Michael P. Avila

Partner and Co-Chair, Financial Services Group

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Office phone610.230.2179
Office fax610.230.2151

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Overview

Michael Avila is an international employment and trade secrets attorney and Co-Chair of the Financial Services Industry Group. Working with business interests around the globe, Mike routinely litigates and advises on issues surrounding trade secret business information and restrictive covenant agreements. His practice also includes domestic and cross-border employment litigation, counseling, and internal investigations. Further, Mike regularly leverages his counseling and litigation experience to conduct pre-acquisition due diligence and negotiations surrounding human capital matters, in the context of mergers and acquisitions.

Restrictive Covenant Litigation and Competitive Hire Counseling

Secured Temporary Restraining Order, Preliminary Injunction, and successful trial outcome on behalf of global healthcare software client.
Successfully represented insurance brokerage client in dueling cross-border trade secrets and breach of contract actions.
On behalf of global clinical trials client, defeated action for temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction, in connection with the recruitment of key personnel from a competitor.
Drafted and negotiated myriad Key Employee and Executive Employment Agreements in connection with multiple consolidation-focused clients’ acquisitions.
Advised several private equity clients regarding the assignability and sufficiency of target entities’ existing restrictive covenants and Key Employee Agreements.

International Employment Counseling

Following the acquisition of a competitor, assisted global engineering firm in the integration of payroll and employment law compliance practices across multiple EMEA and APAC jurisdictions.
Conducted pre-acquisition diligence regarding target’s global outsourced labor practices and related contractual obligations.
Conducted multiple internal whistleblower and procurement fraud investigations across EMEA and APAC regions for International NGOs.
Successfully resolved wrongful dismissal and breach of employment agreement claims in numerous foreign jurisdictions, including Brazil, Costa Rica, and South Africa.
Negotiated multiple outsourced labor contracts across jurisdictions in Africa, Central America, and Asia.

Domestic Employment Counseling and Litigation

Obtained complete defense award from a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) arbitration panel, on behalf of a national broker-dealer, in a dispute with its former registered representative.
Conducted pre-acquisition diligence regarding Human Resources and Employee Benefits practices for myriad targets on behalf of national veterinary medicine and food safety clients.
On behalf of an infrastructure maintenance client, secured summary dismissal of multiple employment discrimination actions.