Michelle Bedoya Barnett

Partner

t: 904.345.3278
e: michelle.barnett@adblegal.com

About Michelle

Michelle, a natural problem solver, has extensive experience representing employers, executives, and educational institutions, both inside and outside the courtroom.

Practice Areas

Trial Practice

Both federal and state court trial experience, representing employers and educational institutions in both single- and multi-plaintiff litigation

Advice and Counsel

Assists clients with day-to-day advice and counsel on matters such as employee hiring, employee discipline and terminations, reductions in force, non-compete agreements, labor relations, executive employment issues, wage and hour issues, employment handbooks, policies and training

Provides advice and counsel to clients regarding Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other federal and state wrongful discharge, tort and contract laws

Educational Institutions

Represents educational institutions in the defense of personal injury claims by students and visitors

Represents educational institutions in student and faculty grievance issues, matters involving student disabilities and academic accommodations, Title IX investigation and compliance, financial aid compliance under Title IV, accreditation and licensing issues, and complaints arising under the Civil Rights Act (CRA) of 1964, as well as compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965

Litigation of Physician Contracts and Credentialing Issues

Assists health care clients in all aspects of employment, human resources and labor relations, including the negotiation of employment contracts and physician associations by drawing on an in-depth knowledge of general employment laws, particularly those that apply to health care facilities and physicians

Represents health care providers in federal and state courts, as well as in administrative hearings, including employee or physician disciplinary issues, grievances and the hiring or firing of employees

International Labor Relations

Uses fluency in Spanish in assisting foreign and domestic clients in handling cross–border issues including compliance with domestic and international laws

Representation of clients reaches internationally, including contacts with local counsel throughout Latin America and the Caribbean

Workplace Investigations and Audits

Conducts workplace investigations including the investigation of claims of harassment and discrimination as well as claims of employee theft

Represents clients in investigations and audits by Federal and State Agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Revenue, Florida Commission on Human Relations and the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission

Workplace Training

Facilitates the training of employees and managers throughout the United States on workplace-related matters involving discrimination, harassment, labor relations and other workplace issues

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Assists clients in issues relating to OSHA compliance, on-site investigations and litigation

Previous Experience

Prior to co-founding Alexander DeGance Barnett, Michelle spent six years with the law firm of Holland & Knight. During her time there, she traveled throughout the United States and internationally to represent clients. While at Holland & Knight, Michelle was appointed the National Training Coordinator for the Labor and Employment Section and served on the recruiting committee, as well as the six-member National Diversity Council.

Honors & Distinctions

AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Recipient of Jacksonville Bar Association Professionalism Award 2018
Best Lawyers in America, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Super Lawyers Rising Star 2016
Super Lawyers 2020, 2021
Leadership Jacksonville, Class of 2012
Florida Legal Elite Up & Comer, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Florida Legal Elite 2020
Co-Editor of the 2010 Chamber of Commerce Handbook on Florida Model Policies and Forms for Florida Employers
OSHA General Industries Certification
Pro Bono All Star, Holland & Knight, 2007, 2008
Chief Justice, Vanderbilt Moot Court Board, 2003-2004
Phi Delta Phi Honor Society
Vanderbilt Law School Mock Trial Team Member

Memberships

Barrister, Chester Bedell Inn of Court
The Florida Bar Association

Admissions

The Florida Bar
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Education

Vanderbilt University School of Law, J.D.
University of Florida, B.S.B.A., with honors, Finance

Community Involvement

Jacksonville Bar Association, Immediate Past President
Jacksonville Aviation Authority, Board Member and Secretary
San Jose Catholic School, Board Member
City of Jacksonville Ethics Commission, past member
Fourth Judicial Circuit Attorney Grievance Review Committee, past member and chair
Fourth Circuit Judicial Nominating Committee, past member and vice chair
Jacksonville Bar Young Lawyers Division, past President
Board of Directors, Girl Scouts Gateway Council, past member
Jacksonville Housing Authority, former Vice Chair and Member Board of Directors
Board Member, The Performers Academy

Outside of the Office

Michelle and her husband, Richard, have three children. Born and raised in Lake City, Florida, she enjoys traveling, boating and spending time with family and friends.