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I am an employment and commercial litigation attorney. My employment practice is focused on wrongful termination, sexual harassment and wage and hour counseling and litigation, primarily on behalf of plaintiffs.
I have succesfully represented individual employees against the largest banks, manufacturers, airlines, and accounting firms in the country. Unlike most plaintiff's attorneys, I only take a few cases a year. That allows me to spend as much time as necessary to obtain the best possible result for you, whether your case is a multi-million dollar case or a low six figure case.
In May 2019, I obtained a $5.375 million settlement of a PAGA action on behalf of employees of a subsidiary of Menzies Aviation. The settlement was the tenth largest labor and employment settlement in California in 2019. Current and former Menzies employees received an average payout of over $625; more than 500 employees received over $1,000 apiece, with dozens of employees receiving awards in excess of $1,600.
In addition to my plaintiff contingency fee practice, I also provide hourly fee counseling and litigation expertise to employers and employees on a wide range of wage and hour and wrongful termination issues, as well as on non-competes and trade secret disputes related to employee hirings and terminations.
My commercial litigation practice is centered on the representation of real estate developers and commercial property owners in contract disputes, business tort claims and unlawful detainer proceedings.
4
Practice Areas
41 years
41 years
41 years
39 years
33%-40%
State: California
Acquired: 1983
No misconduct found
Showing 1 - 5 of 17 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by David | August 30, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
I recently consulted with Michael about what I would describe as a contemporary issue involving weaponized social media. Michael asked a lot of questions to clarify the full situation, and then laid out the approaches, options... and most importantly, drawbacks and potential for blowback as it perta...
Posted by Dan | March 4, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I was turned down by three other attorneys first before I was fortunate to find and have Michael Early agree to be my attorney, for a wrongful determination case. Michael was great with me at taking the time to get all the accurate information needed by asking many questions, asking me for clarifi...
Posted by anonymous | November 9, 2024 | Hired Attorney
As a high performing employee, I experienced an unexpected and very questionable termination from my employer and did not know where to turn. It was my first time engaging with any lawyer but after interviewing several, I realized it was similar to interviewing any other kind of contractor or service...
Posted by Randy | April 25, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
I recently consulted with MIchael on an employment issue. He responded to my phone call immediately. I advised him of my situation and he took the time to interview and ask relevant questions. I then forwarded Michael paperwork for his review and comment. He replied back the next day with comment...
Posted by Capella | April 24, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
I messaged and called and received a response, a personal phone call within about 12 hours. I was surprised that I was able to speak freely about my situation and I feel much better, I would definitely hire this attorney in a heartbeat if I felt my situation warranted it. I was given insight about my...
"I endorse this lawyer. His answers and other contributions to the Avvo community show his superior knowledge and expertise in employment law. Mr. Early is very well respected in the industry and his good reputation is well-earned."
"I was shocked by the quality and utility of my colleagues singular answer on Avvo. Worth the price of a recommendation. Any client obtaining the services of my colleague should find themselves very well represent."
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2023
America's Top 100 Bet-The-Company Litigators, America's Top 100 Attorneys
2020
Top-Rated Lawyer 2020, Avvo
2020
America's Most Honored Lawyers-Top 5%, The American Registry
2019
Top 50 Settlements in California, TopVerdict
2019
Top-Rated Lawyer, Avvo
2019
America's Most Honored Professionals-Top 10%, The American Registry
2019
Top 10 Labor & Employment Settlements in California, TopVerdict
2018
Top-Rated Lawyer, Avvo
2018
America's Most Honored Professionals, The American Registry
2017
Top-Rated Lawyer, Avvo
2016
Top Contributor, Avvo
2011
"Go to" law firm, American Lawyer
2006
Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine
2005
Northern California Super Lawyer, San Francisco Magazine
2005
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
1983
cum laude, UC Hastings
2024 - Present
Of Counsel, Iezza & Hockel, P.C.
2007 - 2024
Of Counsel, Klein, Hockel Iezza & Patel, PC
1986 - 2007
Shareholder, Steefel, Levitt & Weiss
1983 - 1986
Associate, Sedgwick Detert Moran & Arnold
1983 - Present
Bar Association of San Francisco
1980 - Present
Stanford Alumni Association
1982 - 1983
Hastings Law JournalArticles Editor
$1.2 million settlement
$5.375 Million PAGA class settlement
$450,000 wrongful termination settlement
$400,000 defamation settlement
$500,000 wrongful termination settlement
Plaintiff's CEQA challenge to client's project held to be untimely; Notice of Exemption commenced running of CEQA statute of limitations for purposes of challenging alleged flaws in the approval process.
Plaintiff's suit to enjoin client's project dismissed
Case ordered to NASD (FINRA) arbitration and settled
Summary judgment granted; affirmed on appeal
Summary judgment for client granted; affirmed on appeal
Jury verdict in favor of developer/client awarding all damages, costs and attorney's fees for total award in excess of $600,000
1983
JD - Juris Doctor
1980
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2007
Class Action Arbitration
2006
Covenants not to compete in California
2005
Covenants not to compete in California
French
Spanish
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Michael earned significant contribution points in 2016.
Do I likely have California claims and venue against a former employer despite residing in TX & Georgia forum-selection clause?
22 Sep 2025
Work place Vulgar Abuse on woman by male peer and HR not taking any action !
17 Sep 2025
I work at a restaurant for $16.50? My boss splits our tips at the end of the night but deducts our tips out of our hourly pay
19 Sep 2025
Employer Deductions to Paychecks for Overpayments or Loans
04 May 2021
Time Clocks, Rounding and The de Minimis Rule
04 May 2021
Is your paystub another paycheck?
18 Dec 2015