Introduction
Michelle was admitted to the California Bar in June, 1979. She is a full time mediator following a 30-year litigation career, handling all aspects of employment, business, insurance and personal injury cases. She received an "AV" rating and "Premier" status from Martindale-Hubbell Directory of Lawyers. Michelle is a member of ABOTA, a fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, and a Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators (IAM). She is a past President of the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA), past Chair of the California Employment Lawyers Association (CELA), and past Chair and lawyer representative (two terms) of the Central District Delegation to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference. She is a frequent author and speaker on employment, litigation and ADR issues. Michelle has also received many honors and recognitions including "Employment Trial Lawyer of the Year," Orange County Trial Lawyers, and one of The Daily Journal "Top 100 Most Influential Lawyers in California", "Top Female Litigators", "Top Labor and Employment Lawyers", as well as one of "California's Top 50 Neutrals". She has been named as one of California's "Super Lawyers," 2004-2016, and was inducted into the Western State University College of Law Hall of Fame.
Specialties
- All types of disputes related to Employment Law, including but not limited to Sexual, Racial and other forms of Harassment, Discrimination and Retaliation, Wage and Hour, Wrongful Termination, ERISA, Prevailing Wage
- Class Actions
- Breach of Contract
- Housing Discrimination
- Civil Rights
- UNRUH Act
- Serious injury matters with high emotional content
- Real Estate and Business Commercial Disputes, including non-compete and unfair business practices.
- Business/Contractual
Hobbies & Interests
Ms. Reinglass enjoys running, hiking, weightlifting, skiing, theater, reading, traveling and watching movies in her spare time.
Website
http://www.reinglassadr.com
Testimonials
What I appreciate most was her willingness to keep at it when she sensed the opportunity to get it done. As far as methods, I cannot argue with success.
- Attorney on an employment wrongful termination & discrimination dispute
I have nothing but the highest praise for Michelle and how she conducted the mediation. Her approach was
among the best mediation experiences I have ever had. We look forward to using her services in the future.
- Attorney, Los Angeles County, CA
You are always so professional, and conscious of the concerns on each side of the case. Very often these mediations are rather complicated yet you always find a way to diffuse the situation and reach a settlement. You also manage to mediate, so that the two sides can shake hands at the end of the day. You are fair.
- Attorney on an Employment/Discrimination Dispute
I appreciated her tireless efforts in settling this matter. I do not think we could have settled without
her help. It took about six weeks but she did not let down in her efforts at pushing this matter to its conclusion.
- Attorney on an employment hostile environment dispute
"I have been practicing law for 34 years. I have been through numerous mediations during that time, with almost all of them involving employment cases. The biggest issues for my clients are they (1) want to be heard and (2) they need to be believed. When a mediator comes into the room and does not create an atmosphere where both of those things happen, it means the mediation is going to be really tough. I feel you did an excellent job of showing empathy and belief in my client’s story, and that was good. In the end, I think the failure of the mediation at your office was due to the fact it was early on and the defense was convinced we had no case. That had nothing to do with you. I appreciate the follow up you gave us, and again, it was mostly too early because the defense needed to be told the plaintiff had sufficient evidence to go to trial. Once they lost the SJ motion, the settlement happened quickly. I appreciate all your efforts and I would definitely use you again. Thanks for your hard work in this case."
- Attorney on an Employment/Discrimination Dispute
I really appreciate your hard work on this case. Speculation: I think your expertise and excellent reputation in the trial lawyer community was a driving force in the other room to get them to compromise. Personal Knowledge: Your compassion for the humans involved and analysis of the legal issues made a difference in getting to a compromised resolution. Thanks again. Great work!
- Attorney on an Employment Wage & Hour Dispute
It was a pleasure working with Michelle. I was very pleased with the way she handled my client.
Most times the mediators are very accusatory towards the defendants, which makes them angry
and defensive, however Michelle treated my client with respect and care.
- Attorney, Long Beach, CA
Your persistence and patience was extraordinary, particularly in the face of some difficult personalities (me included). I've already sung your praises in that regard to some of my colleagues here, and I will be glad to keep you in mind for future cases. Thanks again!
- Attorney on an Employment Wrongful Termination Dispute
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