Overview
Michael focuses on helping companies avoid and resolve employment disputes.
Based in Constangy’s San Francisco office, Michael represents companies in a wide range of employment matters, including class actions, single-plaintiff lawsuits, administrative proceedings, arbitrations, and mediations. He works closely with employers to resolve complex, high-stakes disputes efficiently and strategically, drawing on extensive experience under both California and federal employment laws.
Michael has successfully defended claims involving wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, and wage and hour violations under statutes such as FEHA, CFRA, the California Labor Code, FLSA, ADA, ADEA, Title VII, and the UTSA. He is well-versed in handling PAGA actions, UCL claims for equitable relief, and enforcing arbitration agreements under the FAA. His litigation experience spans trial courts, arbitration forums, and administrative agencies.
In addition to his litigation practice, Michael advises employers on day-to-day compliance and workforce management. He provides guidance on employment agreements, wage/hour policies, employee classification, performance management, accommodations, separations, and severance strategies. Michael also supports clients in designing commission and bonus plans, drafting employee handbooks, conducting workforce reductions, and protecting proprietary information and trade secrets.
Michael’s collaborative approach and legal acumen help employers balance compliance with operational priorities, making him a trusted resource for both routine matters and urgent employment challenges.
About Me
In his free time, Michael enjoys hiking, reading science fiction, and rooting for the Golden State Warriors and Valkyries.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Ryze Claim Solutions LLC v. Superior Court (2019) 33 Cal.App.5th 1066
- Meister v. Mensinger (2014) 230 Cal.App.4th 381
- Nasrawi v. Buck Consultants, LLC (E.D. Cal. 2010) 713 F.Supp.2d 1080
- Nashiro v. Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. (9th Cir. 2003) 65 Fed.Appx. 636
- City of Oakland v. CalPERS (2002) 95 Cal.App.4th 29
Credentials
Education
University of San Francisco School of Law
- J.D., cum laude, 1995
Duke University
- B.A., cum laude, 1990
Media
News
Professional & Civic Associations
Civic
- Duke University Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee
- Peninsula Hiking Club
Professional
- American Bar Association
- Labor and Employment Law Section
- California Lawyers Association
- Labor and Employment Law Section
- Intellectual Property Law Section
- Bar Association of San Francisco
- Labor and Employment Law Section
Services
Industries
Admissions
- California, 1995
- U.S. District Court - CA - C.D., E.D., N.D., S.D.
- U.S. Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court - TX - E.D.
“There are bridges to be built.”
I. Mark Westheimer
