Michelle, a natural problem solver, has extensive experience representing employers, executives, and educational institutions, both inside and outside the courtroom.
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 healthcare 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.
Litigates claims brought pursuant to medical leave laws and conducts seminars and workshops to educate organizations on how to avoid potential claims.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Assists clients in issues relating to OSHA compliance, on-site investigations and litigation.
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.
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.
