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
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
I have nothing but positive things to say about the way you handled the issues (factual and legal) during and after the mediation. As you could tell by the way you interacted with our client, he was and is very emotional and was wearing his emotions on his sleeves throughout this litigation. You addressed those emotions, fears and character issues and helped him see the true settlement value of his case, as well as helping him understand that resolving the case now would allow him to move on, into the future without carrying all the baggage from this case. I would not hesitate using you again or referring you wholeheartedly to anyone looking for a mediator in the employment/labor field.
- Attorney on an Employment Sexual Harassment Dispute
I thought Michelle did a great job on this case. The settlement in this case was fair. I thought she did a great job establishing trust and rapport with my client, which,
of course, is very important. I think the most important things in any case are knowing the relevant facts and law, and clearly and simply articulating to the parties the
strengths and weaknesses of their case; that's what I try to do in communicating with my client before a mediation, and she does that very well.
- Attorney on an Employment Sexual Harassment Dispute
Understood the legal issues completely. Helped our client understand the legal process + risks.
- Attorney on a Civil Rights Dispute
My clients and I thought she did an absolutely terrific job. She came highly recommended and I know why.
- Attorney on an Employment Disability Discrimination Dispute
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
Michelle always builds great rapport with the clients and takes the time to fully hear them.
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Sexual Assault 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
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
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