FordHarrison LLP, one of the country’s largest management-side labor and employment law firms, is pleased to announce that Michael G. Prendergast is joining the firm’s Jacksonville office as partner. Mike comes to FordHarrison from Holland & Knight.
“I look forward to being a part of the FordHarrison team. I know they focus heavily on client service and I am ready to contribute to that commitment,” said Mike.
Mike routinely represents employers in employment litigation in state and federal court and before various administrative agencies. Providing preventive advice is a significant focus for Mike, and he assists clients in resolving and avoiding employment law issues by developing practical workplace solutions to comply with the myriad of federal and state employment laws and regulations. He has experience representing clients in a broad range of industries including construction, transportation, shipyards, paper and paper products, automotive, healthcare, food distribution, grocery and beverage. He has advised these clients in issues relating to union avoidance, collective bargaining, arbitration, employment discrimination, sexual and other forms of harassment, disability issues, affirmative action, family and medical leave, minimum wage, overtime and child labor laws, reductions in force (including employee notification requirements), non-compete, confidentiality and trade secret issues, public and private sector whistleblower claims, workplace safety and health, and various work-related constitutional and common law claims.
Mike advises government contractor clients in preparing and updating of affirmative action programs and in responding to Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) desk audits. He regularly conducts training programs to help employers remain union-free and has represented clients before the NLRB and the Florida Public Employee Relations Commission. Mike has represented both private and public sector clients in collective bargaining and has assisted private sector clients in responding to strikes and strike-related violence. Mike has a breadth of experience in occupational safety and health regulations and has represented employers at OSHA inspections and in litigation before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Mike's public sector experience includes defending clients facing equal protection, free speech, due process and political patronage claims and has assisted public officials who were sued in their individual capacities in avoiding liability based on qualified or absolute immunity.
“Mike has a well-seasoned resume and great deal of valuable experience. I couldn’t be more excited to have him on board,” said Amy Turci, office managing partner of FordHarrison’s Jacksonville office.