Michael Pileggi

Michael Pileggi represented me when I sued my then-employer, the City of Philadelphia. My case involved Free Speech under the First Amendment, with secondary aspects of whistleblower law. I consider myself fortunate to have had him as an attorney. Although many cases like mine never make it to... court due to successful challenges (i.e. defendants have the case dismissed or prevail in a motion for summary judgment), Mike Pileggi managed to keep my case alive. Once the City failed all their pretrial attacks, they finally got serious about negotiating a settlement that wasn’t an insulting joke. During the course of his representation, Mike was a tireless and effective advocate. In addition, he was a whistleblower before entering private practice. He knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of harassment and retaliation because he’s been there himself. As a client, it’s very reassuring to have an attorney who knows firsthand what you’re going through. If you’re looking for a tough, savvy street-fighter who will roll up his sleeves and go to bat for you, then I wholeheartedly recommend Michael Pileggi.

I gave him a $500 retainer and did not receive a contract from him. In several emails he shifted in his perspective of what the funds were for. I told him that I wanted to "retain him" when I gave him the money order and he told me that he "would see what he could do". Several months later he doesn't... help me with my case and claims that I gave him the money to "help me with an EEOC Case". Problem is I had already filed the EEOC Case before I went to him. He also tried to low-ball me in a potential settlement. He offered me $20,000 while other attorneys said a minimum of $500,000 without court. When I confronted him he said "I see that you've been shopping around". Look up his prior cases. If you look at his previous cases online you can see that he has a history of overpaying himself and low balling P.H.A Employees that come to him. He sued the PHA for $45 for a tenant and approximately $7,000 for himself. He also "helped" a PHA Employee with a settlement where it was clear that he did not adequately prepare her for the deposition. I am left to file a claim against him with the Lawyer's Disciplinary Board and possibly go to court with these emails to get the $500 "retainer" back. Mr. Pileggi provides criminal defense representation to individuals accused of a wide range of criminal offenses including narcotics, weapons and assault and battery violations. Mr. Pileggi has also successfully represented plaintiffs in many personal injury cases. Always look at an attorney's previous case history before hiring them. Mike Pileggi assured me that he could go to court against the P.H.A. but in reality, he has no experience in going to court in Employment or Labor Law Cases. I am relieved that I found out about him and moved on before my case became damaged.