Michael John Rossiter

Michael J. Rossiter is a partner at Scott & Whitehead with nearly 20 years of experience advising and defending employers across California. His practice covers the full spectrum of employment law, including wage and hour compliance, employee classification, disability accommodations, workplace investigations, discipline and termination, and defense against claims of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Michael has a strong litigation background, having handled numerous jury trials, arbitrations, and appeals—including a published decision in Sharp v. County of Orange, 871 F.3d 901 (9th Cir. 2017). He routinely defends employers in state and federal court, as well as before administrative agencies, under laws such as FEHA, the Labor Code, Title VII, the ADA, ADEA, and USERRA. His work also includes drafting and enforcing employment agreements, including confidentiality, non-solicitation, and trade secret protections.

In addition to his legal practice, Michael is an active speaker and trainer, regularly presenting to employers, HR professionals, and industry groups on wage and hour compliance, preventing harassment, managing employee discipline, and workplace accommodations.

Michael previously practiced at Rutan & Tucker LLP and served as a partner at Koeller, Nebeker, Carlson & Haluck LLP. He began his career with Fisher & Phillips LLP. He also served as an Adjunct Professor at Chapman University School of Law, where he taught Civil Procedure Lab from 2015 to 2023.

He earned his J.D. from Chapman University School of Law, where he served as Symposium Editor of the Chapman Law Review, and graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University with a degree in Political Science. He is admitted to practice in both California and Utah, as well as before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and federal courts in California. He has been recognized as a Southern California Rising Star by Super Lawyers and is a graduate of both the ABOTA Trial Advocacy Program and the OCBA College of Trial Advocacy.

Outside of his practice, Michael is dedicated to community service. He mentors law students, coaches high school mock trial teams, judges collegiate competitions, and volunteers with the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation.

Michael takes a practical, business-focused approach to employment law—helping employers navigate California’s complex legal landscape with clarity and confidence.