Michael Padgett

Mike Padgett is a Principal in the Indianapolis, Indiana office of Jackson Lewis P.C. His practice covers a broad range of employment laws, as well as traditional labor matters. Mike’s diverse career background provides a strong base for his practice. After his undergraduate education at Purdue University, Mike was employed as a mechanical engineer in a manufacturing environment. Following law school, Mike learned the ropes of the regulatory environment when he entered Indiana state government, rising through the ranks to serve as Chief of Staff to the Indiana Secretary of State, an Executive Assistant to the Governor of Indiana, and Chief Counsel to the Indiana Department of Labor. True to his engineering background, Mike brings a practical approach to client matters. Whether it’s offering day-to-day advice on workplace issues or handling contentious litigation in federal court, Mike remains focused on providing guidance that resolves client issues in a direct, pragmatic and efficient manner. Mike believes a 15-minute phone call is more valuable than a 15-page memo. Mike’s litigation experience includes defending discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims across the spectrum of federal and state employment laws, wage and hour claims (including class and collective actions) and non-compete litigation. Mike also has extensive experience before administrative agencies that govern the workplace, including the EEOC, NLRB, state and federal Departments of Labor, OSHA, and local fair employment practices commissions. Mike also has broad experience in traditional labor matters, including negotiating collective bargaining agreements, grievance arbitrations, and unfair labor practice charges. Mike served as lead labor counsel for the owner in negotiating the project labor agreement governing the construction of a new NFL football stadium in Indianapolis. In his free time, Mike enjoys time with his family, including playing fiddle in an extended-family band focused on traditional and contemporary Irish folk music.