Michael Sullivan

Practical, deeply experienced trial counsel for employment disputes

Michael Sullivan is an experienced trial lawyer and has represented employers for over 35 years. His clients include leading companies in the education (primary, secondary and higher), technology, retail and health care sectors. A fellow of the prestigious College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, Mike focuses on:

• Employment litigation
• Employment law counseling
• Higher education litigation and counseling

Mike excels at addressing the practical considerations facing clients as he develops litigation strategies, and he delivers creative solutions aligned with their business objectives.

Mike was a co-founder of Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton LLP, which combined with Quarles in 2023.

• Litigating employment cases, including claims for wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, trade secrets violations, discrimination, whistleblowing, sexual harassment and defamation. Mike has handled over 500 employment cases.
• Litigating class action lawsuits and claims brought by governmental agencies.
• Serving as lead trial counsel. Mike has tried over 40 employment cases before juries, judges and arbitrators.
• Advising employers on a full range of employment and workplace issues, including wage and hour issues, leaves of absence, discipline and discharges, layoffs, conducting internal investigations, dealing with union activity, workplace safety issues and regulatory compliance.
• Providing training to client management teams on the full spectrum of employment issues, including conducting internal investigations, managing employees, sexual harassment and proper classification of employees.

• Defense verdict in first-of-its-kind jury trial on fraud claims against law school.
• Achieved dismissal of wrongful termination lawsuit for public school.
• Achieved summary judgment for university in breach of contract and defamation lawsuit.
• Achieved dismissal of Title VII lawsuits for a university and a public school.
• Defeated class certification of multiple educational fraud cases.
• Obtained anti-SLAPP judgment and fee award in defamation case.
• Achieved dismissal of education fraud claims against educational institution.
• Jury trial to defense verdict in national origin and race discrimination claims.
• Jury trial to defense verdict of claims of sexual harassment, failure to prevent harassment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
• Jury trial to defense verdict of Title VII discrimination claim based on national origin and/or gender relating to the termination of plaintiff’s employment.
• Achieved judgment for defendant in $12 million ERISA arbitration for defense contractor.