Introduction
My focus
I represent clients in all types and through all phases of employment litigation, including wage-and-hour class and collective actions, individual discrimination matters, retirement plan issues, employment contracts, and whistleblower actions. Having spent a number of years representing individuals, I bring a unique perspective to the table on factors that could motivate employees to bring a lawsuit. I strive to use that perspective to head off issues before they result in litigation.
Additionally, I counsel and litigate on a wide variety of other employment matters, including discrimination, sexual harassment, Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and breach-of-contract claims.
Looking ahead
With the recent prevalence of remote work, the time is ripe for employers to revisit and refine their policies related to employees that work remotely, including recoding and monitoring working hours and productivity. The resurgence of union organizing activity also presents employers with an opportunity to reflect on their own employee relations and whether there are affirmative steps they want to take to improve or build on those relations.
/Insights
- “Update on Employment Law,” National Employment Lawyers Association Upstate Conference (Speaker)
- “Legal Issues in Employee Privacy,” National Business Institute (Speaker)
- “Arbitration of Claims Arising Out of Employment,” National Business Institute (Speaker)
- American Association of Workplace Investigators Conference (Speaker)
In the news
- Law360
Fitness companies can arbitrate health specialist’s wage claim
July 10, 2025This article covers a federal judge’s ruling that Exos Human Capital LLC and its MediFit Community Services LLC subsidiary can compel arbitration in a proposed class action wage dispute brought by a former employee. Labor & Employment partner Kim Harding, leader of the firm’s Labor Relations team, and counsel Mike Lingle, both of Rochester, are mentioned in the coverage for representing Exos and MediFit.
- Bloomberg Law
Paychex 401(k) distribution snafu governed by ERISA, judge says
March 6, 2025The following article covers a New York federal judge’s order granting Paychex’s motion to dismiss a 401(k) participant’s lawsuit alleging Paychex is liable for a stolen rollover distribution the company would only mail via paper checks. NP is mentioned in the coverage for representing Paychex. The NP team includes Rochester Labor & Employment partner Steve Jones, and counsel Todd Shinaman and Mike Lingle.
- Law360
Paychex wins initial toss of worker's rollover theft suit
March 6, 2025The following article covers a New York federal judge’s order granting Paychex’s motion to dismiss a 401(k) participant’s lawsuit alleging Paychex is liable for a stolen rollover distribution the company would only mail via paper checks. NP is mentioned in the coverage for representing Paychex. The NP team includes Rochester Labor & Employment partner Steve Jones, and counsel Todd Shinaman and Mike Lingle.
- Rochester Business Journal
US Department of Labor proposal would significantly increase salary thresholds for exempt employees
Sep 29, 2023Labor & Employment counsel Mike Lingle of Rochester and Chris Stevens of Albany co-wrote this article covering a US Department of Labor proposal that would increase salary thresholds for exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act and discussing areas where employers should remain mindful.
- Law360
Corning gets ex-market consultant’s bias suit dismissed
July 18, 2023This article covers a federal judge dismissing a former Corning Inc. worker’s race and gender discrimination suit because the worker failed to identify a solid comparator to show she was subjected to discrimination. The article mentions partner Steve Jones, co-leader of the Wage & Hour Compliance and Litigation team, and counsel Mike Lingle, both of the Labor & Employment practice in Rochester, for representing Corning in the case.
- Rochester Business Journal
Employers should prepare for upcoming employment law developments
Jan 13, 2023Rochester Labor & Employment counsel Mike Lingle contributed this article on developments in New York State employment law and new policies that employers should be aware of in the new year.
Admitted to practice
New York
U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
U.S. District Court, Western District of New York
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
Education
Cornell University, B.S.
Harvard Law School, J.D.
Recognition
- Recognized as New York “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers magazine (2014–2015)
- Recognized by New York Super Lawyers magazine (2016–present)
Insights And Happenings
View AllProfessionals in the Practice Area
View AllJeffrey B. Gilbreth
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Labor & Employment- Boston
- Office:+1 617.345.1371
- jgilbreth@nixonpeabody.com
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Eric Paley
Partner / Team Leader, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation- Rochester
- Office:+1 585.263.1012
- epaley@nixonpeabody.com
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