Mike specializes in litigation and counseling related to employment and labor law. He represents employers in disputes in state and federal court, arbitrations, administrative hearings and before government agencies. In addition, he provides preventive advice and training to employers on a variety of employment law issues, including union organizing activity and collective bargaining.
Mike works with private clients ranging from small start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. In addition, Mike's clients include public employers and nonprofit organizations.
Representative Work
Defending, through trial, against individual and class action claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment, violations of labor laws, Computer Fraud and Abuse Act claims, unfair competition, and employment-related torts.
Advice and representation in administrative hearings, mediation, arbitration and settlement proceedings related to employment claims.
Specialized advice and management and conduct (primary fact finder) of investigations in the areas of harassment/discrimination, ethics, and regulatory compliance involving highly placed personnel, high-profile or media-sensitive issues, and/or significant employment/operational issues.
Advice and counsel concerning interpretation of state and federal labor/employment laws, breach of contract, unfair competition, privacy rights, identity theft, union organizing campaigns (under state and federal law), picketing and demonstrations, EEOC, FEHA, FLSA, OSHA, Labor Commissioner and WCAB complaints, and negotiation/interpretation of collective bargaining agreements.
Publications
“Managing Leaves of Absence – FMLA, CFRA and the New ADA Regulations,” Employer Resource Institute/California Employment Law Update (November 2011)
"Employment Law Roundtable," California Lawyer (January 2009)
"A Hiring Tip That Can Keep You Out of Court," California Employer Advisor (November 2008)
See All Publications
Presentations
“Power Networking,” panelist, Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom Career and Networking Expo (April 2013)
“Partnering with Human Resources to Control Risk,” National Bar Association Mid-Year Conference (April 2013)
"Careers in Labor and Employment Law," panelist, Bar Association of San Francisco (October 2012)
"LGBT Employees & Residents – Emerging Issues," California Assisted Living Association (June 2012)
"Legal Update: Social Networking Media-Issues for Employers and Employees," State Bar Labor and Employment Law Section (May 2010)
"Wage and Hour Compliance" and "Security and Privacy Issues," Continuing Education of the Bar (November 2009)
"Hands-On Job Descriptions: How To Correctly Designate Workers as Exempt or Nonexempt," ERI California Employment Law Update 2009 (October, November 2009)
"Hiring: 6 Key Pre-Hire Mistakes to Avoid; How to Hire Smart and Avoid Lawsuits," Employer Resource Institute (July 2009)
"Best and Worst Practices for Employers Having to Consider Layoffs," Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (June 2009)
California Lawyer Employment & Labor Law Roundtable (December 2008)
"Sittin' On The Blue Bayou: Managing Intermittent Leaves," California Public Employers Labor Relations Association (November 2008)
"Hiring/Interviewing Soup to Nuts," Employer Resource Institute (November 2008)
"Effective Hiring Practices," California Association of Adult Day Services (November 2008)
"Leave of Absence and Wage/Hour Issues," California Association of Adult Day Services (November 2008)
"Alternative Pay Arrangements: What You Need to Know About Bonus Agreements, Compensation Plans, Commissions, and Tipped Employees," Employer Resource Institute (September 2008)
"The Interaction & Overlap of FMLA, ADA, & Workers' Compensation," Center for Occupational & Environmental Health (August 2008)
See All Presentations
Honors
Honorary Member of the UC Hastings La Raza Law Students Association
Bar Association of San Francisco Barrister's Club Diversity Award
Berkeley La Raza Law Journal Recognition Leadership Award
Bar Association of San Francisco Award of Merit
Northern California Super Lawyer (2011-2012)