I have been an attorney for over 30 years. I started my career as a deputy prosecutor for the City of Spokane in 1991. As a deputy prosecutor I had the opportunity to try over 25 bench and jury trials to a verdict with most of them being successful prosecutions on behalf of the people of the City of Spokane.
My practice is devoted to the area of labor and employment law, business, contract and tort law, with advice work and consultation in those areas, as well as litigation and appellate work in those specific areas of law.
I am a trial lawyer by nature and calling. I have represented clients at summary judgment, administrative hearings, labor arbitrations, unemployment compensation hearings and before the Merit Systems Protection Board. I have also tried jury and bench trials in the United States District Court for both the Western and Eastern Districts. I have also tried jury and bench trials in Spokane County Superior Court and Pend Oreille County Superior Court state of Washington.
I also have substantial appellate experience. I have appeared before the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Washington Court of Appeals (Division III), and the Washington Supreme Court on numerous occasions. Most recently, I successfully argued before the Washington Supreme Court on behalf of Gonzaga University in an alleged whistleblower and wrongful discharge case resulting in a unanimous 9-0 decision and clarification of the law. Martin v. Gonzaga University, 191 Wash. 2d 712, 725 (2018)
For over 28 years I have provided representation both advice and litigation to numerous large, medium size and small businesses through out the state of Washington in the area of labor and employment law, business, contract and tort law. I also have extensive experience in representing public sector employers and employees. The specific industries that I have represented employers and employees include, but are not limited to, the following: architectural, healthcare, finance and wealth management, trucking, autombile, retail, mining, fire services, law enforcement, timber, engineering, banking, construction, restaurant, employment for disabled and government.
I have also represented employers, employees and individuals relating to employment law matters, including Veterans involving claims of discrimination and retaliation under The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and employers, employees, and individuals in the area of discrimination and retaliation under Washington's Law Against Discrimination and federal law relating to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 1981, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRB).
For over 28 years I have dealt with a variety of legal issues, including, but not limited to, providing advice, consultation, litigation and appellate work relating to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Washington's Law Against Discrimination, Equal Pay Act, Age Discrimination and Employment Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, Washington's Minimum Wage Act, Family Medical Leave Act, National Labor Relations Act, WARN Act, Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), Uniform Trade Secrets Act, Non-Competition Agreements, contract and tort law and other areas encompassing both federal and state law.
I have also successfully resolved and achieved favorable settlement results on behalf of my clients either through direct negotiation or mediation.
I have also been retained as an independent investigator by employers, law firms and human resource consultants to perform investigations relating to allegations of workplace misconduct and potential violations of the employment laws.
I have also provided continuing legal education to lawyers for over 28 years in the area of labor and employment law and contract law.
I have also taught at the undergraduate level for Gonzaga University as an adjunct professor in the areas of preparing students to take the Law School Admissions Test and introducing students to the law of employment discrimination. I have also provided mentoring to both undergraduate and law students as they prepare for a career in the legal field.
I have been happily married for over 23 years to my lovely wife Dana. We have 4 children who are very successful in their own right.
Please feel free to contact me if you are in need of the legal services I can provide.
Practice areas
In the practice area of litigation 100% of my practice is confined to civil litigation in state and federal courts primarily involving issues of discrimination, retaliation and wrongful discharge.
29 years, 500 cases
Involves advice work and litigation in the area of employment discrimination, retaliation and wrongful discharge.
29 years, 1,000 cases
Involves reviewing and drafting agreements, especially employment agreements and non-competition agreements
Languages spoken
English
Michael Love Law PLLC
905 West Riverside Ave., Ste 404
Spokane, WA, 99201
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 1991 | 05/07/2022 |
Legal answers | 5 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
AV Preeminent in Labor and Employment Law and Litigation | Martindale-Hubbell | 2019 |
AV Preeminent in Legal Ability and Ethical Standards | Martindale-Hubbell | 2019 |
AV Preeminent Rated in Legal Ability and Ethical Standards 2016 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2019 |
Best Lawyers in Spokane | Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine | 2019 |
Representing Individuals in Employment Law | Best Lawyers in America | 2019 |
Super Lawyer | Thomson Reuters | 2019 |
Client Choice Award Badge | AVVO | 2014 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Michael Love Law PLLC | 2015 - Present |
Partner | Workland & Witherspoon, PLLC | 2010 - Present |
Partner | Paine Hamblen, LLP | 2001 - 2010 |
Vice Chair - Labor & Employment Law Practice Group | Paine Hamblen, LLP | 2001 - 2010 |
Attorney | Paine Hamblen, LLP | 1993 - 2010 |
Attorney | Layman, Loft Arpin & White | 1993 - 1993 |
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | City of Spokane | 1991 - 1993 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
American Bar Association | Member | 1994 - Present |
Washington State Bar Association | Member | 1991 - Present |
Spokane County Bar Association | Member | 1991 - Present |
U.S. District Court | Member | 1991 - Present |
U.S. District Court of Eastern Washington | Member | 1991 - Present |
Spokane County Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Panel | Member | 2014 - 2014 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Lorman Education Services publication | Employment Recordkeeping Requirements and Effective Documentation in Washington | 2006 |
Lorman Education Services | Employment Recordkeeping Requirements and Effective Documentation in Washington | 2006 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Willamette University | JD - Juris Doctor | 1990 |
Gonzaga University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1987 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Bi-Mart - Pharmacy Managers | What Employees Can Do and What Employers Can't Do | 2014 |
Bi-Mart Corporation Managers Meeting | What Employees Can Do and What Employers Can't Do | 2014 |
Employment Law Seminar | Appropriate Drafting of Non-Competition Agreements | 2013 |
SVZ-USA | Winning Solutions to Employment Law Problems | 2013 |
Skils-Kin Board of Directors and Executives Retreat | Winning Solutions to Employment Law Problems | 2009 |
Spokane County Bar Association | Investigating Workplace Issues | 2009 |
Lorman Education Services | Employment Record Keeping Requirements and Effective Documentation in Washington | 2006 |
Labor Law Conference | How to Prevent Union Organizational Attempts | 1995 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Waite v. Gonzaga University | Defense verdict in favor Gonzaga University |
Martin v. Gonzaga University | Summary Judgment Granted to Gonzaga University, affirmed by the Court of Appeals Division III and the Washington Supreme Court |
Zhu v. ESD 171 | Verdict for Plaintiff on both claims |
Hanson v. Kitsap County | Verdict in favor of Plaintiff on USERRA and WLAD discrimination and retaliation claims. |
Crume v. Bi-Mart Corporation | Prevailed on Motion for Summary Judgment on 5 of 6 employment and common law claims and successfully resolved the other claim in a settlement favorable to client |
Posted by Demarco
August 8, 2020
Posted by Michael
July 26, 2017
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February 15, 2017
Posted by Kammi Mencke Smith
November 22, 2016
Posted by Maureen
December 10, 2014
Posted by Jim
October 16, 2014
Posted by Mike
October 14, 2014
Posted by Louis
October 14, 2014
Posted by Bob
October 14, 2014
Posted by Janet
October 14, 2014
Matthew Mensik, Litigation Attorney on Aug 10, 2020
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Mike is very seasoned, very capable trial attorney. Mike and I have been on the same side in cases, and we have also been on opposing sides in cases. In both instances, Mike proved to be an ethical, fair and tenacious advocate for his client. If you want a fighter, and someone that is not afraid to take a case to trial, hire Mike.
Heather Barden, Employment and labor Attorney on Nov 13, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike is always professional and considerate to all parties. He is very knowledgeable in the area of employment law and has great trial skills. I endorse this attorney.
Matthew Mensik, Litigation Attorney on Aug 10, 2020
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Mike is very seasoned, very capable trial attorney. Mike and I have been on the same side in cases, and we have also been on opposing sides in cases. In both instances, Mike proved to be an ethical, fair and tenacious advocate for his client. If you want a fighter, and someone that is not afraid to take a case to trial, hire Mike.
Heather Barden, Employment and labor Attorney on Nov 13, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike is always professional and considerate to all parties. He is very knowledgeable in the area of employment law and has great trial skills. I endorse this attorney.
Peter Witherspoon, Employment and labor Attorney on Nov 26, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have referred several clients to Mike to represent them in employment and labor law matters and I am continually impressed by his knowledge, ethical standards and ability to effectively communicate with and inform clients about complex employment issues. I highly endorse Mike.
J. Curran, Employment and labor Attorney on Nov 5, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike has a fine analytical mind and is a good communicator.
Nick Pontarolo, Employment and labor Attorney on Nov 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike is a competent and professional lawyer. His depth of knowledge knowledge in the fields of employment and labor law is impressive. I highly endorse Mike's work.
Susan Troppmann, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 30, 2014
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Maurer, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Michael is excellent lawyer and very qualified in the employment/labor practice area.
Kammi Smith, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 22, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. We worked together on the defense of a case. Mike is very knowledgeable on employment law issues, and has great rapport with his clients.
Anita Redline, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 21, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
When I requested a solution to a complex employment case, Michael Love provided a state supreme court case that was on point. He quickly responded to my inquiry with great accuracy, which is the reason I am endorsing Mr. Love.
Troy Nelson, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 21, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Mike. I know him to be diligent and knowledgeable.
Ronald Van Wert, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 16, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike is an accomplished and knowledgeable trial lawyer,especially in the area of employment law.
Michael Franklin, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 16, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike is a tremendously skilled, hard-working and devoted advocate for his clients. He combines a superb knowledge of the law with a common sense approach to achieve exceptional results for his clients. It is a pleasure to endorse this lawyer.
Raymond Clary, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike is an excellent lawyer. He is thoughtful, persuasive, well versed in labor and employment law and committed to his clients.
Michael McMahon, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 14, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I have known Mike Love for over 20 years, and have worked with and against him in legal disputes, including litigation. He is knowledgeable and capable in the field of labor and employment law. I endorse him and his legal skills without hesitation.
Scott Gingras, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 14, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Michael is a fantastic lawyer and a terrific advocate for his clients.
Jessica Allen, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 14, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Mike is a talented litigator, and he provides excellent service to his clients in the areas of labor and employment. I strongly endorse him.
William Buckholdt, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 14, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I am endorsing Mike because of his knowledge and experience in handling labor and employment matters. From counseling clients to litigating a matter, Mike takes a practical approach to meeting his client's objectives.
Ryan Best, Litigation Attorney on Oct 13, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike Love is an excellent litigation lawyer. He has argued and tried many, many matters. His legal knowledge of the employment law is excellent. I have seen him prevail in front of several local Spokane area judges. He had good judgment and character. I highly endorse Michael Love for any litigation or employment litigation matter.
Thomas Jarrard, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 13, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I respect this lawyer. I have worked both with and had to oppose Mike Love in employment law matters. He is consummate professional as a colleague and as the opposition. My first-hand experience is that he performs excellently at trial, he is very resilient under pressure, and sharp in response to the unexpected and unfavorable circumstances. This is a testament to his focus and preparation in that case. An unprepared lawyer does not have the faculties to overcome those obstacles in real time. I look forward to working with Mike again.
Matthew Crotty, Employment and labor Attorney on Oct 13, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known Mike for the past seven years and have worked with Mike litigating various state and federal employment discrimination cases, including the ADA, WLAD, and USERRA. During that time, Mike and I tried an employment discrimination jury trial in federal district court. Mike's leadership during the trial, voir dire, and cross examination of key adverse witnesses was second-to-none. In fact, Mike's cross examination of the defense's strongest witness was devastating. I would recommend Mike for any employment related case, plaintiff or defense.
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