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
Understood the legal issues completely. Helped our client understand the legal process + risks.
- Attorney on a civil rights 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
Ms. Reinglass was particularly helpful by calculating damages and presenting to opponent. I believe that helped close the deal.
- Attorney on an employment/discrimination/wage & hour dispute
Ms. Reinglass was very intuitive and effective at focusing on the key legal and factual issues. She was firm when needed and also compassionate/empathetic to my clients.
- Attorney on a civil rights/discrimination dispute
Michelle was great at making my client at ease which helped open the door to understanding the downside of our case. She was
also tenacious in getting a settlement and when her mediator’s proposal failed she dived into the problem and saved the settlement.
- Attorney on an employment wrongful termination dispute
Michelle was very respectful in working with our clients.
- Attorney on a Warranty of Habitability Matter
I wanted to express my gratitude to Michelle. Her persistence and patience was extraordinary,
particularly in the face of difficult personalities. I will be glad to keep her in mind for future cases.
- Attorney, Orange County, CA
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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