Mike Scala is a lifelong product of South Queens. Born and raised in the community—where his parents first met on the sands of Rockaway Beach—he has spent most of his life in the neighborhoods he now serves. He is an attorney with experience in both the private and public sectors and a proven record of delivering results.
Mike attended New York City public schools before enrolling at the Polytechnic Institute of NYU, where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in computer science. He went on to Brooklyn Law School, where he was elected to lead his class, earning his Juris Doctor in 2012.
As an attorney, Mike has successfully argued cases throughout the New York court system. Known as a giant slayer in the courtroom, he has prevailed against some of the most prominent lawyers in the country. Before his admission to the state bar, he worked in the legal department of New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and in health care with the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Mike’s community advocacy has focused on a range of issues, including improving transportation access in Queens. He served as First Vice President of the Queens Public Transit Committee and co-chair of the Rockaway Ferry Committee, where he helped fight to restore ferry service to the Rockaway Peninsula and secure early departure times for residents with morning commutes. He is counsel and legal advisor to QueensLink, a rails-plus-trails proposal to reactivate the unused Rockaway Beach Line right-of-way.
Product of South Queens
- Born and raised in Queens
- NYC public schools graduate
Proven Legal Advocate
- QueensLink legal advisor and champion
- Queens Defenders board president
Delivered Results in Albany
- NY State Senate Legislative Director
- Oversaw more than 150 bills
Community Leadership
- Joined the fight to reinstate the Rockaway Ferry
- Organized food distributions
During the 201st New York State Legislature, Mike served as legal counsel and legislative director in the New York State Senate. He was responsible for drafting, managing and negotiating legislation, overseeing more than 150 bills from an Albany office. Several initiatives passed the Senate, including legislation to help veterans find employment in New York State. Other measures became state law, including requirements for police reports of missing adults and the creation of a domestic violence client-advocate privilege.
In 2017, Mike won the Democratic primary for New York City Council in the 32nd District. His campaign earned endorsements from numerous elected officials and labor unions.
Since then, in his work representing various community organizations, Mike helped organize a weekly food distribution in Ozone Park serving up to 1,000 families each week.
Mike lives in Howard Beach. In June 2020, he was elected to represent the area on the County Committee. He is the current president of the board of directors for Queens Defenders, a nonprofit organization providing legal assistance to people who cannot afford an attorney.