Michael R. Sorrell, Jr.

Associate

Washington D.C., (202) 887-8795

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Education

University of Virginia (B.A., 2007)
;
University of Virginia School of Law (J.D., 2010)

Practices

Derivatives + Commodities

Energy

Securities Litigation, Enforcement + White-Collar Defense

Bar Admissions

Virginia
District of Columbia

Michael Sorrell is an associate in the Washington, D.C. office of Morrison & Foerster. He focuses his practice on futures and derivatives, energy and white collar matters.

Mr. Sorrell has represented a number of derivatives and energy clients in enforcement proceedings brought by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Mr. Sorrell also regularly advises clients on the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank) and related rules implemented and enforced by the CFTC and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Mr. Sorrell received his B.A. from the University of Virginia in 2007, with highest distinction, and was an Echols Scholar. He received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2010, where he was elected to the Order of the Coif and served as executive editor of Virginia Law Review. Mr. Sorrell clerked for Judge Robert E. Payne in the District Court of the Eastern District of Virginia from 2010 to 2011.

Energy Companies FERC Investigations

Represented energy companies and traders in FERC non-public enforcement investigations.

Major Bank FERC Investigation

Represented a major bank in a FERC non-public enforcement investigation involving alleged manipulation of electricity markets.

Commodity Pool Manager Fraud Case

Represented a manager of a commodity pool in a fraud case brought by CFTC in federal district court.

Various Global 500 Companies Criminal Investigations

Represented Global 500 companies in criminal investigations initiated by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for alleged violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Major Auto-Parts Manufacturer Criminal Antitrust Investigation

Successfully persuaded the DOJ not to bring criminal antitrust charges against a major auto-parts manufacturer.

CFTC and SEC Regulations

Advised various energy companies in coal, electric, oil and gas industries as well as banks and other financial institutions on new CFTC and SEC regulations promulgated under Dodd-Frank concerning, among other things, the definitions of “swap” and “security-based swap,” registration of swap dealers and major swap participants, clearing, reporting and recordkeeping, position limits and extra territoriality of U.S. rules.

Foreign Exchange Transactions Compliance

Advised a non-U.S. trading platform on compliance with CFTC regulations concerning foreign exchange transactions.

FERC Rules on Sale and Purchase of Generation Assets

Advised various energy clients on FERC rules concerning the sale and purchase of generation assets and gas pipeline permitting.

Pro Bono Services for Major Civil Rights Organization

Obtained favorable results for a major civil rights organization in multiple public accommodations lawsuits.