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Michael Richard Trust
also known as Michael Trust Law, APC, Michael Trust Law
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About Michael
Biography
Michael Trust, Esq. brings a rare dual perspective to California employment law through his firm, Michael Trust Law, APC. With 35 years in senior HR leadership roles before becoming a California employment attorney, Michael offers insights that few employment lawyers possess.
For workers facing sexual harassment, racial discrimination, age discrimination, disability, reasonable accommodations, and FMLA/CFRA/PDL discrimination, pregnancy discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower claims, wrongful termination, wage and hour disputes, employment contracts and severance agreements, and other employment issues, Michael leverages his comprehensive knowledge of human resources practices to build compelling cases for his clients to receive fair treatment and compensation.
For employers, Michael provides strategic guidance on employment law compliance, workplace policy development, employee handbooks, and dispute resolution designed to prevent litigation while fostering positive workplace cultures.
As a California Certified Mediator and employment lawyer, Michael excels at finding resolution paths that protect his clients' interests while avoiding unnecessary conflict. His innovative use of technology makes quality employment legal representation more accessible and efficient. Michael's reputation for integrity, practical solutions, and unwavering client advocacy has made him a respected voice in Southern California employment law.
Combining 35 Years of HR Excellence with my Legal Expertise for the best possible outcome for your case = Your Advantage. I know the games HR plays and how to overcome them. I know both sides of the HR table and bring that experience to your matter.
Dedicated to protecting your rights. Expert Employment Law Services
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Employment and Labor
40%
Discrimination
20%
Sexual Harassment
20%
Wrongful Termination
20%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 450-450 per hour
Contingency
33%-40%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in California for 1 year
State: California
Acquired: 2024
No misconduct found
Location
Michael Trust Law, APC
(424) 634-7823
Mobile
703 Pier Ave Ste B367, Hermosa Beach, CA, 90254
michaeltrustlaw.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michael online.
Michael Richard Trust's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 26 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | December 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A perfect fit for needs related to CA based separation agreements
Michael Trust served my needs perfectly. He was equal parts efficient and kind. I had a lot of learning to do from an employment law standpoint and Michael was quickly able to help me understand what was needed without being condescending or overbearing. In addition to getting the necessary legal rev...
Posted by Sandra | December 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Employment Lawyer
I recently hired Michael to help me with a separation agreement from an entertainment company. I had an excellent experience working with Michael. From our very first consultation, he was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping me understand my rights. He walked me through ever...
Posted by anonymous | November 8, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Call Michael for all your employment needs!
I couldn't have made it through my negotiation without Michael. His detail, responsiveness, and support were crucial to getting what I needed.
Posted by anonymous | October 26, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Highly recommended!
Compassionate and willing to talk to a potential client about the case. He was thorough and provided great referrals to help me. 100% recommend.
Posted by Clint | October 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The best in the business!
Absolutely fantastic work and always on top of everything. Always has your best interest in mind and is really easy to talk to. Loved how he handle my case and how much time and effort he gave me.
Michael Richard Trust's Lawyer Endorsements
""Michael and I attended law school together and during law school, we both law clerked at the same firm, and then Michael also worked for me in my own practice, when I had one. In both roles, Michael handled primarily employment related matters (plaintiff and defense), and also torts, contracts, and real estate matters. Michael is highly, highly skilled in employment law, and has handled many different types of employment related cases and issues in his prior HR career, as a law clerk, and as an attorney. Michael can often find a nuance or obscure law or ruling to help his clients. Michael can easily handle other types of law as well, which he did with me, as he learns very quickly and if he doesn't know the answer, he knows where to find it. Given his HR and legal backgrounds, Michael has seen employment law from both sides of the table. Michael is highly intelligent, inquisitive, and like a dog with a bone if he believes in the case.He genuinely cares for people and his clients."
"Michael is an invaluable resource for all things employment. His extensive experience in HR before becoming a lawyer has armed him with the best credentials for legal representation and consultation. He is a caring person with excellent communication skills."
"Michael Trust is a great lawyer. His vast experience in HR prior to becoming an attorney makes him uniquely qualified to handle your employment matter. He knows the law and he knows how to get you the best result. I have personally collaborated with him on a project and his work ethic is incredible. You will be in great hands when you contact Michael."
"Michael is knowledgeable in employment law. He answered my questions in detail and provided further references for my review."
"I had some questions in California employment law. He was very helpful and knowledgeable."
Nancy Gray
Litigation lawyer
David Stewart
Real estate lawyer
Melissa Hall
General practice lawyer
William Silverstein
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Work Experience
2024 - Present
Special Counsel, Confidential Law Firm (Employment) (part-time)
2024 - Present
Attorney, Michael Trust Law, APC (Employment)
2023 - 2024
Law Clerk (part-time), M.L. Hall Law Group (Employment & General Law)
2021 - 2023
Bar Certified Law Clerk & Law Clerk (part-time), The Hall Law Offices (Employment & General Practice)
2021 - 2024
Law Clerk (part-time), Confidential Law Firm (Employment)
1989 - 2025
HR & HR Executive roles, Various
Associations
2025 - Present
Admitted to the Bar of the Central District of California, United States District CourtAttorney
2025 - Present
Capital Pro BonoPro Bono Employment Attorney
2025 - Present
South Bay Bar Association (LA)Attorney Member
2024 - Present
Beverly Hills Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2024 - Present
Member, California State BarAttorney
2023 - Present
California Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
2022 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2020 - Present
Cal Chamber (HR California)Member
2015 - Present
Society for Human Resource Management - Senior Certified Professional (SHRM)SHRM-SCP
2010 - Present
Certified California Mediator Under the California Dispute Resolution Act of 1986Certified Mediator
2008 - Present
Professional in Human Resources - California - Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)PHRca
2004 - Present
Senior Professional in Human Resources - Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)SPHR
1996 - Present
Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)Member
2021 - 2022
Human Resources Certification Institute - Ambassador Program (HRCI)Founding Member
2020 - 2022
National Human Resources Association (NHRA)Member
2020 - 2023
Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA)Student Member
1994 - 2022
Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA)Member
Sample of Legal Cases
High Level IT Employee
Employee received a package that made sense for them
Confidential Retail Employee
Employee recovered lost wages, penalties, and expense reimbursements.
Education
2023
Abraham Lincoln University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
University of Southern California
MPA
1991
California State University, Long Beach
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2025
State of HR in 2025 and Looking Forward to 2026
State of HR in 2025 and Looking Forward to 2026
2025
Coffee Fridays with PRG
Employment Law Essentials: Onboarding, Offboarding, and Everything In-Between
Publications
2025
Michael Trust Law Blog
Blog Articles
2024
Human Resources Certification Institute
Alchemizing HR: Your Formula for the New Era (contributor)
2017
Languages
Tagalog
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Attorney that is willing to litigate your case.
23 Dec 2025
Q&A
What can I do in this situation of retaliation, if it’s actual retaliation.
22 Dec 2025
Q&A
Can an employer deny the rollover of paid time off I accrued in California?
22 Dec 2025
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Comprehensive Interview Guide for Hiring Managers in California
02 Apr 2025
Legal Guide
Comprehensive Interview Guide for California Job Seekers
02 Apr 2025
Legal Guide
California Employee Rights Guide
14 Mar 2025