Michael J. Passarella

Michael drafts and interprets corporate and executive rights and obligations under employment and separation agreements, restrictive covenants, stock options, and other equity-based compensation arrangements. He advises companies, boards of directors, compensation committees, and executives in the context of acquisitions, mergers, restructuring and other transactions, and provides guidance related to union organizing, elections, corporate campaigns, and picketing, as well as advises on and represents employers in collective bargaining negotiations. Clients also call on Michael when they need advice on hiring-related issues, employee discipline, terminations, and many other labor and employment issues that may arise when running a business.

Recognizing the importance of risk avoidance in the first instance, Michael takes a proactive approach. He reviews, revises and drafts employment handbooks and personnel policy, offers guidance on compliance with federal, state and local employment laws and regulations, leads due diligence reviews in transactions and communications, and provides management training in sexual harassment prevention, union and litigation avoidance, leave management, and workplace best practices.  

While Michael’s goal is to achieve a cost-effective path or resolution for his clients, he is also an experienced litigator. He has successfully resolved numerous discrimination, wage and hour, whistleblower, harassment, FMLA/ADA, and wrongful termination claims in federal and state courts throughout the U.S. He also has favorably resolved inquiries and investigations brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New York State Division of Human Rights, the New York City Commission on Human Rights, the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, and prevailed for employers in hearings before the National Labor Relations Board and in arbitrations across the country.

Clients appreciate Michael’s practicality, uncommon depth and breadth of experience, and big-picture perspective. He analyzes issues and develops solutions based on his client’s business challenges, strategy and objectives. Having practiced labor and employment law exclusively for his entire career, Michael has seen and advised on virtually every type of issue in his field, which makes him an attorney of choice for many businesses across industries.

Before joining Olshan, Michael was a principal at Jackson Lewis P.C.