Michael J. DePonte

Michael J. DePonte is a principal and the office litigation manager of the Dallas, Texas, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He is Board Certified in both Labor and Employment Law and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Of the approximately 90,000 attorneys that are licensed in the State of Texas, only 29 are Board Certified in both of these areas.

Michael has extensive litigation and trial background having tried numerous cases in state and federal courts in Texas. Michael’s practice focuses on the litigation of employment claims, wage and hour claims and collective actions, class actions, and civil rights claims under state and federal law. Michael has defended national and regional employers on a broad range of employment-related issues including class actions. He has represented employers before numerous federal and state agencies, and has handled trials and appeals in federal and state courts.

Michael also provides his clients with general advice and counseling on a broad range of employment and labor issues, prepares and presents training seminars to clients, and has prepared materials for and presented lectures at multiple employment law seminars and human resources workshops.

Following his completion of law school, Michael accepted a position as an attorney with a private firm in the United States Virgin Islands where he is licensed to practice in the territorial and federal courts. Upon returning to the states, he accepted a position as an assistant attorney general for the State of Texas in the Law Enforcement Defense Division where he represented state law enforcement agencies and officials in civil rights and employment litigation and appeals. Michael has successfully tried and arbitrated numerous cases and represented clients at all levels from administrative investigations and proceedings to the United States Supreme Court.

Honors and Recognitions

• Martindale-Hubbell®, “Distinguished® - Peer Rated for High Professional Achievement” (2008-present)
• Texas Super Lawyers®, “Rising Stars” (2009) and “Super Lawyers” (2019-present)