Michael J. Christian

Michael J. Christian is a principal in the Sacramento, California, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He has conducted 17 jury trials, as well as numerous bench or court trials.

Michael’s practice consists of defending employment matters in state and federal courts or in arbitration or administrative proceedings, and providing advice and counsel to clients on all aspects of employment law. He also provides training to private and public sector employees on such topics as harassment and discrimination prevention, complying with family leave and disability laws, and avoiding wrongful termination claims.

Michael began his legal career with an insurance defense and commercial litigation firm. In 1997 he left to become a deputy district attorney for Stanislaus County in Modesto, California. Immediately before joining Jackson Lewis, Michael worked in the Modesto office of another firm where he practiced insurance defense litigation for public and private sector clients. He joined Jackson Lewis in 1999 and became a Partner in the firm in 2004. While attending law school, Michael was a visiting student at the University of San Francisco from 1993 to 1994.

Honors and Recognitions

• Martindale-Hubbell®, "Notable® - Peer Rated for Strong Ethical Standards" (1999-present)
• The Best Lawyers in America©, “Litigation – Labor and Employment” (2025)