Mike focuses his practice on traditional labor matters, as well as on employment law.  He provides counsel to public and private employers, with special emphasis in the health care, technology and hospitality industries.

Mike assists employers in all aspects of labor relations, from planning for potential union organizing to guidance through the election process, from formulating strategy for collective bargaining to representing employers at the bargaining table, from counseling companies on administrating union contracts to litigating disputes if necessary. 

Mike also counsels clients on workplace issues, including discrimination, harassment, employee restrictive covenants, employee training, wage-and-hour requirements, terminations, and policy creation and implementation.

Mike is a firm believer in close collaboration with clients, thoughtful advance planning, and strategizing responses to potential challenges or disputes. He is cognizant of the costs, financial and otherwise, of litigating disputes, and therefore explores early resolution options with clients where such options make sense. That said, Mike is a seasoned litigator, and ably advocates for clients when the need arises. Mike has extensive experience before state and federal courts, arbitrators, and administrative agencies (including the National Labor Relations Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Departments of Labor and Justice, Washington’s Public Employment Relations Commission, Department of Labor, and Human Rights Commission and Seattle’s Office of Civil Rights).

When not at work, Mike can be found enjoying time with his family, tasting wine and contributing to the slow deterioration of his hearing (with earplugs) at concerts in the area.

Community Activities

• Washington Appleseed
  • Board President, 2015-2017
  • Secretary, 2013
  • Board Member, 2012

Experience

Blog Posts