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
"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
Michelle always builds great rapport with the clients and takes the time to fully hear them.
- Attorney on a Personal Injury Sexual Assault 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
Michelle was very respectful in working with our clients.
- Attorney on a Warranty of Habitability Matter
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
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
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