Michael D. Thomas Named Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Visionary by Los Angeles Times
IRVINE, CA (January 9, 2023) Nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. is pleased to announce Principal Michael D. Thomas has been featured in the Los Angeles Times’ 2022 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility magazine as a DEIA Visionary. The magazine highlights prominent thought leaders in the California business community who prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies within their respective sectors.
“Michael’s longstanding efforts to promote and strengthen DEI policies throughout businesses in California are another affirmation of our commitment to these initiatives as a core value of the firm,” said Alison L. Lynch, Orange County office managing principal. “We congratulate him on this recognition and look forward to his continued advocacy for a more inclusive workforce.”
Michael focuses his practice on defending employers in state and federal wage and hour class actions, litigation brought under the Private Attorney General’s Act, and single plaintiff cases. He frequently defends employers in a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing, retail, restaurant, hospitality, transportation, janitorial services, security services, and the gig economy. He has a record of success obtaining pre-trial dismissals, successful settlements, and defense verdicts.
Michael also conducts customized in-house seminars and training for managers, supervisors, and employees concerning employment compliance, including but not limited to trainings regarding workplace harassment, discrimination and retaliation, wage and hour issues, workplace violence and effective communication in the workplace.
Michael assists companies with the full spectrum of workplace DEI-related issues, including conducting trainings on unconscious bias, micro-aggressions, creating inclusive cultures and behaviors, employee engagement and developing, leveraging and implementing DEI initiatives. He regularly speaks and publishes on DEI-related topics.
“I am honored to be recognized as a DEIA Visionary,” said Michael. “It is incredibly important for businesses to understand how diverse individual experiences and backgrounds can strengthen employee engagement and workplace culture, and I am proud to play a part in encouraging that process.”
Michael earned a Diversity and Inclusion Certification from Cornell University; his MBA from University of California, Berkeley; his JD from Boston College Law School; and his BA from Bucknell University. Additionally, Michael has a yoga certification from the Niroga Institute in Berkeley, California and has studied and published on the role of yoga, mindfulness and meditation on understanding trauma in the workplace. His approach to DEI includes best practices, neuroscience, adult learning, experiential learning, dialogue, body awareness and mindfulness.
Michael’s DEIA Visionary profile is available to view here.
Jackson Lewis’ Orange County office can be reached at (949) 885-1360.
About Jackson Lewis
Focused on labor and employment law since 1958, Jackson Lewis P.C.’s 950+ attorneys located in major cities nationwide consistently identify and respond to new ways workplace law intersects business. We help employers develop proactive strategies, strong policies and business-oriented solutions to cultivate high-functioning workforces that are engaged, stable and diverse, and share our clients' goals to emphasize inclusivity and respect for the contribution of every employee.
Additional information about the firm can be found at jacksonlewis.com.
For more information, please contact:
Lara Hamm, Chief Communications Officer
T: (267) 319-7803 / E: Lara.Hamm@jacksonlewis.com
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