team-member

Michael David Early

Walnut Creek, CA

Licensed for 38 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Litigation

Language

English

About

I am an employment and commercial litigation attorney. My employment practice is focused on wrongful termination, sexual harassment and wage and hour counseling and litigation, primarily on behalf of plaintiffs. I have succesfully represented individual employees against the largest banks, manufacturers, airlines, and accounting firms in the country. Unlike most plaintiff's attorneys, I only take a few cases a year. That allows me to spend as much time as necessary to obtain the best possible result for you, whether your case is a multi-million dollar case or a low six figure case.In May 2019, I obtained a $5.375 million settlement of a PAGA action on behalf of employees of a subsidiary of Menzies Aviation. The settlement was the tenth largest labor and employment settlement in California in 2019. Current and former Menzies employees received an average payout of over $625; more than 500 employees received over $1,000 apiece, with dozens of employees receiving awards in excess of $1,600. In addition to my plaintiff contingency fee practice, I also provide hourly fee counseling and litigation expertise to employers and employees on a wide range of wage and hour and wrongful termination issues, as well as on non-competes and trade secret disputes related to employee hirings and terminations.My commercial litigation practice is centered on the representation of real estate developers and commercial property owners in contract disputes, business tort claims and unlawful detainer proceedings.

Practices Areas

Litigation

Employment and labor

Wrongful termination

Language

English

Contact

Klein, Hockel, Iezza & Patel, PC1981 North BroadwaySuite 220Walnut Creek, CA, 94596

Office: (415) 692-3814

Website: N/A

Reviews

Gabbie
March 29, 2022

Michael was extremely helpful throughout our entire case and put my mind at ease so I dealt with minimal stress throughout an extremely stressful situation in my life. Had it not been for his diligence, guidance and incredible communication skills I may not have even proceeded to move forward to defend myself because of the stress and worry I feared taking legal action might bring. I made the right decision and would absolutely love to work with Michael again should I face a similar situation, but hopefully not.

anonymous
July 17, 2020

I consulted with Mr. Early regarding a frivolous harassment charge from a former employee. Mr. Early took the time to listen to the details of my situation and spent a generous amount of time with me explaining the legal aspects of my case in a rather complex area of the law and was able to reassure me that I had a strong case and little to be concerned about ahead of my scheduled mediation date. As a result of our conversation, I entered into the mediation with a renewed sense of confidence which served me well in obtaining a successful outcome. He invited me to call back anytime should I need his services. Not only is Mr. Early an accomplished, highly skilled and distinguished Attorney, he is also a man of great compassion and integrity who truly cares about his clients.

Sara
May 23, 2019

Michael Early was referred to me by a colleague...who couldn't even get a meeting with Michael! He is a fantastic attorney. He has so many years of experience, for both plaintiffs and defendants that he knows the game inside and out. When i began business with Michael in early 2018 I was completely confused. I had been jaded, you could say, by another attorney so i was uneasy but open. Michael did his homework on my case, he understood the processes, walked me through it all, top to bottom, left to right, front to back, i mean he was thorough. he is smart, detailed, and is honest. he told me on a few occasions what it al boiled down too, and he kept it 100% real, even when it was not in his favor. That may have been my favorite quality of Michael as my attorney, he is so detailed and honest and really doesn't let anything get past him. I knew i made the right choice hiring Michael right away - our first phone call was supposed to be an hour... 2 hours phone call. never once did i feel out of the loop, like i didnt know what was going on or confused. He is an attorney who knows his stuff and got the job done... and better than i anticipated it could be done! Bravo, Michael! I can't thank you enough. If you ever have the unfortunate circumstance of having to hire an attorney, Micheal Early comes highly recommended and will not disappoint. he makes the experience as easy as it could be.

John
September 11, 2018

Michael evaluated my employment matter at great length, clearly explaining the various options and probabilities given case law. His advice was excellent and I feel more confident going forward. I'd highly recommend him as someone to discuss your wrongful termination situation with.

anonymous
March 6, 2017

Mr. Early did not take my case. The end result was that he affirmed, I probably have a case. Mr. Early sifted through paragraph after paragraph of a technical analysis, probably fueled by my anxiety of the situation, combined with the taking of copious amounts of doctor-prescribed painkillers. A wrongful termination case in the works has left my sensitive mind messed up. I bombarded the poor man with paragraph after paragraph, it probably more resembled a Hunter S. Thompson novel about his time in the Las Vegas desert, than a legitimate legal issue. But he sifted through it. He kindly declined to take the case because it is too complex and uncertain on it's surface. But the end result, is he assured me this probably looks like a legitimate cause of action for a lawsuit against my employer, a gross violator. He did all this on a Saturday and a Sunday, by the way. Take a day off, Mr. Early.

anonymous
December 2, 2016

Mr. Early was very informative about my topic and even expressed empathy for what I am going through. He spent over 40 min., of his time speaking with me about my matter. After speaking with him, I am hopeful I am on the right path.

Debbie
November 25, 2016

Michael is not just an Amazing Lawyer, but he is actually an Amazing Person. He is not only your Lawyer when is fighting for you but is actually a friend, A counselor who gives you the right suggestions, advice and when you feel so lonely because others have questioned your integrity and work Ethics, Michael Stands by you as a Support System and gives you Strength to fight and make it through the hard times. I am blessed to Know Michael and have him as my attorney. I can't Thank you enough. Thank you Michael.

Alice
September 19, 2016

I have messaged Michael to discuss about vacating a blinding arbitration award. He simply inputted to me that my points did not work for arguments. I appreciate his honesty to think the benefit and interest of client!

anonymous
April 29, 2016

Chances are you probably will not have a chance to look for an employment lawyer, but if you do, Mr. Michael Early is the best in SF Bay Area. He helped me through a legal battle with my ex-employer and got a compensation that I had nothing if I was on my own. He carefully inspected my side of story and analyzed pro and con before we decide to go forward yet he was practical and realistic. If you were wrongfully terminated, talk to Michael, he maybe able to seek some justice for you, satisfaction and peace of mind guaranteed.

RC
April 17, 2015

Micheal Early is a superb lawyer! From the very beginning, I felt confident in selecting Micheal to represent me due to his ample experience in employment law. I greatly appreciated that throughout the duration of my case he kept me updated with any details or developments that would take place. The results that Micheal achieved surpassed my expectations. I received a sense of justice and closure, which made me very fulfilled. As a content client, I truly recommend Micheal Early to anyone who is seeking employment legal assistance. I can ensure you that based on his experience and dedication to his work Micheal Early will be the best lawyer to make your desired outcome happen.

Gabbie
March 29, 2022

Michael was extremely helpful throughout our entire case and put my mind at ease so I dealt with minimal stress throughout an extremely stressful situation in my life. Had it not been for his diligence, guidance and incredible communication skills I may not have even proceeded to move forward to defend myself because of the stress and worry I feared taking legal action might bring. I made the right decision and would absolutely love to work with Michael again should I face a similar situation, but hopefully not.

anonymous
July 17, 2020

I consulted with Mr. Early regarding a frivolous harassment charge from a former employee. Mr. Early took the time to listen to the details of my situation and spent a generous amount of time with me explaining the legal aspects of my case in a rather complex area of the law and was able to reassure me that I had a strong case and little to be concerned about ahead of my scheduled mediation date. As a result of our conversation, I entered into the mediation with a renewed sense of confidence which served me well in obtaining a successful outcome. He invited me to call back anytime should I need his services. Not only is Mr. Early an accomplished, highly skilled and distinguished Attorney, he is also a man of great compassion and integrity who truly cares about his clients.

Sara
May 23, 2019

Michael Early was referred to me by a colleague...who couldn't even get a meeting with Michael! He is a fantastic attorney. He has so many years of experience, for both plaintiffs and defendants that he knows the game inside and out. When i began business with Michael in early 2018 I was completely confused. I had been jaded, you could say, by another attorney so i was uneasy but open. Michael did his homework on my case, he understood the processes, walked me through it all, top to bottom, left to right, front to back, i mean he was thorough. he is smart, detailed, and is honest. he told me on a few occasions what it al boiled down too, and he kept it 100% real, even when it was not in his favor. That may have been my favorite quality of Michael as my attorney, he is so detailed and honest and really doesn't let anything get past him. I knew i made the right choice hiring Michael right away - our first phone call was supposed to be an hour... 2 hours phone call. never once did i feel out of the loop, like i didnt know what was going on or confused. He is an attorney who knows his stuff and got the job done... and better than i anticipated it could be done! Bravo, Michael! I can't thank you enough. If you ever have the unfortunate circumstance of having to hire an attorney, Micheal Early comes highly recommended and will not disappoint. he makes the experience as easy as it could be.

John
September 11, 2018

Michael evaluated my employment matter at great length, clearly explaining the various options and probabilities given case law. His advice was excellent and I feel more confident going forward. I'd highly recommend him as someone to discuss your wrongful termination situation with.

anonymous
March 6, 2017

Mr. Early did not take my case. The end result was that he affirmed, I probably have a case. Mr. Early sifted through paragraph after paragraph of a technical analysis, probably fueled by my anxiety of the situation, combined with the taking of copious amounts of doctor-prescribed painkillers. A wrongful termination case in the works has left my sensitive mind messed up. I bombarded the poor man with paragraph after paragraph, it probably more resembled a Hunter S. Thompson novel about his time in the Las Vegas desert, than a legitimate legal issue. But he sifted through it. He kindly declined to take the case because it is too complex and uncertain on it's surface. But the end result, is he assured me this probably looks like a legitimate cause of action for a lawsuit against my employer, a gross violator. He did all this on a Saturday and a Sunday, by the way. Take a day off, Mr. Early.

anonymous
December 2, 2016

Mr. Early was very informative about my topic and even expressed empathy for what I am going through. He spent over 40 min., of his time speaking with me about my matter. After speaking with him, I am hopeful I am on the right path.

Debbie
November 25, 2016

Michael is not just an Amazing Lawyer, but he is actually an Amazing Person. He is not only your Lawyer when is fighting for you but is actually a friend, A counselor who gives you the right suggestions, advice and when you feel so lonely because others have questioned your integrity and work Ethics, Michael Stands by you as a Support System and gives you Strength to fight and make it through the hard times. I am blessed to Know Michael and have him as my attorney. I can't Thank you enough. Thank you Michael.

Alice
September 19, 2016

I have messaged Michael to discuss about vacating a blinding arbitration award. He simply inputted to me that my points did not work for arguments. I appreciate his honesty to think the benefit and interest of client!

anonymous
April 29, 2016

Chances are you probably will not have a chance to look for an employment lawyer, but if you do, Mr. Michael Early is the best in SF Bay Area. He helped me through a legal battle with my ex-employer and got a compensation that I had nothing if I was on my own. He carefully inspected my side of story and analyzed pro and con before we decide to go forward yet he was practical and realistic. If you were wrongfully terminated, talk to Michael, he maybe able to seek some justice for you, satisfaction and peace of mind guaranteed.

RC
April 17, 2015

Micheal Early is a superb lawyer! From the very beginning, I felt confident in selecting Micheal to represent me due to his ample experience in employment law. I greatly appreciated that throughout the duration of my case he kept me updated with any details or developments that would take place. The results that Micheal achieved surpassed my expectations. I received a sense of justice and closure, which made me very fulfilled. As a content client, I truly recommend Micheal Early to anyone who is seeking employment legal assistance. I can ensure you that based on his experience and dedication to his work Micheal Early will be the best lawyer to make your desired outcome happen.