Michael Hausfeld

Michael Hausfeld is an American attorney renowned as a pioneering figure in complex class action litigation, particularly in the fields of antitrust law and international human rights law. As the chairman of the global plaintiffs' firm Hausfeld LLP, he has led landmark cases against multinational corporations and governments, securing multibillion-dollar settlements and advancing legal accountability. His career is distinguished by a commitment to using the law as a tool for social justice and corporate responsibility on a global scale.

Early life and education

Michael Hausfeld was born in Washington, D.C. and developed an early interest in law and justice. He pursued his undergraduate education at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He then attended the George Washington University Law School, graduating with a Juris Doctor degree. His legal education in the nation's capital provided a foundational exposure to the workings of the federal government and the judicial system, shaping his future focus on large-scale institutional litigation.

Legal career

After law school, Hausfeld began his legal career at the firm Cohen, Milstein, Hausfeld & Toll, where he became a named partner and built a reputation as a formidable plaintiffs' attorney. In 2008, he founded his own firm, Hausfeld LLP, which has since grown into an international practice with offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. His practice has consistently focused on representing classes of plaintiffs in cases involving price fixing, cartel behavior, genocide, and other systemic wrongs, often taking on powerful entities like Swiss banks and major technology companies.

Notable cases and settlements

Hausfeld's career is marked by a series of historic legal victories. He served as lead counsel in the groundbreaking Holocaust victims litigation against Swiss banks and German industry, which resulted in settlements exceeding $8 billion for survivors and their families. He played a pivotal role in the Vitamins antitrust litigation against companies like Hoffmann-La Roche and BASF, securing over $1.1 billion in recoveries. Other major cases include the Air cargo price fixing litigation, actions against British Petroleum following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and the high-profile NCAA athlete compensation case. He has also pursued human rights claims against corporations such as Nestlé and Cargill for alleged complicity in child labor abuses in West Africa.

Recognition and awards

For his legal achievements, Michael Hausfeld has received numerous accolades from the legal community and beyond. He has been consistently recognized by publications like Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 as a leading lawyer in antitrust and class action litigation. He is the recipient of the American Bar Association's Pro Bono Publico Award and the Human Rights First Award. His work on the Holocaust restitution cases earned him recognition from organizations such as the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the American Jewish Committee.

Personal life

Michael Hausfeld maintains a relatively private personal life alongside his demanding legal career. He is known to be deeply involved in philanthropic and educational activities related to human rights and legal ethics. He has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations, including the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the Center for Constitutional Rights. His commitment to justice extends beyond the courtroom, influencing his personal engagements and advocacy for legal reform.