Michael J. Laird

Michael is a partner at Zimmerman Reed and focuses his practice in the areas of sports law, data breach litigation, and consumer protection.

Michael currently represents hundreds of retired NFL players in the National Football League Concussion litigation. Former players sued the NFL alleging it downplayed the risk of progressive degenerative brain injuries caused by playing in the NFL. Michael has successfully obtained tens of millions of dollars on behalf of former players suffering degenerative brain injuries as part of the NFL Concussion Settlement.  Michael also successfully represented former NHL players who alleged the National Hockey League was negligent in dealing with concussions and head injuries causing players to suffer serious brain injuries, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

In his data breach practice, Michael represents financial institutions and individuals affected by cyber-attacks that exposed their sensitive business and personal data. These cases seek to hold companies accountable for harm caused by their data breaches and allegedly inadequate data security. Michael has previously litigated against major companies responsible for some of the largest nationwide data breaches, including Equifax, Marriott, and Wendy’s. He is currently litigating data breach cases against Sonic, Netgain, and ParkMobile.

In his consumer protection practice, Michael brings his broad experience to represent individuals and businesses who experienced consumer-related injuries. Currently, Michael represents pet owners whose pets suffered harm and, in some cases, died allegedly due to Elanco’s flea and tick collar, Seresto. Michael also represents consumers and electrical contractors who claim Siemens manufactured defective arc fault circuit interrupters.

Michael graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School. During law school, he served as a member of the Journal of Law, Science & Technology and argued on the American Bar Association Moot Court team. He externed for the Honorable Jeffrey J. Keyes of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. 

Michael is licensed to practice law in Minnesota.