Michael C. Rakower, Business Attorney in New York

Michael C. Rakower is a distinguished trial and appellate attorney with over two decades of experience representing clients in complex commercial disputes. As the founding partner of Rakower Law PLLC, he focuses his practice on business litigation, general litigation, and appellate advocacy, handling cases that often involve executive compensation, finance, real estate, ERISA, not-for-profits, civil RICO, and high-value contracts.

Recognized for his intellect, strategic insight, and unwavering advocacy, Mr. Rakower has built a reputation for achieving exceptional results in both federal and state courts. His work reflects a deep commitment to integrity, precision, and the pursuit of justice on behalf of his clients.

Honors & Recognition

Mr. Rakower’s excellence has been consistently recognized by leading legal publications and professional organizations:

Super Lawyers: 2013–2025; Rising Stars (2011)
Top 100 Attorney in the New York Metro region (since 2015)
Chambers USA: Ranked as a top commercial litigator in New York
Martindale-Hubbell: AV Preeminent® rating (since 2011); Platinum Client Champion (since 2017)
America’s Top 100 Attorneys: Lifetime Achievement Member (2016)
Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year, New York State Bar Association (2006)

He has also been featured by Lawdragon in its Lawyer Limelight series (2014, 2019) and profiled by Lawyers USA as one of the nation’s “top eight lawyers on the fast track to making a significant impact.”

Professional Background

Before founding Rakower Law, Mr. Rakower gained extensive litigation experience at Latham & Watkins LLP and served in prominent public and international roles, including:

Legal Researcher, United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR)
Senior Law Clerk, Hon. Richard C. Wesley, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Of Counsel, The Legal Aid Society, Prisoner’s Rights Project
Principal, The Law Office of Michael C. Rakower, P.C.
Of Counsel, The Law Offices of Gordon Mehler, PLLC

He is admitted to practice before the State of New York, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and the U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Eastern, and Western Districts of New York, as well as the Eastern District of Wisconsin.

Leadership & Bar Involvement

Mr. Rakower is an active leader in the legal community. He serves as an Executive Committee Member of the New York State Bar Association’s Commercial and Federal Litigation Section, where he co-chairs the Federal Procedure Committee.
He is also a member of the Federal Bar Council and the American Inns of Court.

From 2003 to 2015, he served as Vice President and Board Member of the American Friends of the Kigali Public Library, advancing global literacy initiatives.

Publications & Speaking

A respected author and thought leader, Mr. Rakower has written extensively on commercial and ERISA litigation, executive compensation, and civil RICO. His works have appeared in the New York Law Journal, NYLitigator, RICO Law Reporter, and other leading legal publications.

Notable works include:

“Failing to Heed ERISA’s Claims Procedure: A Fast-Track to Court and De Novo Review,” New York Law Journal (2021)
“Incentive Compensation: When a Promise Becomes a Myth,” New York Law Journal (2021)
“Seeking Benefits Owed Under an ERISA Top-Hat Plan: A Primer for Litigators,” NYLitigator (2017)
“Civil RICO: Legal Overview and Tactical Considerations,” NYSBA (2006–2007)

He has also lectured at Fordham University School of Law and contributed to legal education programs through the New York State Bar Association and Practising Law Institute.

Education

J.D., University of Virginia School of Law, 1999
Managing Board, Virginia Journal of International Law
B.A., University of Pennsylvania, cum laude, 1993