Michael David Early

PRO

Michael David Early

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 42 years

Wrongful termination Lawyer at Novato, CA
Practice Areas: Wrongful Termination, Employment & Labor, Litigation, Financial Markets and Services

7200 Redwood Blvd., Suite 402, Novato, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Michael

Biography

Excellent attorney experienced in employment, securities and commercial litigation.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Wrongful Termination 40%

41 years

40%
Employment and Labor 25%

41 years

25%
Litigation 25%

41 years

25%
Financial Markets and Services 10%

39 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Contingency

33%-40%


Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2016

Licenses

Licensed in California for 42 years

State: California

Acquired: 1983

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Iezza & Hockel, P.C.

7200 Redwood Blvd., Suite 402, Novato, CA, 94945

iezzalaw.com

Michael David Early's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

17 Client Reviews

5 star (17)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by David | August 30, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

A man of legal know-how & practical wisdom

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...ined to my goals and long-term well-being. He combined legal know-how and practical wisdom with compassion. With his guidance, I was able to make smarter decisions about my approach. While my issue didn't directly tap into his specialty in employment law, Michael's approach and qualities have put him at the top my list should I require representation in that matter. Very glad to have met him, and grateful for his help.

Posted by Dan | March 4, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND MICHAEL EARLY

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...cation when needed, and explaining to me what I needed to know throughout this whole process. Michael was very clear on what to expect and was great on keeping me informed on all communications. In my experience, Michael was very knowledgeable in the law regarding my case, hardworking, honest, fair, comfortable to talk with, a good listener, was always easy to contact when needed and most importantly, was able to get my case settled through Mediation. I Highly Recommend Michael Early! Thank You Michael!

Posted by anonymous | November 9, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellence and integrity, with wisdom and a sense of humor thrown in

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... provider, and Michael was head and shoulders above them all. He quickly understood the relevant details of my case, what was feasible and worth my time vs not, and gave me very practical and sound advice throughout the entire process, oftentimes serving as counselor and therapist for my anxious personality. Ultimately, not only were we able to reach a very positive settlement within 6 months of engaging, but I was able to land a new position as well -- and while Michael wasn't involved in my hiring process, his gentle reminders and encouragement that this chapter was soon to be closed were absolutely correct and I only have him to thank for an extremely smooth and favorable outcome. Highly recommended, very responsive, keeps you informed and updated exactly as you'd expect, and again, someone who simply cares (and will not take the case unless he truly believes that you have one and that you will win). This was important to me as I did not want to work with a volume firm as one of many; Michael gives you his personalized attention and while I hope I won't have to hire him again, he was simply the best - everything I was hoping for and more. So thankful to have found him thanks to others' reviews on Avvo.

Posted by Randy | April 25, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

5 Star Plus

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...s, options and advice that allowed me to make the informed decision I needed. I would not only used Michael in the future but would recommend that anyone looking for legal advise use Michael

Posted by Capella | April 24, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Awesome lawyer – great consult

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... issue and took his advice. I was very happy with his help and I could not give him enough stars for his help!

See All Client Reviews

Michael David Early's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Aryeh Leichter headshot
Aryeh Leichter

Employment and labor lawyer | Jul 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Steven Joseph Alves headshot
Steven Alves

Wrongful termination lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Kevin Durrell Reese headshot
Kevin Reese

Employment and labor lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph E Maloney headshot
Joseph Maloney

Employment and labor lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. His avvo responses show he is real-world experienced and wise."

Michael Charles Doland headshot
Michael Doland

Employment and labor lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements

No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

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

Work Experience

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

Associations

1983 - Present

Bar Association of San Francisco

1980 - Present

Stanford Alumni Association

1982 - 1983

Hastings Law Journal

Articles Editor

Sample of Legal Cases

John Doe v. Specialty Contractor Group

$1.2 million settlement

DelValle v. Menzies Aviation, Inc., et al. (2019)

$5.375 Million PAGA class settlement

Hofmann v. Board of Trustees of California State University (2017)

$450,000 wrongful termination settlement

Jane Doe v. Adoption Center (2016)

$400,000 defamation settlement

John Doe v. Doe Airline (2015)

$500,000 wrongful termination settlement

Stockton Citizens v. City of Stockton, 48 Cal.4th 481 (2010)

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.

Citizens to Enforce CEQA v. Rohnert Park, 131 Cal.App.4th 1594 (2005)

Plaintiff's suit to enjoin client's project dismissed

Credit Suisse v. Grunwald, 400 F.3d 1119 (9th Cir. 2005)

Case ordered to NASD (FINRA) arbitration and settled

O'Connor v. The Clorox Company, Eighth Circuit Docket No. 00-3856 (July 26, 2001)

Summary judgment granted; affirmed on appeal

Acequia, Inc. v. Prudential Insurance Co., 226 F.3d 798 (7th Cir. 2000) and 74 F.Supp.2d 792 (N.D. Ill. 1999)

Summary judgment for client granted; affirmed on appeal

Natomas Company v. Teichert Construction, Sacramento Superior Court

Jury verdict in favor of developer/client awarding all damages, costs and attorney's fees for total award in excess of $600,000

See More Legal Cases

Education

1983

University of California, Hastings College of the Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1980

Stanford Univ

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2007

Glasser Annual Conference on Complex Litigation and Class Actions

Class Action Arbitration

2006

Covenants not to compete

Covenants not to compete in California

2005

Covenants not to compete

Covenants not to compete in California

Languages

French

Spanish

Activity

Top Contributor

Michael earned significant contribution points in 2016.

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