I lead Michael Trust Law, APC, with a commitment to delivering exceptional legal representation in employment law to both aggrieved employees and to employers. As a California-licensed attorney, I have spent decades addressing various workplace issues such as discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour disputes, whistleblower claims, and disability issues. I am also well-versed in helping with policies and procedures.
My 35-year career in human resources, combined with my legal skills, provides me with a comprehensive understanding of employment matters from both employer and employee perspectives.
My practice is founded on principles of fairness and achieving results. For employers, I provide compliance strategies, dispute resolution, and guidance to cultivate positive workplace environments. For employees, I am a passionate advocate, fighting for justice in cases of illegal treatment, wrongful termination, or other employment-related matters. As a California Certified Mediator, I employ a collaborative approach to resolving disputes, always keeping my clients’ best interests in focus.
My dedication to innovation and efficiency is clear in my use of technology to streamline legal services. I am also a respected educator, having taught courses in employment law and HR. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching football, and viewing historical documentaries. My commitment to integrity, hard work, and client success has earned me the trust and praise of colleagues, clients, and industry professionals.
- Employment Law
- Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
- Free Consultation
- Credit Cards Accepted
- Contingent Fees
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Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
Some services are hourly when contingent fees are not appropriate.
- California
- State Bar of California
- ID Number: 356354
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- English: Spoken, Written
- Tagalog: Spoken, Written
- Special Counsel
- Confidential Law Firm (Employment) (part-time)
- - Current
- Attorney
- Michael Trust Law, APC (Employment)
- - Current
- HR & HR Executive Roles
- Various
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- Law Clerk
- M.L. Hall Law Group (Employment & General Law) (part-time)
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- Law Clerk
- Confidential Law Firm (Employment) (part-time)
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- Bar Certified Law Clerk & Law Clerk
- The Hall Law Offices (Employment & General Practice) (part-time)
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- Abraham Lincoln University School of Law
- J.D. (2023) | Law
- Honors: Cum Laude
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- University of Southern California
- M.P.A. (1993) | Public Administration (Management)
- Honors: Summa Cum Laude equivalent
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- California State University - Long Beach
- B.A. (1991) | Psychology
- Honors: Cum Laude
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- Top Contributor Award
- Avvo
- 5 Star Reviews
- Avvo
- Client's Choice Award
- Avvo
- South Bay Bar Association
- Memeber
- - Current
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- Capital Pro Bono
- Pro Bono Employment Attorney
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- Activities: Provide pro bono employment services.
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- State Bar of California # 356354
- Member
- - Current
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- Beverly Hills Bar Association
- Member
- - Current
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- California Lawyers Association
- Member
- - Current
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- Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA)
- Member
- - Current
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- Cal Chamber (HR California)
- Member
- - Current
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- Society for Human Resources Management
- Member
- - Current
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- Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Student Member
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- Human Resources Certification Institute - Ambassador Program (HRCI)
- Founding Member
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- National Human Resources Association (NHRA)
- Member
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- Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA)
- Member
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- Alchemizing HR: Your Formula for the New Era (contributor)
- Human Resources Certification Institute
- Michael Trust Law Blog
- Michael Trust Law
- Society for Human Resources Management - Senior Certified Professional - Human Resources (SHRM-SCP)
- Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)
- California Certified Mediator Under the California Dispute Resolution Act of 1986
- University of California, Irvine
- Professional in Human Resources - California (PHRca)
- Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)
- Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
- Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)
- Q. Employer reduced shifts, hired younger bartender, possible age discrimination?
- A: Hello. It could, but only after a month, it would be hard to prove on these facts alone. Age discrimination is notoriously hard to prove. Your damages thus far are not likely to warrant legal action in that the economics of it don't make sense. Age discrimination only applies to people who are 40 or older, so that's the first criteria. If you suspect this behavior may continue, then I suggest that you start documenting each negative encounter that might (or does) show age discrimination: comments, texts, etc. Document who else heard it, what time it was, what you were doing, what prompted the comment (or text, etc.). I'd then approach the employer with your concerns as a formal ... Read More
- Q. Should I complete I-9 and W-4 forms for brief job if receiving unemployment?
- A: Hello. They can't legally pay you without them. Complete them and send them back. Yes, you'll report the dollar value of the three hours of work for the week in which the work was performed on your EDD claim form. You might see a slight reduction in that week's benefit to offset the pay; otherwise, it shouldn't affect pay. However, EDD may question why you started a job and didn't stay in terms of eligibility for continued benefits. Good luck.
- Q. Is my former employer legally allowed to request access to my personal USB device after leaving the company?
- A: Hello. You've said here that there were work files on the device, so the company has a legitimate concern about what else you might have. I'd ask them if they'd take a Declaration from you that you have deleted everything you had (assuming that's true). You no longer work there, so there really isn't much they can do, unless they either 1) ask the police to investigate and file charges for the theft of the files, which will likely include cyber charges (which are very serious); 2) sue to you see what you have (unlikely unless you have files of significant importance. They can also give you a bad reference, and if you're licensed, they can report you to your licensing ... Read More
