Morgan Lewis

Michael J. Puma

Partner

Michael J. Puma focuses on complex labor and employment litigation, particularly wage and hour class and collective actions, and noncompete and trade secrets litigation throughout the United States. He has litigated more than 50 wage and hour class and collective actions, including in the retail, entertainment, financial services, insurance, food, and telecommunications industries. He also regularly counsels clients on wage and hour compliance, protecting their trade secrets, and day-to-day employment issues. Michael is the labor and employment practice leader for the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offices.

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    Extended Profile

    In addition to litigation, Michael conducts comprehensive internal wage and hour audits to assist clients in properly classifying employees as exempt or nonexempt, avoid off-the-clock liability, and ensure compliance with meal and rest, wage payment, and other US federal and state law obligations. In particular, as one of the leaders of the firm’s cross-practice independent contractor initiative, Michael counsels clients on avoiding contractor misclassification and joint and coemployment liability. He also helps them manage legal risks and financial and employee relations issues associated with reclassification projects. He represents clients in US and state Department of Labor (DOL) audits.

    For several years, Michael has taught a course at the University of Pennsylvania Law School on litigating employment class and collective actions.

    Education

    • The George Washington University Law School, 1999, J.D.
    • Boston University, 1996, B.S.

    Admissions

    • Pennsylvania
    • New York

    Awards and Affiliations

    Recognized, Litigation – Labor and Employment, Philadelphia, The Best Lawyers in America (2020)

    Member, Practice Group of the Year, Labor & Employment, Law360 (2017)

    Labor & Employment Star, Northeast, Benchmark Labor & Employment (2018)

    Recommended, Labor and employment - Labor and employment litigation disputes (including collective actions) - defense, The Legal 500 US (2018)

    Recommended, Labor and employment: Workplace and employment counseling, The Legal 500 US (2018)

    Recognized, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2013–2014)

    Rising Star, Labor and Employment Law by Law360 (2013)

    Lawyers on the Fast Track, The Legal Intelligencer (2013)

    Lecturer, "Litigating Employment Class and Collective Actions," University of Pennsylvania Law School (2010–2014)

    Rising Star, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers (2006, 2008, 2011, 2012)

    Member, Labor and Employment Section, American Bar Association

    Member, Federal Labor Standards Legislation Committee, American Bar Association

    First Judicial District Pro Bono Honor Roll

    Anti-Defamation League, Daniel R. Ginsberg Leadership Award (2010)

    American Bar Association Leadership Development Program (2011)

     

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