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Michael Clarkson

Shareholder   |   Boston

Michael Clarkson is licensed to practice in Massachusetts and regularly appears in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies across the country. In his work with Ogletree Deakins, Michael litigates cases and counsels large and small private for-profit and not-for-profit employers concerning discrimination, harassment, retaliation, non-compete, wage and hour, workplace safety, personnel policy and drug testing issues. A large portion of Michael’s practice is dedicated to leading complex workplace investigations and training legal departments on conducting investigations. Michael also is a member of the Steering Committee of the firm’s Workplace Investigations and Organizational Assessments Practice Group. He has particular experience in drafting drug testing policies and in the complex scientific issues surrounding drug testing. Michael is an active member of Ogletree Deakins’ Workplace Safety and Health Practice Group, regularly negotiating with and litigating against OSHA.

Michael frequently writes on and leads seminars on employment law and human resource issues. He is “Preeminent AV” rated by Martindale-Hubbell (reflecting the highest ethical standards and legal ability) and was named a “Super Lawyer” in Boston Magazine’s 2008-present Massachusetts Super Lawyer editions and a “Rising Star” in the 2005-2007 editions. When asked what sets him apart from other attorneys, a client praised “his responsiveness, his ability to find a subject-matter expert for me immediately, and his understanding of my business.” 

Before joining Ogletree Deakins, Michael was a partner and member of the Management Committee at a Boston-based management-side labor and employment firm. Before moving to Massachusetts, he worked in California as a litigation associate at an insurance defense firm and as a staff attorney for the Environmental Law Foundation. Michael received his undergraduate degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and is currently a member of the ILR School’s Alumni Board of Directors. He received his law degree from University of California, Hastings College of the Law where he represented the University at the National Moot Court Competition and taught “Street Law” at Galileo High School in San Francisco.

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