Michael D. Mitchell

Mr. Mitchell has litigated and tried the following cases on behalf of Defendants:

• In April 2006, Mr. Mitchell was First Chair in Emmy Campbell v. Metropolitan Transit Authority in the Harris County District Court. Plaintiff contended that she was discriminated against and terminated in retaliation for reporting, in good faith, violations of law to the appropriate authorities in violation of Section 554.002 of the Texas Government Code (Whistleblower retaliation case). Directed verdict in Defendant’s favor.
• In March 2008, Mr. Mitchell was First Chair in Yolanda Holden v. Valeron Strength Films in the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant had discriminated against her on the basis of sex and had retaliated against her in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, etc. Directed verdict was on one claim. Jury verdict in Defendant’s favor on 4 others.
• In July 2010, Mr. Mitchell was First Chair in Maria May v. HydroChem Industrial in the Galveston County, Texas District Court. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant had discriminated against her on the basis of sex and subjected her to quid pro quo and hostile work environment sexual harassment in violation of the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act. Jury verdict in Defendant’s favor on all claims.
• In April 2011, Mr. Mitchell was First Chair in Vanessa Martin v. Radio One of Texas in the Harris County, Texas District Court. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant had discriminated against her on the basis of sex when terminating her employment in violation of Texas Commission On Human Rights Act. Jury verdict in Defendant’s favor on both claims.
• In October 2012, Mr. Mitchell was First Chair in Nina Taylor et al. v. Turner Industries in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division. Pseudo-Class action where 46 Plaintiffs alleged that Defendant had discriminated against them on the basis of race and had retaliated against them in violation of both 42 U.S.C. Section 1981 Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, etc. Claims of 10 of the 46 Plaintiffs were tried to a jury. Defense verdict on all claims of 8 of the 10 Plaintiffs. Two Plaintiffs prevailed on the claims.
• In August 2013, Mr. Mitchell was First Chair in Michelle Crevier-Gerukos v. Eisai Inc. in the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas, Houston Division. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant retaliated against her when it fired her in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, etc. Defense verdict.

Education

• J.D., Southern Methodist University School of Law, 1992
• B.A., Economics, Emory University, 1989

Admission to Practice

• Florida
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
• Texas
• U. S. District Court, Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas

• Board Certified – Labor & Employment Law
• American Bar Association (Labor and Employment Section)
• Texas Bar Association (Labor and Employment Section)
• Houston Bar Association
• Houston Management Lawyers Forum

• Corporate Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive – “The Results Are In! Now What?” – Amelia Island – November 14, 2024
• Workplace Strategies Seminar – “Social and Political Expression In (and Outside) the Workplace During A(nother) Divisive Election Year” – Washington, D.C. – May 3, 2024
• Workplace Strategies Seminar – “The Jury Has Reached a Verdict!” – Phoenix – May 4, 2022
• Corporate Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive – “Multistate Mayhem and Compliance Conundrums” – Amelia Island – November 11, 2021
• Workplace Strategies Seminar – “Virtual Reality: The New Litigation Landscape Post-Pandemic” – Austin – June 24, 2021
• Corporate Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive – “Investigations From Afar: Best Practices for Conducting Remote Investigations” – November 11, 2020
• Corporate Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive – “Map Madness: State and Local Law Compliance” – New Orleans – November 14, 2019
• Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar – “Headline News – Key Developments Impacting Employers” – Las Vegas – May 2, 2019
• Corporate Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive – “Complex Leave Challenges: Round 1 – ADA Accommodations” – La Quinta – November 8, 2018
• Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar – “The Employment Law Challenge” – Phoenix – May 10, 2018
• Labor and Employment Counsel Exclusive – “The Employment Law Challenge” – Boca Raton – November 9, 2017
• Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar – “Pardon the Interruption! Workplace Strategies Style” – San Diego – May 5, 2017
• Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar – “In Search of the Truth: Foolproof Interview Techniques for Workplace Investigations” – San Diego – May 3, 2017
• Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar  – “Comfort Dogs, No Nuts, and Odor-Free Workplaces—The Expansion of “Reasonable” Accommodations” – Chicago – May 5, 2016
• Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar – “Deep in the Heart of Texas—Employment Law for Texas Employers” – San Antonio – May 14, 2015
• Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar – “Workplace Harassment Workshop: From Prevention to Litigation Defense” – Las Vegas – May 9, 2014
• Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar – “Retaliation Litigation—The Second Bite At The Apple” – New Orleans – May 8, 2013
• Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar – “It’s 2:35 p.m., Do You Know (Or Care) Where Your Employees Are?” – Phoenix – May 10, 2012
• Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar – “Prove It! Persistent Challenges In Employment Law Evidence” – Chicago – May 12, 2011
• Ogletree Deakins Workplace Strategies Seminar – “EEOC Charges – Effect Response Strategies” – Las Vegas – May 7, 2010

• June 14, 2021 – Texas Lawyer – “COVID-19 Vaccine Ruling Is Good News for Employers, Lawyers Say”
• December 18, 2014 – Texas Lawyer – “Litigator of the Week: Defense Win After Asking Judge for Reconsideration”
• November 16, 2005 – Houston Chronicle – “Ruling Increases Value of Donning and Doffing”

• Acritas Star (2018-present)
• Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®
  • Employment Law – Management (2007-2025)
  • Labor Law – Management (2007-2025)
• Texas Super Lawyer (2003 – 2004, 2007 to present)
• Chambers USA (2016 to present)
• Fellow, College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (2019)
• AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell (2016)