$ 650-750 per hour
Michelle L. Reynolds
About Michelle
Biography
Anybody who knows me, knows my passion for the law. The fact is I love it! I love the challenge of solving a client’s problem, which not only entails legal, but also often emotional, financial, and even social consequences to consider as well. And what I love about law most is when justice truly prevails due to my client, me, opposing counsel, and our arbitrator, mediator, and/or judge adhering to the ideals of a system.
This passion transcends my practice in (1) Employment Development Department (EDD) Appeals, whether I am representing a claimant or employer for/against the award of Unemployment Insurance benefits; (2) an employer during a petition for Reassessment or a Claim for Refund for state employment taxes; (3) a client for Labor Code violations such as minimum wage, overtime, meal and rest breaks, and untimely payment of compensation brought before California's Labor Commission, the federal Department of Labor (DOL), or an arbitrator or court of competent jurisdiction. Whether a Private Attoney General Act (PAGA) action or a workplace discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or wrongful termnation case, I am truly blessed to represent the California employees and employers that have trusted me to represent them.
To any person who reads REVIEWS of my performance as part of this Avvo Profile, or on/through any other third-party directory, please realize that the content of the reviews do not constitute a guarantee, prediction, or warranty regarding the outcome of your potential or actual legal matter because the facts and circumstances of each case differ. Please also note that the policies of this website do not permit me to edit any REVIEWS. Thus, I cannot attest to the factual accuracy of the statements made in any REVIEW. Furthermore, any response by me to a negative REVIEW, if any, is limited due to attorney-client confidentiality rules, which means I cannot fully defend myself in this forum.
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Contingency
25%-50%
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 13 years
State: California
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
THE Legal Advocate
2030 East 4th Street, Building E, Suite 204, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
THE Legal Advocate
2110 K Street, 124, Sacramento, CA, 95816
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Michelle L. Reynolds's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | January 7, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Michelle inspired confidence.
The title says it it all. Within minutes of speaking with Michelle, I knew I found the right lawyer. She knew exactly what to ask, showing not only her experience, but making me realize I had not thought about certain details that were important to my situation. She was detailed, honest, and made ...
Posted by anonymous | June 12, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
EDD/Labor Advice
I sought guidance on how to proceed on my own behalf. Ms. Reynolds understood how much time would be needed to advise me and sent a list of documents I needed to provide in advance of our 1.5 hour consultation. She was on-time, thoroughly prepared and knowledgeable on every aspect of the situation. S...
Posted by Sara | October 31, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Results!
Ms. Reynolds handled my case with care, efficiency and due dilligence. We were successful all due to her efforts. I do not believe I could have done it without her! As a lawyer myself, I appreciated her professionalism and passion.
Posted by Andrew Nguyen | February 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing CA EDD Attorney
After just receiving the letter from EDD stating that they had determined that I was not eligible for benefits because I was terminated for misconduct. I was in a state of shock, fear, and filled with anxiety. In addition, EDD sent a 2nd letter saying that the benefits that I received are now overpay...
Posted by Jennifer | October 22, 2014
Second Level Appeal Success
Michelle Reynolds exceeded my expectations as she guided me through a very stressful time dealing with the Administrative Law Judge's decision to disqualify me from receiving unemployment benefits. I contacted Ms. Reynolds for legal advice on overturning the ALJ's decision and she was very thorough,...
Michelle L. Reynolds's Lawyer Endorsements
"Michelle is a fierce advocate who believes in and is commitment to her clients. She can be counted on to provide the best advice and representation for her clients. Her hard work and dedication to her practice truly sets her apart from the rest!"
"Ms. Reynolds is a very capable and honest attorney. If you have her on your side, you can rest assured your matter will be handled with the skill and attention it deserves."
"From my first conversation with Michelle, I could tell that she was born to be a lawyer. While most people would be bored to tears by the peculiarities of the Private Attorney Generals' Act (PAGA), she spoke of the law with reverence typically reserved for Shakespeare or Harry Potter sequels. In all seriousness: if you're looking for someone who is passionate about their practice and about your case, Michelle should be on your short list. She's definitely on mine for employment law, labor, and administrative matters."
"I have known Michelle Reynolds for a while now and we went to the same law school. She is very smart, a great critical thinker, personable, and fights hard for her clients."
"Because I know Michelle, I know her passion for the law. Michelle takes great pride in her work. I have no doubt her success will continue."
"Michelle Reynolds is very knowledgeable about all areas of employment and labor laws. I would recommend Michelle to any client in need of an attorney in this area. She is committed to her clients and spends the time with each one to make sure they are making the best decisions for their case."
Sheila-Marie Finkelstein
Employment and labor lawyer | Sep 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Michelle is personable, knowledgeable, and formidable. She is also passionate in her representation."
"Michelle is an outstanding lawyer . She is a zealous and vigorous advocate who obtains outstanding results for her clients ."
"I endorse this lawyer. We got together at an Orange County Legal Aid Society employment law clinic. She is a real pro."
"Michelle as a very skilled, dedicated and passionate attorney who fights hard for her clients. I highly endorse Michelle and personally recommend her services to my own clients on a regular basis."
"Michelle is a highly qualified and talented advocate. She represents her clients with the utmost professionalism."
"I am very impressed with Michelle Reynolds and her credentials. I endorse this attorney."
"Michelle is a dedicated advocate for her clients. She is very knowledgeable in her field and works hard to deliver the best results for her clients."
"I believe any person that obtains Michelle's legal representation will be greatly pleased with the service she provides. Michelle's character is honest, upstanding, and genuine. When acting on behalf of a client she acts with thoughtfulness, care, and loyalty to ensure the best outcome. Further, she keeps her clients up to date and well-informed on case status. Michelle makes great efforts to diligently, tirelessly, and zealously advocate for her clients' positions to a degree that I would dare say rivals even more experienced attorneys in her areas of practice. The foundation for such a claim is merited by the fact that Michelle has a resolute and unshakable passion for the law at her core. To close, I absolutely trust Michelle to handle any legal issue or matter I would ever find myself in."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michelle is a zealous advocate for her client's rights. She thoroughly does her research in order to come to the best possible resolution for her clients."
"I had the pleasure of teaching Ms. Reynolds while she was in law school. If her diligence, attitude, and excellence during law school is any indication of how she is as a practicing attorney, then she is exactly the kind of attorney that I would want to represent me. MRM"
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Experience
Honors
2023
California Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Top Rated Employment & Labor Attorney in Sacramento
2022
Rising Stars Top Rated Employment & Labor Attorney in Santa Ana, California Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Stars Top Rated Employment & Labor Attorney in Santa Ana, California Super Lawyers
2021
Outstanding Program Award, American Inns of Court National Program Awards
2020
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2019
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2018
Southern California Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2011
Client Counseling Competition Participant, American Bar Association
2011
Business Law Concentration Certificate, Whittier Law School
2010
Dean's List, Whittier Law School
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Founding Employment Law Attorney, THE Legal Advocate
2010 - 2011
Law Clerk, Whittier Law School Children's Right's Clinic
2009 - 2009
Law & Motion/Research Law Clerk, Superior Court of Orange County
2009 - 2009
Law Clerk for the Honorable Judge John Flynn, III, California Superior Court, County of Orange
Associations
2020 - Present
Anthony M. Kennedy American Inn of CourtMember
2013 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Orange County Women Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Orange County Jewish Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Beverly Hills Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Celtic Bar Association of Orange CountyAttorney Member
2012 - Present
Orange County Hispanic Bar AssociationAttorney Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Allen vs. EPR
EDD's Determination/Ruling Reversed. ER's Motion to Vacate Denied. Claimant received UI benefits.
Education
2011
Whittier Coll SOL
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
Univ of California Irvine
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
Section Meeting - Employment Law
Changes and Updates in Employment Law for 2017
2016
Solo Practitioner/Small Firm Section Meeting
Hiring to Firing: What Solo Practitioners and Firms Must Know About Employment Law
2013
Bar Prep Q and A Panel
California State Bar Exam
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I sue my former employer for wrongful termination?
16 Aug 2019
Q&A
How can I sue the Security company I am working for ?
30 Oct 2018
Q&A
My employers have not reported my wages. I applied for unemployment and received Affidavit of wages. what next?
02 Nov 2014