With 20 years of experience, I. Michael Kessel concentrates on the representation of management in employment-related matters before federal and state courts and administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New Jersey Department on Civil Rights, and the New Jersey Department of Labor. He defends employers in cases alleging sexual, racial and other protected-category harassment and discrimination, wrongful discharge and other common law employment-related causes of action. He also focuses on federal and state employment statutes, such as:

• Title VII
• The Americans with Disabilities Act
• The Family and Medical Leave Act
• The New Jersey Employee Protection Act
• The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination
• The New Jersey Family Leave Act

He has also successfully litigated cases involving enforcement and defense of restrictive covenants.

Additionally, Michael advises employers, often in retail, on a full range of issues, including:

• Compliance with federal and state statutes and regulations
• Development of policies to protect against claims
• Accommodating disabled employees
• Family and medical leave laws
• Wage and hour laws
• Reductions-in-force
• Non-competition and confidentiality agreements
• Preparation of employee handbooks
• Union avoidance

Previously, Michael worked as an attorney at two other firms and served as employment counsel at a major cosmetics company.

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS

• Member, American Bar Association
• Outside Pro Bono Counsel, Rachel Coalition
• Outside Pro Bono Counsel, Partners for Women and Justice