FordHarrison, one of the country's largest management-side labor and employment law firms, is pleased to announce that
Michelle B. Abidoye of the firm's Los Angeles office has been named Partner, effective January 1, 2015. She has also been appointed the firm's liaison for The FordHarrison School, located in the Prey Veng Province of southeastern Cambodia. Michelle serves as the successor for Kay Wolf, the Orlando-based Partner who spearheaded the initial fundraising initiative to build and equip the school and has served as liaison since its inception. Michelle accompanied Kay to Cambodia in January 2013 to attend the dedication ceremony of the school.
"Michelle's involvement in The FordHarrison School only added to the many contributions she's made to the firm," said Lash Harrison, the firm's Managing Partner. "Naming her partner and the firm's liaison for the school were obvious choices, and we look forward to watching Michelle continue to succeed in her career and in her new roles."
"This year is starting off to be a monumental one for me," said Michelle. "I am elated to be named Partner and I'm honored to serve as the liaison for The FordHarrison School, which has always been a very important and valuable project to me."
FordHarrison began fundraising for The FordHarrison School in August 2012. The firm's lawyers and staff raised more than $85,000 to build and equip the school, with dozens of the firm's attorneys donating an amount equivalent to at least one hour of their billable time and many contributing several times more. With the help of World Assistance for Cambodia, FordHarrison opened the doors of the FordHarrison School five months after kicking off the fundraising effort. Once built, the school has become self-sustaining; as the Cambodian government provides teachers and curriculum. Without the opportunity to attend school every day and no other prospects for the future, children--particularly in poor rural areas--are at risk. If you'd like to learn more about the World Assistance for Cambodia Rural Schools Project, go to
www.cambodiaschools.com.
Michelle concentrates her practice on defending and counseling employers on all aspects of labor and employment law. She represents clients in a variety of industries, but has particular expertise in the aviation, healthcare, and hospitality industries. She serves as the co-chair for FordHarrison's Data Privacy International Practice Group and was honored in 2012 with the Promise Award given for excellence in client service. Her employment litigation experience includes defending against claims for wrongful termination, retaliation, wage and hour, harassment, discrimination, and misappropriation of trade secrets. Her labor experience includes representing clients in grievance resolution and arbitrations. For more information on Michelle, visit
www.fordharrison.com/MichelleAbidoye.