Michael Yaghi is a partner in the Advertising and Media Group and the State Attorneys General Enforcement and Investigations practice, residing in the firm's Orange County office. He represents high-profile clients in regulatory enforcement investigations. 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, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 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.
Representative Matters
- Successfully helped several clients settle 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. These jurisdictions alleged that consumers were misled into signing up and paying for various services.
- Assisted an American broadcasting company in an inquiry by 47 states relating to the company’s advertising, auto-renewal subscriptions, and similar customer service issues.
- Assisted many clients with resolving single-state consumer regulatory inquiries.
- Assisted a for-profit university with resolving an investigation brought by the CFPB.
- Assisted clients with resolving investigations brought by the FTC inquiring about advertising campaigns and sales disclosures to consumers.
- Helped banks respond to FTC Civil Investigative Demands targeting bank customers.
Affiliations
Admitted to practice: California; U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Central Districts of California
Publications
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"The 411 on Mobile Marketing," Orange County Business Journal
(July 30, 2012).
Co-Author: Michael Yaghi.
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"Retailers Beware - Why Regulators and Class Counsel May Be Salivating," ABTL Report, Vol. XXXIII, No. 1
(Summer 2011).
Author: Michael Yaghi.
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