Michael K. Sokolowski

Michael is a trusted advisor to businesses, not-for-profits, and management in some of the most challenging labor and employment issues facing clients. Clients appreciate the strategic vision he brings to his work in state and federal courts across the country. Michael’s counseling work focuses on identifying practical, business-focused solutions for clients. For instance, Michael has:

• Represented a national commercial refrigeration company in defeating class certification in California on claims for minimum wage, rest break, and additional state Labor Code violations.
• Obtained a temporary restraining order for a large, multi-state health care company in a non-compete lawsuit following the client’s multi-million dollar acquisition of the defendant’s former employer.
• Argued and won a motion to dismiss an entire lawsuit against a health care company alleging breach of contract.
• Represented a higher education client in dismissing claims against it and defeating the plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction in a highly-publicized lawsuit.
• Won summary judgment for a multinational medical device and health care company in California federal court, in a case asserting claims under FEHA and CFRA.
• Assisted a non-profit client with a sensitive workplace investigation.
• Counseled numerous clients across industries on large reductions-in-force and compliance with federal and state WARN laws.
• Successfully negotiated a favorable settlement for a manufacturing client in a federal employment discrimination case.
• Represented a publisher in connection with its involvement in the U.S. Department of Justice’s lawsuit to block the highly-publicized planned merger between Penguin Random House and Simon & Schuster.

Michael currently holds an elected position on the board of directors for LACBAC, Chicago’s LGBTQ+ bar association. Previously he was Vice President on the board of directors for the University of Michigan Club of Chicago.

Solutions in action