Michael D. Schlemmer counsels businesses on all aspects of their employment law needs including wage and hour compliance, discrimination and harassment, equal pay (such as compliance with California’s Fair Pay Act), worker classification (including contractor and contingent workforce issues), workforce change, layoffs, disciplinary matters, performance management, disability accommodation, leaves of absence, intellectual property protection, arbitration provisions, and incentive plan development. In addition, a significant part of Mike’s practice involves the handling of employment-related aspects of mergers, acquisitions, investments, and joint venture transactions. He is a co-leader of the firm’s LGBTQ+ Lawyer Network.
Mike has defended clients in US federal and state courts and in arbitrations on class, collective, representative, and single-plaintiff employment litigation matters. His practice includes wage and hour class and collective actions, and discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, breach of contract, and leave issues. Mike also provides training on employment law compliance.
Mike is the local practice group leader of the labor and employment practice for the San Francisco and Silicon Valley offices and is the hiring partner for the Silicon Valley office. He serves on the firm’s Pro Bono Committee, and is a member of the Board of Child Advocates of Silicon Valley (with prior nonprofit board membership with the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Community Center and the Cupertino Symphonic Band).
Prior to joining the firm, Mike served as an associate in the labor and employment practice of another international law firm, where he delivered litigation, counseling, transactional, and training services to high-tech and life sciences companies. Before law school, he spent five years as a social worker helping foster youth through the emancipation process.
Next Generation Lawyer, Labor and employment: Workplace and employment counseling, The Legal 500 US (2019, 2020)
Recommended, Labor and employment - Workplace and employment counseling, The Legal 500 US (2016-2018, 2022)
Member, Practice Group of the Year, Employment, Law360 (2017, 2019)
Recognized, Silicon Valley Business Journal's 40 Under 40 (2015)
Recipient, Legal Aid Society’s “Guardians of Justice” award (2015)
Finalist, The Recorder’s Litigation Department of the Year – Labor and employment (2013)