The Daily Journal has named Reed Smith partner Michele Haydel Gehrke one of California’s Top Labor & Employment Lawyers for 2020. Gehrke has been included on the list since its inception in 2017.

Related Professionals: Michele Haydel Gehrke

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Gehrke was highlighted for handling a broad spectrum of defense-side labor and employment litigation and counseling, and for her significant experience with the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act, which covers labor law for both airlines and railroads. This past year, Gehrke achieved early dismissals of several cases on motions to dismiss, one of which was upheld by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Throughout her career, Gehrke has successfully defended employers against allegations of harassment, retaliation, discrimination, wrongful termination, whistleblower retaliation, and wage and hour violations.

Gehrke also represents clients on traditional labor matters, including union organizing campaigns, unfair labor practice charges, and during collective bargaining negotiations. In addition, she represents airlines in litigation involving Railway Labor Act disputes.

As part of her counseling practice, Gehrke also frequently advises clients on mitigating risk, performing wage and hour audits, compliance program implementation, and with drafting employment documents and policies.

She is based in the firm’s San Francisco office.