Michael Sullivan has over 20 years of experience representing employers. He regularly advises his clients on wage and hour issues, leaves of absence, discipline and discharges, layoffs, conducting internal investigations, dealing with union activity, workplace safety issues, drug and alcohol testing, and regulatory compliance. His clients include Scripps Health, QUALCOMM Incorporated, AT&T, University of San Diego, California Western School of Law, and Broadcom Corporation.

Mr. Sullivan also has extensive experience litigating employment cases. He has handled over 200 employment cases, including claims for wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, trade secrets violations, discrimination, whistleblowing, sexual harassment and defamation. He has litigated class action lawsuits and claims brought by governmental agencies. He has tried over 20 employment cases before juries, judges and arbitrators.

Mr. Sullivan also provides management training to clients on the full spectrum of employment issues. For example, he has recently trained clients on conducting internal investigations, managing employees, sexual harassment, and proper classification of employees.

Mr. Sullivan has served as an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego School of Law since 1992, teaching Employment Law and Employment Discrimination. He is also a frequent lecturer on employment law issues for industry and human resources groups.

Mr. Sullivan has been selected annually by his peers since 2006 to be included in the Best Lawyers in America and is the Editor-in-Chief of Bender’s California Labor & Employment Bulletin. In 2005, The Daily Transcript named Mr. Sullivan as one of San Diego County’s Top Attorneys in Labor and Employment. In April 2006, Mr. Sullivan was listed by the Recorder as one of the best employment lawyers in California not working at a "mega-firm."  He is also listed in Southern California Super Lawyers listing for 2007 and 2008.  He has achieved Martindale Hubbell’s highest rating (“AV”) for legal ability and General-Ethical Standards.

Mr. Sullivan is admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in California. He has received an "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating provided, based on the confidential opinions of members of the bar and judiciary.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP – Partner
  August, 1998 – Present
• Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich – Partner
  September 1987 – February 1996; June 1997 – July 1998
• Graham & James – Principal
  February 1996 – June 1997

EDUCATION

• University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law
  J.D. 1987
• University of California, Riverside
  B.A. 1984, magna cum laude
• Judson Baptist College
  A.S. 1981, Highest Honors

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS

• Summary judgment for employer on large class action age discrimination lawsuit in federal court
• Summary judgment for employer on high profile whistleblower lawsuit
  Jury trial to defense verdict of claims of disability and gender discrimination arising out of a layoff
• Summary judgment for employer on claims of fraud and breach of contract
• Summary judgment for employer on claims of breach of contract and age discrimination
• Jury trial to defense verdict of claims of national origin discrimination and defamation
• Bench trial to defense verdict of claims for wrongful termination in violation of public policy and retaliation
• Summary judgment for educational institution on claims of breach of contract and negligent misrepresentation
• Summary judgment for employer on stock option claim
• Obtained injunctions on workplace violence claim involving multiple employers
• Advised client to successful conclusion of audit regarding employee/independent contractor issues
• Advised client to successful completion of plant closing
• Successfully defended trade secret case and obtained attorneys’ fees judgment for the client
• Provide sexual harassment training to clients in a variety of industries
• Provide employment law training and update to client’s international human resources staff

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Adjunct Professor, University of San Diego School of Law teaching Employment Law, Employment Discrimination and Labor Law
• Editor-in-Chief, Bender’s California Labor & Employment Bulletin
• Member, San Diego County Bar Association Labor and Employment Section.
• Member, National Association of College and University Attorneys