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Michael Brewer has joined Baker McKenzie as a Partner in its North America Employment & Compensation Practice, bringing more than 17 years of experience in a range of employment litigation and counseling matters.

Based in San Francisco, Michael defends employers facing wage and hour class and collective actions, alleged harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination and other employment-related claims. He has litigated more than 500 employment lawsuits to conclusion. Companies frequently call upon Michael to step into difficult cases even when handled by other firms. Michael has served as lead trial counsel on state and federal multi-district class actions as well as single-plaintiff cases throughout California. He has significant trial experience, and routinely counsels clients on the handling of termination and discipline decisions, workplace accommodation issues, litigation avoidance and all aspects of personnel management.

“Employment litigation and counseling is a key area of focus for many of our clients in California and throughout the US,” said George Avraam, Chair of the Firm’s North America Employment & Compensation Practice. “Michael’s extensive trial and appellate experience, covering a range of employment issues, will be a tremendous asset to our clients as they look for pragmatic, business-minded advice.”

Michael regularly appears in US state and federal courts and before various US governmental agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, the Department of Labor Standards Enforcement, the Employment Development Department, and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. His clients include national homebuilders, retailers, hotels and employers in the real estate and title industry.

“Michael is a go-to adviser on sensitive employment law issues,” said Colin Murray, Baker McKenzie’s Managing Partner in North America. “He brings unique insights to his clients, balancing business realities with ever-evolving federal and state labor laws. We are thrilled to add Michael to our team.”

Baker McKenzie’s Global Employment & Compensation group is one of the world’s largest and most recognized employment practices, with more than 700 lawyers globally and more than 130 attorneys in North America focused on employment law. A recent BTI Consulting survey of corporate counsel named Baker McKenzie a “standout” law firm for complex employment litigation. In addition, Chambers Global has recognized the Firm’s employment practice with a Band 1 ranking for eight consecutive years.

“As employment laws continue to become more complex, we are focused on enhancing our offerings to provide superior service to our clients throughout the US and around the world,” said Guenther Heckelmann, Chair of the Firm’s Global Employment & Compensation Practice. “Michael is a seasoned litigator who joins a strong and growing team of employment litigation and counseling practitioners.”

In recent months, Baker McKenzie has added experienced employment litigators Todd Boyer, Bill Dugan and Meredith Kaufman to its North America Employment & Compensation Practice.

“I am delighted to join Baker McKenzie’s highly regarded employment practice,” Michael said. “I look forward to utilizing the Firm’s renowned global platform to enhance the services I offer my clients as they navigate labor laws in the US and around the world.”

Michael received his B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School.