Michael Kline is a dynamic and deeply respected corporate partner with nearly 30 years of experience at Fox Rothschild LLP, where he has been a driving force in corporate law, strategic governance, and regulatory compliance. Throughout his distinguished legal career, Michael has demonstrated exceptional expertise in a broad spectrum of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt transactions, nonprofit entity structuring, contract review, and healthcare law. His practice is characterized by a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach tailored to meet the diverse and complex needs of corporate clients, executive teams, and nonprofit organizations.
A hallmark of Michael’s career has been his ability to serve as a trusted advisor to C-suite leaders, navigating intricate legal frameworks and offering pragmatic counsel that promotes operational success and regulatory integrity. For nearly three decades, Michael has held influential roles within Fox Rothschild LLP, most notably serving as Chair of the Corporate Department for nine years, where he shaped strategic direction, mentored future leaders, and led department-wide initiatives to elevate client service and internal operations. His role as Assistant General Counsel from 2017 to 2024 further showcased his versatility and leadership, acting as the firm’s sole internal expert in the Office of the General Counsel on corporate, transactional, and securities matters. In this capacity, he advised on everything from client intake and financial arrangements to internal firm policy, conflict analysis, and legal opinion reviews—ensuring compliance and clarity at every level.
Michael also extends his influence beyond private practice, having served for decades as Outside General Counsel for Deborah Heart and Lung Center, a leading nonprofit hospital in New Jersey and its fundraising affiliate, Deborah Hospital Foundation. There, he has provided ongoing strategic legal counsel to executive leadership and board committees, advising on regulatory matters, governance best practices, and patient access initiatives, including obtaining federal approval of the Center’s century-old policy of not billing patients or their families for care received on site at the Center. His commitment to advancing healthcare access and legal excellence was formally recognized when he was honored at Deborah’s Centennial Red Tie Gala in 2022 and his subsequent election as a Trustee of the organization in 2024.
As one of the nation’s thought leaders on the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), Michael has played a critical role in both internal and external education efforts around the landmark legislation. As Fox Rothschild’s CTA Planning Leader, he led the development of firm-wide compliance protocols and conducted impactful client education, including authoring key publications and participating as a panelist in a nationally distributed ALAS webinar that reached over 75,000 attorneys across 225 member firms.
Michael holds a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and earned his B.S. in Economics, summa cum laude, as an accounting major at The Wharton School. He is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Recognized for his exceptional legal judgment, leadership acumen, and steadfast commitment to mentorship and client service, Michael continues to be a guiding voice in corporate governance, nonprofit advisory, and legal strategy.
Character
Michael Kline demonstrates unwavering integrity, professionalism, and dedication to client service, consistently earning the trust of executive leaders and colleagues through decades of ethical and principled legal practice.
Knowledge
With nearly 30 years of experience in corporate law, Michael brings deep expertise in transactional matters, nonprofit governance, healthcare law, and regulatory compliance, offering clients insightful guidance grounded in a profound understanding of complex legal frameworks.
Strategic
Michael’s ability to lead large-scale legal initiatives, from department-wide growth at Fox Rothschild to firm-wide Corporate Transparency Act planning, showcases his forward-thinking approach and commitment to aligning legal strategy with long-term organizational goals.
Communication
Michael is an articulate and effective communicator who translates intricate legal concepts into clear, actionable advice, fostering informed decision-making in boardrooms, executive discussions, and firmwide educational efforts.
