Michael E Toner

Michael, a former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), is a seasoned election law expert and political veteran with a wealth of experience advising candidates, political committees, trade associations, and corporate clients on federal and state election law compliance. Chambers USA recognizes Michael among the nation’s top-tier of election lawyers, bringing “invaluable” (2015) and “unequal” (2011) insight into the field, and citing sources who note that he is “excellent” (2013) and a “superstar” (2012). Chambers USA further notes that “he calibrates risk, practicality and the law better than 99% of other outside counsel” (2016) and “his background of government service gives him great insight into the workings of the Federal Election Commission and the way it thinks” (2014). An active author, Michael has contributed to several books including The Surge, Barack Obama and the New America, Pendulum Swing, The Year of Obama, The Sixth Year Itch, and Divided States of America: The Slash and Burn Politics of the 2004 Presidential Election. Chairman (2006) and Commissioner (2002-2007), Federal Election Commission Chief Counsel (2001-2002) and Deputy Counsel (1997-1999), Republican National Committee (RNC) General Counsel, Bush-Cheney Transition Team in Washington, DC and Bush-Cheney 2000 Presidential Campaign Counsel, Dole-Kemp Presidential Campaign (1996) Outside Counsel, Tim Pawlenty’s Presidential Campaign (2011) Outside Counsel, Fred Thompson’s Presidential Campaign (2007-2008) Adjunct Law Professor, William & Mary Law School (Ongoing) Lecturer, University of Virginia (2003) J.D., cum laude, Cornell Law School M.A., Johns Hopkins University B.A., with distinction, University of Virginia