Michael Cutler

About Michael Cutler

Civil Litigator and Outside General Counsel to Companies | UCLA Law | Military and Business Management | International | TrilingualI am a civil litigator and outside general counsel representing companies in a wide range of industries, both domestically and internationally. My practice encompasses civil litigation in state and federal courts, transactional work, and comprehensive business counseling tailored to each client’s operational and strategic needs.A key focus of my litigation practice is federal preemption, with extensive experience in cases arising under the Montreal Convention, Federal Aviation Act, Air Carrier Access Act, and Airline Deregulation Act. I have successfully defended numerous cases through dispositive motions rooted in federal preemption and prevailed on significant appeals—including before the Ninth Circuit—that have helped shape current legal precedent.Beyond litigation, I provide timely and practical general counsel services to businesses of all sizes. My advisory work spans commercial transactions, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, business law, and employment matters, always with an emphasis on efficient, real-world solutions.As a founding member of Victor Rane, I previously practiced with Richard Lazenby at a national law firm. Before entering law, I managed an elite security team at Los Angeles International Airport for El Al Israel Airlines, recognized for having the most rigorous security protocols in the industry. I also served as an infantry commander and instructor in the military.Having grown up in the former USSR and Israel, I am fluent in English, Hebrew, and Russian, and bring an international perspective to every client relationship.

Experience

1. Partner, Founding Member

   Victor Rane

   Mar 2018 — Present

Education

• UCLA

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

  2009 — 2011

• University of California, Los Angeles - School of Law

  Doctor of Law (J.D.)

  2011 — 2014