Michael Popok is an American lawyer, media personality, and podcast host who has more than 30 years of experience in litigation, white collar defense, and business counseling. He is the executive managing partner of the New York City office of Zumpano Patricios & Popok, a law firm that specializes in complex commercial litigation, health law, and international law. He is also the co-host of the MeidasTouch Podcast, a popular political commentary show that supports progressive causes and candidates.
Early Life and Education
Michael Popok was born and raised in Long Island, New York. He attended Cornell University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in government and history in 1987. He then went on to Harvard Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1990. He was a member of the Harvard Law Review and the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau.
Legal Career
After graduating from law school, Popok began his legal career at Skadden Arps, one of the largest and most prestigious law firms in the world. He worked as an associate in the litigation and white collar defense departments, handling complex civil and criminal cases involving securities fraud, antitrust, RICO, and other matters. He later joined Sidley Austin, another leading global law firm, where he continued to practice in the same areas.
In 2004, Popok founded his own law firm, Michael S. Popok, P.A., in Miami, Florida. He represented clients in a wide range of litigation and arbitration matters, including commercial disputes, intellectual property, employment, real estate, and sports law. He also served as outside general counsel to several companies and organizations, providing strategic advice and risk management.
In 2019, Popok merged his firm with Zumpano Patricios, a Miami-based law firm with offices in several countries. He became the executive managing partner of the New York City office, where he oversees the firm’s litigation, white collar, and trial practice. He has successfully tried more than 40 cases to verdict, judgment, or award throughout the country, and has negotiated settlements in hundreds of cases. He also represents executives and companies in regulatory and investigatory matters, including those led by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Some of Popok’s notable cases and clients include:
- Representing Colin Kaepernick, the former NFL quarterback and social justice activist, in his grievance against the NFL for allegedly colluding to keep him out of the league. Popok was part of the legal team that secured a confidential settlement for Kaepernick in 2019. According to MeidasTouch, Popok was instrumental in crafting the legal strategy and arguments that led to the settlement
- Representing a hedge fund in executive compensation matters.
- Representing an agricultural products company against a private equity fund for breach of contract and fiduciary duty in New York State Supreme Court.
- Representing a co-founder of a Las Vegas gaming business in a Delaware case regarding deprivation of shareholder rights.
- Representing a generative AI company in a products liability dispute.
- Representing a patent owner and inventor in a professional malpractice suit.
- Representing an AI technology company against a celebrity investor for breach of contract.
- Representing a celebrity radio personality against SiriusXM under California’s right of privacy laws.
- Representing a sports psychologist for retaliation under Title IX against a major university.
- Representing a company in a sports venue joint venture with FC Barcelona against a landlord for breach of a long-term ground lease2
Media and Podcasting Career
In addition to his legal career, Popok is also a media personality and podcast host who frequently comments on current events, politics, and law. He has appeared on various TV and radio shows, such as CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, NPR, and SiriusXM. He has also written articles and op-eds for publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Miami Herald, and The Daily Beast.
In 2020, Popok joined his brothers Ben and Brett Meiselas as a co-host of the MeidasTouch Podcast, a weekly show that covers the latest news and issues from a progressive perspective. The podcast is part of the MeidasTouch Network, a liberal media platform that produces videos, articles, and other content to support Democratic candidates and causes. The network was founded by the Meiselas brothers in March 2020, and has since gained millions of followers and viewers across social media platforms
The MeidasTouch Podcast features interviews with prominent guests, such as politicians, activists, celebrities, journalists, and experts. Some of the guests who have appeared on the podcast include:
- Bernie Sanders, U.S. Senator and former presidential candidate
- Eric Swalwell, U.S. Representative and former presidential candidate
- Adam Schiff, U.S. Representative and Chair of the House Intelligence Committee
- Ted Lieu, U.S. Representative and member of the House Judiciary Committee
- Katie Porter, U.S. Representative and member of the House Oversight Committee
- Jaime Harrison, former U.S. Senate candidate and Chair of the Democratic National Committee
- Stacey Abrams, former Georgia gubernatorial candidate and voting rights activist
- Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, U.S. Senators from Georgia
- Michael Moore, filmmaker and activist
- Alyssa Milano, actress and activist
- Rob Reiner, actor and director
- Debra Messing, actress and activist
- George Takei, actor and activist
- Michael Rapaport, actor and comedian
- Don Winslow, author and filmmaker
The MeidasTouch Podcast has been praised by critics and listeners for its informative, entertaining, and inspiring content. It has also been ranked as one of the top podcasts in the U.S. on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms
Personal Life
Michael Popok is married and has two children. He lives in New York City and Miami. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing golf, tennis, and basketball. He is also a supporter of various charitable and civic causes, such as the American Cancer Society, the Anti-Defamation League, and the Cornell Alumni Association
Conclusion
Michael Popok is a successful lawyer, media personality, and podcast host who has made a name for himself in various fields and industries. He is a respected and experienced litigator and counselor who has represented clients in high-profile and complex cases. He is also a popular and influential commentator and podcaster who has shared his insights and opinions on important topics and issues. He is a leader and a role model who has demonstrated his passion and dedication for his work and his causes.