D Michael Reilly

Practice Areas

Mike Reilly is a nationally recognized management-side employment attorney, named one of the "Top 100 Most Powerful Employment Attorneys in the Nation" by Human Resource Executive. In 2021, peer reviews by Best Lawyers named Mike the "Seattle Lawyer of the Year" for employment-related litigation. Mike has successfully represented employers in more than 75 jury trials, arbitrations, bench trials, and appeals in individual and class action lawsuits involving wrongful discharge, discrimination, retaliation, wage-hour laws, and ERISA in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska.

Mike's strategic advice helps employers create positive workplace cultures focused on collaboration which helps avoid employment claims and litigation. He prepares "best workplace policies and practices" and counsels employers through separations and terminations, lay-offs, and employee performance challenges. Mike advises human resource professionals and in-house counsel on the disability interactive process, religious accommodation, and leave processes. He also conducts investigations for employers, and manages investigations involving misconduct, harassment, and discrimination and provides effective remedial action to avoid litigation. Mike also advises on executive employment agreements, and non-competition and trade secret agreements. He served as lead counsel in a successful employee raiding and trade secret case highlighted in the Wall Street Journal.

Mike also advises higher education administrators and nonprofit governing boards, and serves as Chair of the Gonzaga University Board of Trustees. He also serves as Outside General Counsel for Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences.

Career

Admissions

Washington

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Admitted Pro Hac Vice in a number of other jurisdictions

Professional Memberships

Professional Activities

American College of Labor and Employment Attorneys, Fellow

American Employment Law Council

American Bar Association

Washington State Bar Association

Association of Governing Boards

State of Washington, Gubernatorial Debate Consultant to the Governor

Lane Powell Board of Directors, 2011-2014, 2016