Michael Okaty is a business law partner at Foley & Lardner LLP and one of the firm’s most experienced transactional attorneys. He is a member of the firm’s Finance Committee and Federal PAC Board. Governor Okaty has previously served in several key leadership roles, including on Foley’s Management Committee, as co‑chair of Foley’s Transactions Practice, as vice chair of the Industry Teams Department, and as managing partner of the Orlando office.
Governor Okaty advises companies and their owners throughout the full business lifecycle, from formation and early‑stage financing to strategic growth, governance, mergers and acquisitions, and liquidity events. Leveraging his tax background and training in finance and accounting, he represents public and private companies, private equity and venture capital firms, lenders, founders, family offices, and high‑net‑worth individuals across a wide range of industries, including technology, senior living, health care, financial services, and advanced manufacturing. His clients frequently commend his steady leadership and methodical approach during complex transactions, viewing him as both a legal strategist and trusted long‑term advisor.
Governor Okaty holds an LL.M. in Taxation and a J.D. from New York University School of Law, and a B.A. in finance and accounting, magna cum laude, from the University of Central Florida. He previously served on the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees, including as vice chair for a term ending January 2025.
Governor Okaty has been recognized for his legal excellence by The Best Lawyers in America®, including “Lawyer of the Year – Business Organizations (2023),” and has been consistently honored for corporate law and business organizations for more than a decade. He has also been ranked in Chambers USA for corporate/mergers and acquisitions and private equity and named to Florida Super Lawyers – Rising Stars, Orlando Business Journal’s “40 Under 40,” and Florida Trend’s “Legal Elite Up & Comer.”
His professional and civic involvement includes board roles with OneBlood Foundation Board, Florida Venture Forum, the NCF Advisory Board, and leadership positions with investment groups including Investing Local and 1858 Capital Partners. He has also previously served on the NYU Alumni Association Board of Directors, as chair of the American Bar Association’s Senior Housing Section, board roles with organizations such as the Western University Board of Trustees, and multiple community and cultural boards in Central Florida.
*This appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate.