Michael Pearson

Michael Pearson is currently a clinical associate professor in the Polytechnic School at Arizona State University. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in aviation law and aviation regulations. He has taught full-time at ASU since 1993.

Pearson is also an AV-rated founding and managing member of the trial law firm Curry, Pearson & Wooten, PLC, located in Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Pearson has extensive civil litigation experience focusing his practice on trial law. Mike handles personal injury, wrongful death, complex civil litigation as well FAA enforcement action cases and aviation accident cases. Martindale Hubbell rates Mike, and the firm, "AV" which is the highest rating possible and he has achieved the highest rating possible by "AVVO." In addition, Michael is listed in the Bar Register as a Preeminent Lawyer. He is a Multi-Million Dollar Advocate and was elected one of Arizona's Finest Lawyers. He has also been honored by the National Trial Lawyers Association and named as one of the Top 100 Trial Attorneys throughout the entire state of Arizona, one of America's Top 100 Attorneys, America's Top 100 High Stakes Litigators, the Nations Top One Percent, and selected as a "SuperLawyer" in the aviation, personal injury and general litigation categories by his peers.  While his office is in Arizona Michael litigates cases nationwide. Mike is licensed to practice law in several state and federal jurisdictions. In addition, he provides consulting services to clients regarding compliance with the Federal Aviation Regulations.

He has broad-based professional experience including employment with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the Tower and TRACON environments as an air traffic controller since 1984. He also worked for the FAA as a Quality Assurance Specialist and is a graduate of the Department of Transportation's Aircraft Accident Investigation program. As Quality Assurance Specialist he investigated accidents and incidents from a human factor standpoint. 

Mike also held an appointment at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University from 1994 through 1998. Mike is a pilot and the author of "Foundations of Aviation Law", a textbook published by a major academic publisher, used in graduate and undergraduate courses. Michael holds MBA and Juris Doctorate degrees from Arizona State University. He graduated with honors near the top of his class, achieved honors in legal writing and research, and was conferred status as a Pedrick Scholar due to academic excellence. He completed his undergraduate work at the University of Houston.  

Pearson is a founding member of the Association of Collegiate Training Institutions (ACTI). He serves on the United States  Contract Tower Association Board (USCTA). Mike is a pilot and an expert in air traffic control.