Mr. Michael Edward Elsner | Member
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About Michael
Michael Elsner litigates complex civil matters on behalf of people and businesses victimized by commercial malfeasance, violations of human rights, acts of terrorism, occupational disease and environmental disasters. He manages large-scale cross-border litigation and conducts detailed factual investigations.
Michael's understanding of the complex legal challenges in international litigation is critical to uncovering admissible evidence and developing opportunities for client recovery. He tracks historical corporate conduct and uncovers illicit finances, money laundering and terrorist financing through a maze of international banking and financial regulations. His investigations have aided victims of human rights abuses and plaintiffs harmed by financial crimes. Through these efforts he has held global institutions and organizations accountable.
Michael leads the firm in its role as consultant to South African human rights lawyer Richard Spoor, seeking justice for tens of thousands of gold mineworkers who are suffering from silicosis. Few class actions have been brought in South Africa, and this is the first of its kind for sick workers. Michael assisted Spoor as a lead negotiator of the settlement agreement reached for sick gold miners and their dependents. The settlement generated an unprecedented means of recovery and helped ensure meaningful access to justice for the indigent and rural workers who are dying from this entirely preventable yet incurable disease.
Michael was lead plaintiffs' counsel in the historic litigation, Linde et al. v. Arab Bank, a suit brought by victims of terrorist attacks in Israel that alleged Arab Bank played a role in financing Hamas and other Israeli terrorist organizations. This litigation marked the first time a financial institution was brought to trial under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The case resolved through a confidential settlement. Michael was also co-lead counsel in a parallel suit, representing thousands of non-U.S. citizens, Jesner v. Arab Bank, which was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court under the Alien Tort Statute regarding violations of customary international law by foreign corporations.
Michael's understanding of the complex legal challenges in international litigation is critical to uncovering admissible evidence and developing opportunities for client recovery. He tracks historical corporate conduct and uncovers illicit finances, money laundering and terrorist financing through a maze of international banking and financial regulations. His investigations have aided victims of human rights abuses and plaintiffs harmed by financial crimes. Through these efforts he has held global institutions and organizations accountable.
Michael leads the firm in its role as consultant to South African human rights lawyer Richard Spoor, seeking justice for tens of thousands of gold mineworkers who are suffering from silicosis. Few class actions have been brought in South Africa, and this is the first of its kind for sick workers. Michael assisted Spoor as a lead negotiator of the settlement agreement reached for sick gold miners and their dependents. The settlement generated an unprecedented means of recovery and helped ensure meaningful access to justice for the indigent and rural workers who are dying from this entirely preventable yet incurable disease.
Michael was lead plaintiffs' counsel in the historic litigation, Linde et al. v. Arab Bank, a suit brought by victims of terrorist attacks in Israel that alleged Arab Bank played a role in financing Hamas and other Israeli terrorist organizations. This litigation marked the first time a financial institution was brought to trial under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The case resolved through a confidential settlement. Michael was also co-lead counsel in a parallel suit, representing thousands of non-U.S. citizens, Jesner v. Arab Bank, which was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court under the Alien Tort Statute regarding violations of customary international law by foreign corporations.
Call for Fee Structure
Admission
South Carolina
2004
New York
2002
Florida
Virginia
Education
Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, University of Memphis
J.D.
1997
Recognitions & Achievements
Associations
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American Association for Justice
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American Bar Association
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New York Bar Association
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South Carolina Bar Association, International Law Committee
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Virginia Bar Association
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National Crime Victims Bar Association
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Public Justice Foundation
Honors / Awards
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Lawdragon
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– Lawdragon 500 Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers2020 / 2023
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– Lawdragon 500 Plaintiff Financial Lawyers2019 / 2021
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– Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America2014 / 2015
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Lawdragon™ 3,0002010
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Benchmark Litigation
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– South Carolina “Litigation Star”: personal Injury, product liability, general commercial, professional liability2016 / 2018
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Public Justice Foundation
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Trial Lawyers of the Year2016
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South Carolina Lawyers Weekly
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Leadership in Law Honoree2014
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National Law Journal
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Litigation Trailblazers2014
Motley Rice LLC Highlights
Litigation, Whistleblower, Accident & Injury, Civil & Human Rights, Consumer Rights
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