PIHRA Partner Spotlight | Michael Sullivan & Associates LLP

About Michael Sullivan & Associates

Michael Sullivan & Associates delivers comprehensive legal representation grounded in a clear mission: Prevent and Defend. As a trusted partner for California employers, the firm provides strategic counsel to minimize exposure and vigorous defense when claims arise. MS&A attorneys navigate the evolving landscape of workplace law with precision, offering proactive solutions and proven litigation experience. Key areas of expertise include workers’ compensation, employment law, general liability, DWC/OSIP audit consulting, and subrogation. With 10 offices spanning from San Diego to Redding, the firm serves public and private-sector clients of all sizes across the state.

Litigation Defense Services

The Employment Law practice provides focused and effective representation across a wide range of issues, including:

• Wage and hour disputes: Navigating minimum wage, overtime, and meal and rest break compliance.
• Discrimination and harassment: Protecting your business from claims based on protected characteristics and ensuring a safe and inclusive workplace.
• Whistleblower and retaliation claims: Defending against claims of adverse action taken against employees for reporting wrongdoing.
• Wrongful termination: Ensuring legal compliance and protecting your company from wrongful discharge claims.
• PAGA and class actions: Representing employers in complex litigation arising from California’s Private Attorneys General Act.

Advice & Counseling Services

MS&A partners with employers to strengthen workplace practices, reduce exposure, and support day-to-day HR operations through:

• Proactive Compliance Support: We help employers navigate complex labor laws and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, reducing the risk of costly litigation.
• Workplace Investigations: We offer expert counsel on conducting thorough and impartial investigations into workplace complaints, protecting your business from potential liability.
• Risk Mitigation Strategies: We assess your workplace practices and provide actionable strategies to minimize risks related to employee disputes, harassment claims, and disciplinary actions.
• Training & Workshops: We deliver customized training programs to empower your management team with the knowledge to handle employment-related challenges effectively.

End-Of-Year Compliance Audits:

Staying compliant in California’s rapidly shifting regulatory environment requires ongoing attention. As the year comes to a close, it is the ideal time for employers to conduct a comprehensive audit of workplace policies, procedures, and documentation to ensure full compliance with both current and impending legislation. MS&A’s Employment Practices Liability Audits provide a top-to-bottom review, helping organizations identify potential issues, implement needed updates, and strengthen their position in the event of litigation.

Employment Practices Liability Audit Areas of Focus

• Wage/Hour Compliance
• Timekeeping Practices
• Return to Work / Leaves of Absence Management
• Handbooks and Company Policies
• Arbitration Agreements
• Onboarding Documents
• Much More!

Get Ahead with a Beginning-of-the-Year Rollout

Organizations considering policy updates for the new year are encouraged to begin the audit process now. Starting early allows ample time to review findings, implement changes, and roll out updates by the end of January.

How to Get Started

If your organization is interested in a full or partial compliance audit, contact MS&A today to help strengthen your compliance framework, reduce risk, and position your team for a successful year ahead.

Upcoming Ways to Connect with MS&A:

PIHRA California Employment Law Update – January 15 & 22, San Diego & Riverside

• January 15 – San Diego (San Diego Marriott Del Mar)
• January 22 – Riverside (Riverside Convention Center)

Join us for Eric De Wames’ presentation on Leave Laws & Accommodation Practices at 11:00 a.m. during PIHRA’s CELU conferences. This session will break down the overlapping requirements of FEHA, CFRA, FMLA, California Paid Sick Leave, and related laws. Eric De Wames and Tara Fournier will offer practical and legal insights to help employers evaluate requests, communicate effectively with employees and medical providers, and document each step to ensure compliance and compassion.

Following the sessions, join MS&A and Lockton for a hosted happy hour to network and unwind:

• San Diego: Arterra Bar (San Diego Marriott Del Mar)
• Riverside: Location T.B.A.

MS&A will also host an exhibit booth with complimentary HR resources, educational materials, and giveaways.

→ Register for PIHRA’s California Employment Law Update

PIHRA CELU Webinar – January 28 at 11:00 a.m.
From Compliance to Contortion: The Trial Risks Hidden in Your HR Playbook

Senior attorneys Ryan Carlson and Luba Lerner will explore how plaintiffs’ counsel reframes standard HR policies to bolster trial narratives, and what employers can do to anticipate and mitigate those tactics. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to strengthen policies, documentation, and internal practices without creating unintended exposure.

→ Register for PIHRA’s CELU Webinar

PIHRA Cruise – February 22 to 27, Cabo San Lucas

Set sail on Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas for a unique blend of professional development and networking. Eric De Wames will present multiple sessions throughout the week covering key compliance topics and emerging trends in labor law. The registration deadline for this event is December 19th, so sign up today if you’d like to join us!

→ Register for the PIHRA Cruise

SHRM California Legislative & HR Leadership Summit – April 15 to 17, Sacramento

Eric De Wames will lead an informative session and host a guided visit to the Capitol. MS&A will also host an exhibit booth with complimentary HR resources and materials.

→ Register for SHRM California’s Legislative & HR Leadership Summit

CAHR25 – May 11–13, Anaheim

Join us at the 2026 California HR Conference for in-depth learning tailored to California’s unique regulatory challenges. Eric De Wames will present a breakout session, and MS&A will host an exhibit booth featuring free HR tools and resources.

→ Register for PIHRA’s 2026 California HR Conference

Get In Touch

Phone: 310.337.4480
Email: clientrelations@sullivanattorneys.com
Website: www.sullivanattorneys.com
Employment Law Podcast: Employers’ Legal Lounge