Michael Soyfer is an attorney with the Institute for Justice. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Law School. Before joining the Institute for Justice in 2024, he was an associate at Quinn, Emanuel, Urquhart & Sullivan LLP in Washington, D.C. His practice there focused on complex, high-stakes commercial litigation and appeals in federal and state courts throughout the United States. From 2017 to 2018, Michael clerked in Houston, Texas for Judge Carolyn Dineen King of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Michael's Cases
4th Amendment Project | License Plate Readers | Private Property
San Jose residents file federal lawsuit challenging city's use of nearly 500 license plate reader cameras
San Jose residents file federal class action lawsuit challenging city's use of nearly 500 license plate read cameras.
4th Amendment Project | License Plate Readers | Private Property
Federal lawsuit challenges city's prolonged, warrantless surveillance of entire driving public
Norfolk, Virginia has installed more than 170 cameras across the city that watch drivers' every movement. Now, two Norfolk-area residents have teamed up with the Institute for Justice to file a federal lawsuit challenging the…
First Amendment | First Amendment Retaliation | Immunity and Accountability
Lawsuit Seeks Accountability for Unconstitutional Raid of a Political Opponent’s Home
Kansas police raided the home of a city councilwoman and seized her phone and computer in retaliation for her criticism of local officials.
Michael's News, Articles & Publications
Michael's Letters & Statements
Greers Ferry License Plate Reader Letter
Greers Ferry, Arkansas
Mississippi Real Estate Proximity Rule Letter
Mississippi
Michael's Podcasts
June 26, 2026
Short Circuit 434 | The Police Are the Emergency
If someone sues you for money you get to defend yourself in court. Right? Not really if you sign a confession of judgment, a contract […]
Listen NowOctober 31, 2025
Short Circuit 400 | Is Sharing Your Password a Federal Crime?
If you think you’ve worked in a bad job you might want to first hear the first case we have this week, brought to you […]
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