About Me

Attorney Michael Trust

I am Michael Trust, Esq., a California-licensed attorney, and I want to make a positive impact in your organization or in your life. That’s my motivation. My fulfillment comes from successfully resolving your employment-related issue(s).

With decades of experience in all aspects of employment law, including three years as a law clerk and contract attorney in both plaintiff and defense law firms, I bring a deep and balanced understanding to every matter I handle. I founded my own law practice to offer greater flexibility and cost-efficiency when helping clients.

Before becoming an attorney, I spent 35 years in a wide range of human resources roles—rising through management and executive levels. This dual experience—from both the employer’s and employee’s perspectives—gives me a unique insight into how human resources should, and should not, be done. I am passionate about ensuring employees are treated fairly, whether I’m working with an organization or advocating for an individual.

When working with organizational clients, I help ensure compliance, resolve employee issues, handle employee claims, and assist in creating the best possible workplace. When representing individuals, I fight passionately for justice if an employer has treated them unfairly.

Throughout my career in HR, I was deeply involved in employment-related legal matters. It was this exposure that inspired me to pursue law later in life. My work as a law clerk and contract attorney further deepened my legal experience, especially in employment law. I now apply that experience directly in my practice.

My work has included case evaluation, legal research and writing (briefs, motions, complaints, answers, etc.), data analysis, client and opposing counsel communication, and legal strategy development. I have worked on class actions, PAGA claims, wage and hour disputes, misclassification issues, expense reimbursement claims, discrimination and retaliation matters, whistleblower protection, COBRA and benefits disputes, layoffs and RIF claims, and more. Many of these matters also involved stock options/RSUs, hidden assets, bankruptcy, fraud, and “squeeze outs.”

I strongly believe in the responsible use of technology to make legal services more accessible and affordable. I am also a Certified Mediator and bring a mediation-style approach to every issue and negotiation.

I’ve earned the praise of every attorney and insurance adjuster I’ve worked with—both during my HR career and in legal practice. I’m honored that management colleagues, HR professionals, and employees consistently turn to me for help navigating complex employment challenges.

Zealous client advocacy—with integrity and civility—is at the heart of everything I do. I worked my way through college, graduate school, and law school to achieve my dream of practicing law. That same work ethic and tenacity defines how I approach every legal matter I handle.

Personal Interests

In my spare time, I enjoy being a father to my adopted son and daughter, and a husband to my wife, Roxanne. I’m a fan of the NFL, college football, The Lincoln Lawyer, Law & Order (all of them!), The Godfather trilogy, historical documentaries, war and espionage films, crime shows, and the occasional rom-com. I’m also a proud news junkie.

• Attorney, California State Bar
   
• Admitted to practice in all California state courts
   

• Juris Doctor (J.D.), Cum Laude – Abraham Lincoln University School of Law
   
• Master of Public Administration (Management), Summa Cum Laude equivalent – University of Southern California
   
• Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Cum Laude – California State University, Long Beach
   
• Employment Courses – Anderson Graduate School of Management, UCLA
   

• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) – HRCI (Valid through 11/30/2026)
   
• Professional in Human Resources – California (PHRca) – HRCI (Valid through 11/30/2026)
   
• Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) – SHRM (Valid through 12/31/2030)
   
• California Certified Mediator – Under the California Dispute Resolution Act of 1986
   
• Westlaw Certificates – Legal research, writing, AI, and legal tech
   
• Various AI Certifications – Focused on HR/employment and legal technology
   

• The State Bar of California
   
• California Lawyers Association – Labor & Employment Law Sections
   
• Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA) – Labor & Employment, ADR, and Technology Sections
   
• Beverly Hills Bar Association (BHBA) – Labor & Employment Section
   
• South Bay Bar Association (SBBA)
   
• Capital Pro Bono – Employment Attorney (Pro Bono)
   
• California Chamber of Commerce – HR California (CalChamber)
   
• Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)
   

University of Phoenix (2002–2004)
Practitioner Faculty – Taught Employment Law, Supervision, and Human Resources

Roxanne Trust
Roxanne provides legal administrative support and is on track to become an ABA-Certified Paralegal. She assists with client communication, research and writing, data analysis, systems, marketing, and finance. Originally from the Philippines, Roxanne also speaks Tagalog to better support Filipino clients.