Michael Ferrell

I provide clients skilled, practical counseling on labor and employment matters to best achieve their business and litigation objectives. In doing so, I assists clients in identifying risks in the context of business decisions to minimize unnecessary exposure and be in the best position for a successful outcome in the event of litigation or a labor dispute. I am a skilled advocate who represents employers before federal and state courts, administrative agencies, and private arbitrators, including in employment discrimination claims, wage-hour claims, employment contract disputes, the interpretation of collective bargaining agreements, and matters involving the National Labor Relations Act. I have extensive traditional labor experience - successfully representing employers in collective bargaining negotiations, contract arbitrations, union organizing campaigns, decertification proceedings, unfair labor practice proceedings, corporate campaigns, strikes, and picketing disputes. I also regularly counsels employers regarding employment issues, including hiring, firing, and discipline-related decisions; wage-hour compliance; disability accommodation; enforceability of non-compete /non-solicitation agreements; and reductions in force. My practice extends nationwide and includes employers in the manufacturing, retail, health care, financial services, petroleum refining, and transportation industries. Representative clients include McDonald's, Cardinal Health, The Kraft Heinz Company, Bridgestone Americas, General Cable, CITGO Petroleum, Legal & General Investment Management America, and Bulkmatic Transport Company. My pro bono work includes negotiating collective bargaining agreements for the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center and the Grant Park Orchestral Association, representing veterans before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and representing asylum applicants in Immigration Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals.