Michael F. Hughes

Mike is a partner in the firm's Labor & Employment Service Group, where he represents employers in a broad range of labor relations, employment litigation, and counseling matters. He has dedicated his career to advising employers across a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, food service, and other businesses. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Mike provides practical, business-focused counsel that helps employers navigate complex workplace and workforce management issues while achieving their organizational objectives.

Mike's practice places a particular emphasis on traditional labor relations. He has extensive experience representing employers before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in unfair labor practice and representation proceedings. He regularly advises clients on labor-management relations, union organizing campaigns, and related workplace issues, helping employers develop practical strategies that advance their operational and business objectives.

Mike has served as lead negotiator and advisor in negotiations for initial and successor collective bargaining agreements and has substantial experience representing employers in grievance and arbitration proceedings. His labor relations experience enables him to guide employers through all aspects of the collective bargaining process while balancing legal, operational, and economic considerations. Mike also represents employers in ERISA litigation, including the defense of delinquent contribution, withdrawal liability, and other claims brought by multi-employer pension and benefit plans.

In addition, Mike represents employers in a wide range of employment disputes and litigation matters. He has extensive experience defending claims involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation under federal and state laws, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). He also regularly defends employers in wage and hour disputes under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and comparable state laws, including class and collective actions. Additionally, he represents employers in disputes involving restrictive covenants and trade secret protection, including actions seeking temporary and permanent injunctive relief.

Beyond litigation, Mike serves as a trusted advisor to employers on workforce management and state and federal employment law compliance. He counsels clients on hiring, discipline, termination, workplace investigations, employee accommodations, and I-9 and E-Verify requirements, and helps develop policies and procedures that reduce risk and support effective operations.