiring about a client’s advertising campaigns, promotional materials, marketing and sales practices, marketing through emerging media including social networks and blogs, telemarketing campaigns, email marketing, and other regulatory issues affecting consumer marketing and sales. Throughout an investigation, Mike keeps clients informed of likely developments and outcomes, assists with developing appropriate strategies, and approaches all cases with the goal of steering pending investigations toward a favorable resolution.

Mike also leverages his experience with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to assist clients with enhancing their relationships with both regional BBBs and the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB). By transforming potentially adversarial interactions into collaborative partnerships, he helps to foster public trust and credibility. His efforts have led to significant improvements in client BBB ratings and accreditation, resulting in fewer customer complaints, more favorable media coverage, and reduced regulatory scrutiny for clients.

• Representing a consumer lender and servicer in connection with enforcement actions, investigations, and litigation brought by multiple state AGs and the FTC.
• Representing a national cable and telecommunications provider in separate investigations by multiple state attorneys general, focusing on the marketing and sales practices of cable and broadband internet services to consumers in those states.
• Representing a satellite television provider in an investigation by a state concerning the promotion and sale of equipment protection plans and the availability of certain local channels.
• Providing strategic counsel to a leading home and utility services marketing company in multiple investigations state attorneys general offices, focusing on issues such as earnings claims, training practices, and the promotion of electric products.
• Representing an online membership fashion retailer in a 40-state investigation related to the company’s monthly membership and social media practices.
• Successfully assisted several clients in settling a multistate regulatory inquiry by 47 states and the District of Columbia. These clients run discount clubs and membership programs, offering a variety of services such as credit monitoring, roadside assistance, and discounted travel.
• Represented an American broadcasting company in an inquiry by 47 states relating to the company’s advertising, auto-renewal subscriptions, and similar customer service issues.
• Represented a television broadcaster in a nationwide multistate investigation involving its sales and disclosure practices to consumers.
• Successfully represented a television broadcaster in an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and subsequent litigation by the FTC over the client’s disclosures to consumers.
• Represented an online for-profit school to resolve an inquiry by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) about its educational program disclosures to students.
• Represented numerous clients in single-state consumer regulatory inquiries covering many topics, including sales practices, auto renewal plans, telemarketing, telephone solicitations, door-to-door sales tactics, mental health parity laws, and sellers of travel services.
• Represented many clients in resolving investigations brought by the FTC inquiring about advertising campaigns and sales disclosures to consumers.
• Represented banks in response to FTC Civil Investigative Demands targeting bank customers.

• Legal 500 United States: Government: State Attorneys General (2023-2025)