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J. Michael "Mike" King

Employment and labor Attorney at Washington, DC

5.0   19 reviews

also known as Mike King, John Michael King, J. Michael King

  • State Years
    Dist. of Columbia - DC 6 years
    Colorado - CO 14 years
  • Licensed for 6 years
    State DC
    Acquired 2016
    Status
    Good Standing No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 14 years
    State CO
    Acquired 2009
    Status
    Inactive No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About J. Michael

Learn J. Michael’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Employment and labor
    30%
    Represent employees in matters involving a diverse range of employers, including international organizations (World Bank, IMF, and UN organs); embassies and other foreign missions; federal, state and local government; private sector; and non-profits

  2. Discrimination
    20%
    Represent employees in matters involving a diverse range of employers, including international organizations (World Bank, IMF, and UN organs); embassies and other foreign missions; federal, state and local government; private sector; and non-profits

  3. Wrongful termination
    20%
    Represent employees in matters involving a diverse range of employers, including international organizations (World Bank, IMF, and UN organs); embassies and other foreign missions; federal, state and local government; private sector; and non-profits

  4. International law
    10%
    Represent international civil servants in employment-related matters at international organizations (World Bank, IMF, and UN organs), and advise SMEs on business planning, international investment projects, due diligence, and litigation

  5. Lawsuits and disputes
    10%
    Represent plaintiffs and defendants in various civil matters in DC courts, including employment disputes, contracts, and torts

  6. Sexual harassment
    10%
    Represent employees in matters involving a diverse range of employers, including international organizations (World Bank, IMF, and UN organs); embassies and other foreign missions; federal, state and local government; private sector; and non-profits

J. Michael "Mike" King is a licensed attorney (DC and Colorado) with over 12 years of experience in the private, public, and non-governmental sectors. With a background in employment law and civil rights, international law and international arbitration, and environmental and energy law, and a deep passion for rule of law and justice, Mike brings a unique perspective to litigation and advisory services as a Counsel at the Law Offices of Peter C. Hansen, LLC in Washington, D.C.

Mike specializes in employment law and employment litigation in the District of Columbia, representing employees in matters involving a wide range of issues including harassment, discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation, whistleblowing, wrongful termination, redundancy, removal, suspension, non-selection, demotion, reassignment, disability determinations and benefits, worker’s compensation, leave and other benefits, performance reviews, employment agreements, and separation/severance agreements. He also represents employees in disciplinary proceedings and internal investigations involving allegations of misconduct.

The employees Mike represents comprise the full range of employers in the public, non-governmental, private, and nonprofit sectors. He counsels staff at international organizations—including the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, African Development Bank, and United Nations organs—in international civil service employment disputes at the administrative review, grievance, appeal, and arbitration stages. He also represents locally-engaged staff of embassies, consulates, and other foreign missions in employment-related claims brought before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and D.C. Office of Human Rights.

Mike also advises U.S. Government employees and federal contractors located all over the world in federal law matters including administrative grievances, EEO complaints, disciplinary actions, and adverse actions involving federal agency management, EEOC, Merit Systems Protection Board, Office of Special Counsel, and Offices of Inspector General. He also represents employees of the D.C. Government, private businesses, and nonprofits.

In the D.C. courts, Mike has experience litigating a diverse range of civil matters, including employment disputes, contract claims, and torts.

Prior to joining the Law Offices in 2012, Mike served as a Consultant (2009-2010) and Legal Counsel for Institutional Matters (2010-2012) at the World Bank Group's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington, D.C. He advised ICSID's Secretary-General and senior management on institutional matters including governance, policy, public relations, document management, annual meetings, conferences, and publications. He also served as Staff Editor (2009), Managing Editor (2010-2011), and Associate Editor (2012) of ICSID's scholarly journal, the ICSID Review Foreign Investment Law Journal.

In 2008, Mike worked as a legal intern at the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management in Washington, D.C., whose mission is to manage the cleanup of the nation’s Cold War environmental legacy resulting from more than 50 years of nuclear weapons production and nuclear energy research.

Mike obtained a BA in psychology from Duke University in 2004, and a JD from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Colorado and the District of Columbia. 

In his free time, Mike enjoys hiking with his wife and two rescue dogs (a beagle mix and an aussie/sheltie/spaniel mix), volunteering, and playing drums and percussion in several bands made up of lawyers who rock for charitable causes.

Contact J. Michael

Similar lawyers nearby

Law Offices of Peter C. Hansen, LLC
1725 I Street NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC, 20006

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  19 customer reviews
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Posted by Guillermo | August 25, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Sensitive Lawyer
Dr. King was recommended as a good lawyer by a colleague and friend. Dr. King during the negotiations with the American agency brought to fruition what we wanted to obtain. Not only did he behave as an appropriate lawyer on the issues, but also as a person who gets involved in the issues and people he represents. He personally was always worried about me, since my wife had passed away due to an accident during the negotiations.
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Posted by Alex | August 25, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best known Lawyer
Michael King is the BEST lawyer I ever known. He is very knowledgeable, professional, polite, firm, very educated, hard worker and very smart. I believe I am able to say those things because there are several lawyers in my family and they know everything about my case. They agreed with these comments. Once more, THANK YOU VERY MUCH "Mike". God bless you. Alex
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Posted by Michael | December 19, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Job Well Done!
Mr. King is very personable to have as a lawyer, my situation was already in progress when I hire him. I was lost and was at the end of what the “hell” do I do now. I was a train wreck when I hire Mr. King and he took off with my case and put me at ease. He was very detail oriented; He analyzed my situation very closely which gave me the confidence that was needed to continue to move forward. I have work with lawyer in the pass for different reason. After all I have been through working with lawyers, Mr. King he was the best lawyer I work with. Yes, I would highly recommend Mr. King to anyone in need of a lawyer. Thank you for being the person as well as the lawyer you are. Job well done!
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Posted by anonymous | December 14, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Labor Law Attorney
I'm very happy to write a recommendation for Mr. Mike King. He helped my with building my employment case. He is knowledable, transparent, sincere and a good human being who really cares about his client. He made complicated and cumbersome process very smooth for me. I highly recommend him any day.
Posted by Jess | September 16, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Graceful Savior!
Thank you again so much Mike for helping me win my OHR case. I know it was not the easiest person we were up against and you remained so composed and professional the entire time. I really felt strength through your leadership. Being able to stand up for myself in a disability discrimination claim feels very satisfactory when justice was on my side. Many blessings to you and all your future endeavors! You are top notch
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Response from J. Michael King September 17, 2021
Jess, thank you so much for your generous review and kind wishes! It was an honor and pleasure representing you and working with you, and I am pleased we were able to achieve a favorable outcome. Your strength, courage, and determination were an inspiration, and your diligence was most appreciated. I wish you the very best in all of your pursuits.
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Posted by anonymous | May 9, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
A Rarely Talented and Trustworthy Lawyer
I consulted Mr. King for a very special case, and he did thorough research and analysis for me, using a lot of time. He did not only explained to me the case from the perspectives of an law expert, but also emailed me all the original sources of relevant legislation materials, laws, regulations and other special legal arrangements on my case. Of course Mr. King spent a tremendous time to do the research. His service is thorough, professional, and above all, educational. We talked over the phone for almost an hour, and he guided and helped me to make one of the most important decisions in my life. Unbelievably true, his service is free. I mean neither Mr. King nor his firm charged me a penny for his excellent work. Here I do not suggest anyone with any case can get the same treatment, but that was, at least, what happened on my case. Also I don't have any private or business connection with Mr. King or his law firm. This was the very first time I met him, or by serendipity. An attorney like Mr. King is decent, elegant, knowledgeable, straightforward, and trustworthy. I recommend Mr. King to anyone, who has a need for a great lawyer with excellent expertise and respectful personality.
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Response from J. Michael King June 22, 2021
Many thanks for your extremely generous review. It was a pleasure speaking with you, and I wish you the very best going forward.
Posted by Erika | January 4, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professionalism and care are unmatched
Mr. King is a one of a kind attorney, he negotiated the best possible outcome for me, and his responsiveness, knowledge, and skills saved me at a time in which I felt I had no hope. Mr. King’s fees are more than reasonable and he went above and beyond to ensure I received superior support, services, and legal representation.
Response from J. Michael King September 17, 2021
Erika, I sincerely appreciate your generous review. It was an honor and pleasure working with you, and I am pleased we were able to help alleviate the burden you took on at such a difficult time, and to reach a favorable resolution. Best wishes for continued success and fulfillment.
Posted by Peter | December 30, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Managed to turn my situation around
Mike King took my case and offered hope when other attorneys didn’t. He saw a worthy case when others would have settled with an undesirable outcome. He treated me politely and was responsive through the multi-month process. He explained honestly the process and prospects very in-depth. He maintained a positive relationship with family members interested in my case. He managed to build a cordial and positive relationship with the opposing attorneys that likely was a significant contributor to a positive settlement along with outlining my case in a strong manner orally and in writing. Additionally, he was pleasant and professional with other parties in processing my case. He assisted me successfully in a related employment issue outside my case willingly. I and my family felt at the end of the representation content and thankful for his work and the relationship.
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Response from J. Michael King January 11, 2021
Peter, thank you sincerely for your comprehensive and very kind review. I wish you the best of success as you continue your impressive career and put this difficult period behind you.
Posted by anonymous | December 10, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Awesome Human-being
Consulted with Mike, Great lawyer very good advice, very patient and provided valuable feedback.
Response from J. Michael King December 21, 2020
Thank you sincerely for your generous review, and I wish you the very best.
Posted by McKinley | September 18, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Beyond the Job
Having the pleasure to work with Mr. King was just that. Some talk it, some walk it. Mr. King is the latter. Mike spent hours talking with me when other attorneys would not give me the time of day. If you are looking for someone who knows their job and will fight for you, I highly recommend Mr. Michael King. McKinley
Response from J. Michael King September 23, 2020
McKinley, thank you for your generous review! It was also a pleasure for me to work with and get to know you. Best wishes going forward.
Posted by Oleg | August 13, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Thank you!
I had an employment compensation issue. Michael couldn't represent me due to state restrictions but spent over an hour educating and pointing me in the right direction. I was able to close my case two months later. Thank you Michael for your time!
Response from J. Michael King September 9, 2020
Thank you very much for your kind review! I am glad you were able to resolve your situation soon after we spoke. Best wishes.
Posted by Natalie | March 3, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Thank you, Mike!
Mike was so helpful after I was terminated from my job last year. He took the time to listen to my ongoing experience with my previous company. He empathized with me and understood where I was coming from. We spoke for over an hour. Based on what I told him, he let me know that we may not have a strong case from a legal standpoint, but that he still wanted to do his due-diligence by taking into account anything helpful/relevant to my case. I sent him several pieces of information per his specific request. I felt like I was in such good hands! After some time, Mike concluded that it would not be in my best interest to take my case to court. I was so appreciative for his honesty, but it didn't stop there. Mike provided me friendly advice while I navigated writing personal statements and reaching out to the VP of HR at my company. All in all, everything ended up working out just the way it was supposed to! I was pleased to get a message from Mike on LinkedIn the other day. He reached out to congratulate me on my new job! He clearly cares a great deal about his clients, even those who he is not receiving monetary compensation from. I would recommend him to any family member or friend!
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Response from J. Michael King March 5, 2020
Natalie, thank you sincerely for your extremely generous review and for taking the time to write it. Best wishes to you in your work and in all aspects of your life!
Posted by Abhi | December 13, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Highly recommended
Michael is Great at what he does. Answered all my questions promptly and clarified all my doubts for follow up questions. I would highly suggest consulting him.
Response from J. Michael King December 16, 2019
Thank you very much for your generous review, and I wish you all the best.
Posted by anonymous | November 25, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Whistleblower retaliation complaint
I consulted Mr. King on a wrongful termination case resulting from employer retaliation on a whistleblower complaint. Mike was very thorough in his research and presented all the pros and cons of pursuing this case. He allowed me to make the most informative decisions throughout this process which I believe led to a positive outcome. I found him to be an attorney with a high level of integrity who is genuinely interested in protecting the rights of workers.
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Response from J. Michael King December 14, 2019
Many thanks for your kind and thorough review. It was a pleasure discussing your situation and options with you. I continue to be impressed by your professionalism and resilience in handling the wrongful termination and separation agreement. Here’s to finding an employer who fully values your skills and dedication to excellence!
Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Review
Mike provided legal advise in a conflict resolution process at the WB group. He provided timely and practical advise, with a candid assessment of chances of success for each step along the way. His advice was fundamental to the successful settlement of the issues at stake
Response from J. Michael King April 17, 2019
Thank you sincerely for your positive review. I am pleased that we were able to reach an amicable resolution of your employment-related issues, and I appreciate your trust and diligence along the way.
Posted by Anthony | March 26, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Mr. Mcgriff, a mail carrier being discriminated against
He appeared to be attentive, honest, patient, caring, and knowledgeable, and I would definitely hire him when need be and able to afford.
Response from J. Michael King March 27, 2019
Thank you very much for your kind review, Mr. McGriff. You have been through quite a storm, but you have weathered it with admirable grace. As you know, I would be happy and honored to represent you in the future should the need arise. Take good care.
Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent review for J. Michael King
Michael helped me navigate the internal justice system of the WBG. He helped with editing my application for Administrative Review (AR). Michael’s edits were useful and timely. Michael is very responsive and available, which is important when one goes through the AR process. My AR application was successful.
Response from J. Michael King April 17, 2019
Thank you sincerely for your kind review. Your trust and steadfastness throughout your ordeal are greatly appreciated. I am pleased that your AR application resulted in a successful resolution, and that your promising career could continue unimpeded.
Posted by Laurence | January 27, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mr
Mr. King was thorough and highly efficient. Initially contacted to provide a consultation, he freely devoted his time during the initial interview as well as on several subsequent periods when we had questions, offering advice without charge. Once hired,he doggedly pursued this case, initially with the representatives of the organization against which were pursuing a legal and financial solution, and thereafter with the Equal Opportunity Commission. He was always available for assistance and guided our desired actions, not by always agreeing with what we wanted and thought best, but by what was legally correct and most effective.
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Response from J. Michael King April 17, 2019
Thank you very much for your generous review, and for your trust and tenacity throughout the process. It was an honor and pleasure representing you.
Posted by anonymous | January 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Big Thank You!
I am blown away by your integrity and all the hard work you did on my behalf. I will always be grateful for all of your effort!
Response from J. Michael King January 17, 2019
Thank you very much!
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Pro bono 10 %
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.9 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Counsel
  • Law Offices of Peter C. Hansen, LLC
  • 2012 - Present
  • Legal Counsel for Institutional Matters
  • International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, The World Bank Group
  • 2010 - 2012
  • Consultant
  • International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, The World Bank Group
  • 2009 - 2010
  • Legal Intern
  • U.S. Department of Energy, Office of the General Counsel, Office of Environmental Management
  • 2008 - 2008
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Denver Sturm College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2007
  • Duke University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2004

Legal Cases

  • R.R. v. International Monetary Fund
  • rescinding decision not to convert position from fixed-term to open-ended, awarding compensation in lieu of reinstatement and for procedural violations in non-selection decision, and awarding full attorney’s fees
  • N.N. v. International Monetary Fund
  • awarding compensation and attorney's fees for procedural violations during hiring process
  • D.O. (No. 2) v. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
  • dismissing claims, but criticizing Bank's "lack of transparency" and inconsistent investigative practices, calling on Bank to "provide clear policies and guidelines" on one-party consent recordings, and awarding portion of attorney's fees
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Bar Association of the District of Columbia
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Concussion Legacy Foundation
  • Family Advisory Board
  • N/A
  • Save Your Brain
  • Executive Committee
  • N/A
  • Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Constitution Society for Law and Policy
  • Volunteer Instructor, Constitution in the Classroom
  • N/A
  • Washington Foreign Law Society
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Wreaths Across America
  • Volunteer, Arlington National Cemetery Truck Crew
  • N/A
  • Young ICSID
  • Member
  • N/A
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers (Employment Litigation)
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2023
  • Client's Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2021
  • Clients' Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2020
  • Washington, D.C. Rising Stars (Employment Litigation)
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2019
  • Clients' Choice Award
  • Avvo
  • 2019
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Africa Legal Conference 2019: Globalization in 21st Century Africa
  • Moderator: Growth Projections of the African Smart Market and the Role of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
  • 2019
  • Africa Legal Conference: Transformations in Environmental Justice, Urbanization, and Business and Social Responsibility
  • Moderator: Advancements in Environmental Justice and Development in Urban Areas
  • 2018
  • Tanzania Public-Private Partnership Certification
  • Restructuring and Lessons Learned in Failed Agreements (with Peter C. Hansen)
  • 2015
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Strategies for Public and Private Enterprises
  • Environmental Aspects of Energy Projects
  • 2015
  • AAIL Annual Conference: International Economic Law and Development in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities
  • The Role of the East African Rift Countries in the Development and Reform of International Investment Agreements and Investor-State Dispute Settlement
  • 2015
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (2)
Given (6)
Endorse J. Michael
Employment and labor Attorney | Feb 13
Relationship: Co-worker
"Mike is a superb lawyer who is loved by clients for his extraordinary analytical and advocacy skills, his tenacity, and his devoted client care. Mike handles both domestic and international employment matters with equal finesse, and he is a great team member in complex litigation. In addition, Mike has a wide-ranging legal background that allows him to bring to bear on any matter a practical sensibility as well as a sharp eye for legal possibilities."
Litigation Attorney | Jan 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mike is a top-flight attorney in every respect. He is extremely capable, hardworking, and conscientious. His integrity and devotion to his clients is exemplary."
International law
Litigation
Employment and labor
Employment and labor
Employee benefits
Washington Employment and labor Lawyer J. Michael "Mike" King
J. Michael "Mike" King
Employment and labor Attorney
Washington, DC
Licensed for 14 years
Free Consultation