Michael K. Sokolowski

Michael is a trusted advisor to businesses, not-for-profits, and management in some of the most challenging labor and employment issues facing clients. Clients appreciate the strategic vision he brings to his work in state and federal courts across the country. Michael’s counseling work focuses on identifying practical, business-focused solutions for clients.

Michael’s industry experience includes the healthcare, hospitality, technology, banking and finance, e-commerce, traditional retail, professional sports, higher education, manufacturing, logistics, and staffing and contingent worker sectors.

Solutions in action

During his 12+ years of practice, Michael has:

• Represented a national commercial refrigeration company in defeating class certification in California on claims for minimum wage, rest break, and additional state Labor Code violations.
• Obtained a temporary restraining order for a large, multi-state health care company in a non-compete lawsuit following the client’s multimillion dollar acquisition of the defendant’s former employer.
• Argued and won a motion to dismiss an entire lawsuit against a health care company alleging breach of contract.
• Successfully obtained a decision in favor of a higher education institution before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
• Won summary judgment for a multinational medical device and health care company in California federal court, in a case asserting claims under FEHA and CFRA.
• Assisted numerous clients with sensitive workplace investigations.
• Successfully defeated a plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction in a highly publicized lawsuit.
• Counseled numerous clients across industries on large reductions-in-force and compliance with federal and state WARN laws.
• Successfully negotiated numerous favorable settlements for clients in employment disputes.
• Represented a publisher in connection with its involvement in the U.S. Department of Justice’s lawsuit to block the highly publicized planned merger between Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster.