Michelle N. Michael

Associate

    Michelle is a member of the Professional Liability Department. She focuses her practice on employment law and represents employers in the defense of matters involving allegations of discrimination based upon age, gender, race, and disability, as well as “whistle blowing” claims. Michelle also handles matters involving civil rights and discrimination claims in both federal and state courts.

    In 2013, Michelle graduated summa cum laude from Rider University, earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology, with minors in Legal Studies and Political Communications. In May 2017, she earned her juris doctor degree from Rutgers Law School.

    During law school, Michelle served as the Lead Research & Writing/Communications Editor of the Rutgers Journal of Law and Religion. Michelle was also semi-finalist in the Rutgers Law School Hunter Moot Court Appellate Advocacy Competition, and served as a board member of the program during her final year of law school. Additionally, Michelle competed in the Jeffrey G. Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, serving as captain of her team. Michelle also participated in the Rutgers Law School Civil Practice Clinic.

    Prior to joining Marshall Dennehey, Michelle clerked for the Honorable Richard J. Geiger of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division. Michelle also served as an intern to the Honorable Peter G. Sheridan, United States District Court Judge for the District of New Jersey, during law school.

    Michelle is a lifelong equestrian. During college, she served as the Captain of her university’s Equestrian Team, where she competed in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association events in the Hunt Seat Equitation division. Today, Michelle enjoys training off-the-track thoroughbreds, and competes in the hunter and jumper disciplines. She competed in the 2021 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover Competition at the Kentucky Horse Park in the show hunter and show jumper disciplines. Through her 25 years of equestrian experience, Michelle has developed a deep understanding of the industry and has formed relationships with equine industry professionals.

    Published Works

    "Can Employers Require Employees to Get a Vaccine, Once Approved?", The Legal Intelligencer, Employment Law Supplement, October 27, 2020

    "A Case Law Update on the Status of Obesity as a Disability Under the NJLAD -- Dickson v. Community Bus Lines, Inc.", New Jersey Labor & Employment Law, a publication of the New Jersey State Bar Association, December 2019 

    Admissions
    New Jersey
    2018
    U.S. District Court of New Jersey
    2018
    Education
    Rutgers School of Law (J.D., 2017)
    Rider University (B.A., summa cum laude, 2013)
    Year joined
    2018