Michael R. Watts

Michael Watts is Of Counsel in the Los Angeles office of Jackson Lewis P.C. He represents management in traditional labor proceedings and employment litigation, with a particular focus on arbitrations, union elections and unfair labor practice charges. Michael also advises and trains clients on workplace violence and safety issues and workplace violence prevention plans.

A current U.S. Army Judge Advocate and former U.S. Secret Service Special Agent, Michael focuses on understanding clients’ missions and goals and identifying the best path to shared success.

Michael has represented clients in large health care organizations, trucking companies, and entertainment and hospitality chains during union representation proceedings and unfair labor practice charges. He has also defended clients during harassment and disability, age, and other discrimination suits.

Michael has developed and conducted training courses in workplace safety for more than 15 years. During these courses, he puts a legal lens on safety and violence preparedness and presents both the employment law, as well as the employee relations points of view.

A Lt. Col. in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Michael serves as the deputy commander of a legal unit and formerly served as the chief prosecutor for the second largest unit in the United States Army Reserve.

During his years as a Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service, Michael participated in numerous bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering investigations, and developed significant expertise in asset forfeiture and money laundering investigations. As a protective agent, he participated in protective operations for the President, the Vice President, presidential candidates, and foreign dignitaries.

While an active duty supervisory attorney in the U.S. Army, Michael oversaw all legal operations for a large unit at the 101st Airborne Division.

Michael began his legal career as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army where he investigated and prosecuted violent and white collar crimes, including a high-profile attempted murder case. He also taught hundreds of classes on the law of armed conflict, rules of engagement, and the use of force.

While attending law school, Michael participated in the Public Defender’s Externship and the Mediation Clinic.

An avid language learner, Michael speaks German and French and has studied Russian and Spanish. 

Speeches

• “Workplace Violence Prevention Planning Webinar,” Employer Advisory Council of Orange County (April 2024) (presenter)
• “Strategic Analysis to Developing an Effective Workplace Violence Prevention Plan,” PIHRA Gateway Cities (Cerritos, CA, November 2023) (presenter)

Published Works

• “Cemex Construction Materials: Is the Future of Union Organizing in the Cards?” California Labor and Employment Law Review (Nov. 2023) [Co-Author]