Mika Marie Hilaire

Mika Marie Hilaire

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 25 years

Employment and labor Lawyer at Sherman Oaks, CA
Practice Areas: Employment & Labor, Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Wrongful Termination

15233 Ventura Blvd., Suite 420, Sherman Oaks, CA

About Mika

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Contingency

33%-40%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in California for 25 years

State: California

Acquired: 2001

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Equal Rights Law Firm

15233 Ventura Blvd., Suite 420, Sherman Oaks, CA, 91403

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Mika Marie Hilaire's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

26 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (26) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 19 reviews | Advocacy

Posted by Jay | November 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney

There’s only one thing she’s missing ... a cape !!

Mika is a hero, seriously. If I wanted to end it at the first sentence it would honestly sum up my entire experience with her. I came to Avvo to thoroughly research attorneys for my employment case. I was very volatile and working in an environment engulfed in sexual harassment culture and race discr...imination . I came across Mika’s profile after speaking to several attorneys before and upon initial contact I knew she was the one. Mika’s educational background, experience in law and overall demeanor are what one can only dream of finding in a professional. I’m really big on energy and Mika has a true kindred soul. She is full of personality and engagement!!! She is well versed and can communicate in many different mediums. That was something I really enjoyed about her. She understood where I came from and she made me feel comfortable in her space. The first day I met with her in a swanky Lil coffee shop near her office downtown, she took the time to understand and really hear my cries and woes about the hostility I was experiencing in my work place. I was able to open up to her very early on about things from my past that I felt would jeopardize my case. Mika allowed me to be transparent with her through and through without judgement or reservations. Her confidence is contagious. I knew Mika would fight for me because she took the time to embrace me as more than just another client. The entire time I worked with Mika I never felt like her client I really felt like a family member. It was easy to get to know Mika and it was clear that she impacts all her clients positively . Mika detailed what I’d expect from my employer and what she expected from me. At no point in time was I left in the dark about what was next or what to do and when to do it. Let me really break down how dedicated this woman was to my case ... I worked a grave yard shift at my job and anytime I felt weary or had a question Mika was UP at 2 in the morning texting me. This was often. She was not bothered. She found ways to get to me in her busy day. I would literally chat with Mika every other day and I spoke to her so frequent I found myself asking her for advice on parenting and career options. Mika had me believing I should follow in her footsteps and practice law too. I really admired her not only as my attorney but as someone to look up to. She became my hero. I was so appreciative of her efforts to see me thrive. Mika always knew what to do and say to ensure me she had the case secured. She never let me down. She fought hard for me to be removed out of that toxic environment and into a new position at a new facility, she fought to find me a therapist that would help me to manage the anxiety and crippling depression I was experiencing from the harassment at work , and she fought to bare the truth from all facets and in the end we were Victorious. Every time her or her husband David (see my review on David next. Super extraordinary!!! ) walked into those depositions it felt like I brought fire with me. I felt untouched. Mika was always 10 steps ahead of the opposing council and is the queen of courtroom rhetoric. Mika truly championed for my success. She was there every step of the way. From the time we sipped those lattes through the depositions and even after the check was cut. I am honored to have had an opportunity to work with her and her AMAZING STAFF (Jenifer is reeeeeallly on top of everything moving!! And see my review on Kipp too. He’s a remarkable attorney) I’m still laughing at the good times Mika and I shared after those deposition where she made it look like a breeze. Mika if you’re reading this THANK YOU, you helped change my family’s life. I have even referred two people to Mika whom are her current clients she’s THAT GOOD !! So there you have it. If you’re seeking someone that is going to advocate for you and get your the victory you deserve Mika and her team will definitely make it happen.

Posted by anonymous | January 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney

A classy intelligent attorney for the ages and an honorable credit to her profession

I worked for a major insurance carrier for almost 23 years before I was wrongfully terminated after complaining to management about age and race discrimination that I endured. An attorney handling a class action case against my former employer recommended me to attorney Mika H. Mika agreed to meet ...with me to discuss the facts of my case. We met, she reviewed all of my documents and agreed to represent me. She explained in details how the legal proceedings work, everything from obtaining a right to sue letter, filing the suite, serving the suite, discovery, scheduling depositions and mediation. Mika Hilaire and her staff were absolutely amazing, her style and professionalism exemplify hard work with great results. My case was filed in April and settled by attorney Hilaire in December the same year. I knew that facing a major corporation would be difficult, but attorney Hilaire made sure that I was in good hands. She will always be a hero to me and my family.

Posted by Sarah | July 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney

What more can I say?

I rarely (and by rarely I mean THIS is my first review ever) take the time to write reviews, which is ironic because I depend so heavy on them. But I had to write this review because simply saying '"thank you" and "you're awesome, Mika" was not enough. I'll try to keep this short with hopes that I'm... still able to make a potential client feel comfortable with his or her choice when it comes to Mika Hilaire. First of all, it is important to state that Mika was highly referred to me by another attorney/friend, at a point where I had all but given up on my situation. At the time I was introduced to Mika, I was mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted with my situation and my case. I had talked to a lot of potential attorneys but none made me feel as though they would make my case a priority and at that time, I needed to be a priority. I remember my first conversation with Mika and as I was at my emotional peak, she said to me "Don't worry. I got this." From then on, I put all my worries and trust in Mika and the rest is sweet history. Here's the kicker to this, she told me going in that she had a lot on her plate but she made it clear that I will not feel like an after thought or like I was forgotten. Can I tell you I never felt like I was being ignored or that she was not tending to my needs, ever? She was on it! I promised I would keep this short, so I will wrap up by highlighting a few things she did that I appreciated as a client. - she told me what to expect and assured me where we would land as a team. She totally managed my expectations. - She returned my calls, text and emails even when I knew she was going to be busy. - When I felt like giving in, she calmed me down and said... "Now is not the time. Let me do more work!" - She was FAIR! More than fair. - During my case, I felt like i had a family member fighting for me instead of an attorney. She made me feel like she cared! - She got it all done on a timely manner! Surely, this does not tell the complete story of my experience with Mika Hilaire. But I do pray that this review (my first review) helps someone move into the right direction and that is hiring Mika Hilaire to represent them!

Posted by Carla | October 26, 2015 | Hired Attorney

LEGAL GLADIATOR IN HIGH HEELS

I am deeply appreciative to Ms. Hilaire and her extraordinary law firm. I was subjected to wrongful termination after 25 years of full time service and in spite of bargaining unit representation. Consequently the realization came to be that I was on my own to advocate my protected employment rights.... To my good fortune during the due diligence research process I discovered Ms. Hilaire's Law Firm. She is knowledgeable, personable, quick and trustworthy. On my behalf she established legal merits that resulted in a favorable settlement. My self-confidence has been restored which has allowed me to progress to a wholesome work/life balance. Should you be in need of superb legal representation contact the Hilaire McGriff Law Firm.

Posted by Steve | July 20, 2015

California's premier employment attorney

In my opinion, Ms. Hilaire is California’s premier employment attorney. My case was daunting, time-consuming, and complex. I thought a positive result was untenable; she did not! She relentlessly pursued defending my position and bringing about justice. Because of her, my case ended positively, j...ust as she thought it would. She is bright, knowledgeable, personable, and tenacious. These attributes make a great attorney. If it weren’t for her, I don’t think my case would have ended favorably. If you’re looking for a great employment attorney, search no more. Reach out to Ms. Hilaire. You will not regret it.

See All Client Reviews

Mika Marie Hilaire's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Mika
Barry Morris Appell headshot
Barry Appell

Employment and labor lawyer | Sep 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I was previously law partners with Mika Hilaire, and I have the benefit of continuing to work on cases together with Mika. In my experience, Mika is a truly talented and very knowledgeable attorney, who aggressively represents her clients."

Justin Lo headshot
Justin Lo

Discrimination lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mika is a fierce and dedicated defender of her clients rights and has always searching for the best possible outcome. Working with her has always been a pleasure."

Kyle Dalton Smith headshot
Kyle Smith

Employment and labor lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of working with Mika on several cases. I am consistently impressed with her performance on matters and her zealous advocacy on behalf of her clients."

Christine Green headshot
Christine Green

Employment and labor lawyer | Apr 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Barry Morris Appell headshot
Barry Appell

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Southern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Southern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer - Rising Star, California Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer - Rising Star, California Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer - Rising Star, California Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer - Rising Star, California Super Lawyers

2009

Super Lawyer - Rising Star, California Super Lawyers

2008

Super Lawyer - Rising Star, California Super Lawyers

2007

Super Lawyer - Rising Star, California Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2020 - Present

Founding Partner, Equal Rights Law Group

2013 - 2020

Managing Partner, Hilaire McGriff PC

2012 - 2013

Partner and Chair of Employment Department, Freedman Weisz LLP

2004 - 2012

Named Partner, Appell | Hilaire |Benardo LLP

2002 - 2004

Associate Attorney, Silver & Freedman, Aplc

2000 - 2002

Associate Attorney, Hill Farrer & Burrill, LLP

Associations

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Member

Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles

Member

Black Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles

Member

2011 - 2013

State Bar of California, Labor and Employment Law Section

Former Executive Committee Member

Education

2000

University of California, Hastings College of the Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

University of California - Berkeley

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2021

at the Los Angeles County Bar Association's 41st Annual Labor & Employment Law Symposium Racial Injustice and Political Speech, In and Out of the Workplace

2014

Yearly Retreat - Black Women Lawyers Assocation of Los Angeles

Navigating Pregnancy Leave

2014

Los Angleles County Bar Asociation, Employment Law Section Employment Symposium

Year in Review - Employment Law Update

2012

Los Angeles County Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, Labor Law Committee

Courtroom Advocacy: Arguing Discovery Motions

2012

American Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section

Age Discrimination

Publications

2021

San Fernando Valley Business Journal Mika Hilaire is featured on the cover of the San Fernando Valley Business Journal for Black Entrepreneurs Month

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution