My Why
What powers my practice
I find the greatest fulfillment in delivering practical, high-quality legal solutions that help organizations navigate complex employment challenges with confidence. I aim to provide clear, actionable guidance when advising organizations on how to proactively prevent problems, and also when solving problems if they arise.
Overview
Emi represents management in a wide variety of employment litigation matters and assists management in a number employment law compliance matters. She frequently represents employers in administrative proceedings and state and federal courts, defending claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wage and hour violations, and other alleged workplace violations. Emi also regularly assists employers develop and maintain compliant employment policies, including conducting employee handbook reviews for multi-state employers. Additional advising experience includes ADA accommodations, severance agreements, and WARN Act compliance and other reduction in force guidance.
Emi is active in Michael Best’s Higher Education Industry group, assisting higher education institutions in a variety of aspects, from complying with FERPA to guiding institutions through difficult circumstances caused by financial exigencies. Emi also has experience counseling institutions on Title IX issues, conducting internal Title IX investigations, and defending institutions in federal court for alleged Title IX violations.
Emi started her career as a summer associate at Michael Best. Prior to her joining the firm, she was a Clinical Student for Legal Assistance to Institutionalized Persons (LAIP) and was an intern for the University of Wisconsin NCAA Compliance Office.
Experience
Solutions in action
Credentials
- University of Wisconsin Law School, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Wisconsin Law Review Business Editor, Articles Editor, Diversity Committee Member; Moot Court Chicago ABA Competition Competitor (2016) & Coach (2017), 2018, cum laude
- University of South Alabama, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Women’s Soccer Student-Athlete, 2014, summa cum laude
- Colorado
- Wisconsin
- United States District Court, Western District of Wisconsin
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin
- United States District Court, District of Colorado
- Best Lawyers® “Ones to Watch” (Denver), Labor and Employment Law – Management, 2026-present
- Selected to Employment Litigation Rising Stars, Super Lawyers®, 2023
- Dean’s Academic Achievement Award, University of Wisconsin Law School
- Gwynette Smalley Law Review Award
Engagement
- Member, American Bar Association
Insights

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2027 List
Michael Best is proud to announce that 150 attorneys have been selected to The Best Lawyers in America 2027 list, with representation across 52 different practice areas across the nation. In addition, the firm is also excited to share that six attorneys have been named to the 2027 edition of the “Lawyer of the Year” list, which is a prestigious designation of a single lawyer in each specific practice area and location. 33 attorneys have also been named to the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2027 list.Read
Aug 20, 2026

Michael Best Elevates Six Attorneys to Partnership
Michael Best is thrilled to announce the election of six attorneys to the firm’s partnership, effective July 16, 2026. The newly named partners are: Ena Allen, Kellye Fabian Story, Devin Hayes, Emi Passini, David Shea, and Becky Thornton.Read
Jul 20, 2026

President Trump Issues Executive Order to Further Prevent “Racially Discriminatory DEI Activities” by Federal Contractors
Complementing a set of DEI-focused Executive Orders President Trump issued in early 2025, on March 26, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order (“EO”) 14398 titled “Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors.”Read
Mar 31, 2026
