About Michael

Mike tackles “big problems” for a wide variety of Cooley clients across business sectors throughout the US. He routinely advises boards of directors and CEOs in high profile, bet-the-company matters. Mike has more than 30 years of experience handling trade secret and business litigation in US federal and state courts. He has acted as lead trial counsel in many high-profile complex commercial and employment-related matters – including dozens of trade secret and noncompetition cases in more than 20 states. Mike has led many sensitive internal investigations on a broad range of issues for both for-profit and not-for-profit clients. His diverse practice also includes representing senior business executives. For much of his career, Mike has negotiated employment agreements (either company-side or on behalf of management) involving senior management teams, CEOs and other C-level executives.

Market-leading companies and executives rely on me for their winning solutions, whether in the courtroom or at the negotiating table.

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Experience

Admissions and credentials

  • Massachusetts

Rankings and accolades

Chambers USA: Litigation: General Commercial – Massachusetts (2021 – 2025)

The Legal 500 US: General Commercial Disputes (2023 – 2025)

The Legal 500 US: Trade Secrets (Litigation and Non-contentious Matters)

Massachusetts Super Lawyer

Excellence in Pro Bono – Mass Lawyers Weekly

Why today’s universities need outside counsel for improved investigations

As higher education becomes increasingly caught up in politics and culture wars, this scrutiny is likely to continue.

Michael Sheetz is not just simply an outstanding attorney; he is a strategic adviser, councilor and mentor.

Client quote in Chambers USA

I trust him without reservation. I can't imagine a litigator with a higher amount of emotional intelligence.

Client quote in Chambers USA

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