Title: Associate Attorney
Company: McKool Smith
Location: Bayville, New York, United States
Michael E. Catapano, Associate Attorney at McKool Smith, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Lawyers for dedication, achievements and leadership in Commercial Litigation and Civil Law.
Mr. Catapano has established himself in the legal field as an associate attorney at McKool Smith in New York City, where he has served since 2021. Over the past five years, he has developed expertise in complex commercial litigation, privacy law, false advertising, patent disputes and infringement, bankruptcy and other intricate civil matters. His proficiency in these areas is reflected in his leadership of high-profile cases, most notably as the lead attorney in the Meta biometric privacy case. This landmark matter marked the first enforcement of a biometric privacy statute in Texas and resulted in a historic $2.4 billion settlement, the largest ever for a case brought by a single state. Mr. Catapano’s commitment to privacy issues is particularly evident in his focus on the evolving implications of artificial intelligence and children’s rights within today’s rapidly changing legal landscape.
Before becoming an associate attorney at his firm, Mr. Catapano served as a summer associate from 2020 to 2021. During this period, he gained valuable experience that laid the foundation for his subsequent achievements as a litigator.
In 2020, Mr. Catapano served as a criminal division legal extern at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Central Islip, New York. This opportunity allowed him to learn the complexities of federal prosecutions and deepened his understanding of criminal law and procedure. Earlier, Mr. Catapano worked as a judicial intern at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 2019. This position provided him with firsthand exposure to appellate advocacy and judicial decision-making processes at one of the nation’s most respected courts.
Before embarking on his legal career, Mr. Catapano spent five years as a professional football player in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 and played with the team through 2015. He then joined the New York Jets, where he spent two seasons before concluding his NFL tenure with the Houston Texans in 2017 under Coach Mike Vrabel during their Super Bowl run. As the first player drafted from Princeton University to the NFL in more than a decade, Mr. Catapano took pride in representing his alma mater on a national stage and highlighting its athletic excellence.
Mr. Catapano’s academic background has been instrumental in shaping his approach to law and competition. He completed his secondary education at Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York, earning his diploma in 2008. Accepted to the prestigious Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey, he played collegiate football and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 2013. From there, Mr. Catapano earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence, with honors, from St. John’s University in Queens, New York, in 2021. Mr. Catapano was admitted to practice by the New York Bar Association and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Catapano is actively involved in civic initiatives and community service. He serves as a speaker for Justice For All. He also coaches youth sports through For His Kids and local sports teams in Bayville, New York, demonstrating a commitment to mentorship and positive influence outside the courtroom.
Throughout his legal career, Mr. Catapano has achieved significant milestones that underscore his dedication to advocacy and justice. Early on, he handled a pro bono case representing an elderly couple in need. It was his first opportunity to independently manage all aspects of litigation, from depositions through summary judgment and trial preparation, ultimately securing favorable outcomes for his clients. Mr. Catapano also reached other important milestones early in his career, including conducting his first live cross-examination during a patent hearing.
Mr. Catapano’s athletic achievements have been widely recognized. He was named Princeton Athlete of the Year, Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year, All-American, a four-time All-Ivy League honoree, and earned a First Team All-Ivy League selection. His journey into law was shaped by self-reflection during his final years as an NFL athlete. Recognizing that professional football careers are often brief due to injury risks, Mr. Catapano sought a vocation where he could leverage his strengths, particularly excelling under pressure during pivotal moments, and provide reliable advocacy for others facing consequential challenges.
Looking ahead, Mr. Catapano is dedicated to achieving a better balance between his demanding legal practice and family life while continuing to excel professionally in complex cases, such as patent disputes and false advertising matters. He strives to be recognized for professionalism and honesty, qualities that inspire trust among clients facing their most important challenges. Mr. Catapano also remains committed to earning that trust through results-driven advocacy alongside colleagues who share those values.
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