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Michelle Anderson bio photo

Michelle I. Anderson

Partner


New Orleans/Tampa

t:504.529.3839/813.769.7500

f:504.529.3850/813.769.7501

Email

Service Focus

  • Litigation and Trials
  • Counseling and Advice
  • Wage and Hour
  • Employee Leaves and Accommodations

Industry Focus

  • Energy
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Overview
Recent Experience
Credentials
Recognitions
Affiliations
Insights

Overview

With unique training and more than 25 years of experience in executive management, workforce development, and employment law litigation, Michelle Anderson helps businesses anticipate and solve practical and legal challenges in the workplace by defending against various claims and assisting with compliance practices and procedures.

Michelle defends employers against claimed violations involving unlawful discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, retaliation, breach of contract, leave and disability, wage and hour, unfair labor practices, and public accommodations and workplace safety laws. To help clients comply with applicable laws and regulations, she advises on multi-state employee handbooks, employment applications, policies, and procedures; workplace investigations; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) matters; human resource management and systems; supervisor training; diversity and inclusion; criminal background checks; record retention, as well as Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state wage and hour audits. Michelle is also an integral member of the Firm’s Wage and Hour, and Leaves and Accommodations practice groups.

Before law school, Michelle had a successful career in workforce development, operating and managing employment and training programs for a private non-profit corporation under contracts from federal, state, and local governments. Among many others, these programs supported individuals with disabilities, those lacking a GED or high school diploma, and those on public assistance. Michelle routinely works with human resources professionals and business leaders to assess risk, improve working conditions and manage legal compliance and frequently speaks on these topics, sharing her expertise at conferences, seminars, and panel discussions.

Recent Experience

Experience

  • Jury verdict in favor of franchisor and franchisee in religious discrimination case alleging failure to accommodate a sincerely held religious belief governing appearance.
  • Jury verdict in favor of auto dealership and owner in race discrimination and intentional torts (received prior partial summary judgment on gender discrimination and retaliation claims before trial).
  • Arbitration win in favor of manufacturing client in wrongful termination claim in violation of the collective bargaining agreement.
  • Summary judgment in favor of employer in ERISA case for manufacturing client, affirmed by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeal.
  • Summary judgment in favor of employer in an age discrimination case for manufacturing client, affirmed by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeal.
  • Two summary judgments in favor of dental practice employer and individual defendant alleging race and gender discrimination, breach of contract and other intentional torts. Also prevailed on a third summary judgment for the employer on a breach of contract claim against the plaintiff, resulting in a monetary judgment in favor of the company.
  • Summary judgment in favor of employer in a race discrimination case for manufacturing client.
  • Partial summary judgment (claim preclusion for failure to disclose lawsuit in bankruptcy proceedings) in favor of employer in a race discrimination case for manufacturing client.
  • Summary judgment in favor of employer in a race discrimination case for leasing client.
  • Dismissal (failure to state a claim) in favor of employer in whistleblower claim for aviation client.
  • Dismissal (failure to state a claim) in favor of employer in wrongful termination claim for manufacturing client.
  • Dismissal (statute of limitations) in favor of employer in unemployment benefits claim for medical client.
  • Dismissal (statute of limitations) in favor of employer in unemployment benefits claim for security client.
  • Dismissal (failure to state a claim) in favor employer in breach of contract claim for insurance client.

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., 2007, Loyola University New Orleans School of Law
  • B.A., 1995, Washington State University

Bar Admissions

  • Florida
  • Louisiana

Court Admissions

  • Florida Supreme Court
  • Louisiana Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana

Recognitions

  • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America (2021-2025)
  • Chambers USA, Labor & Employment (2022-2024)
  • Featured in Lawline’s Top Women Faculty of 2021
  • Recommended as a leading practitioner for Labor and Employment Disputes: Defense by The Legal 500 United States (2021)
  • Ones to Watch, New Orleans City Business (2017)
  • Recognized in Louisiana Super Lawyers: Rising Star (2013-2016)
  • Kappa Delta Sorority: Order of the Emerald (2009)
  • Who’s Who Historical Society: Who’s Who of Professional Management (2003)

Affiliations

Professional Activities

  • Member of the National Association Women Business Owners - New Orleans Chapter
  • General labor counsel for the Louisiana Restaurant Association
  • Member of the American Bar Association
  • Member of the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
  • Member of the New Orleans Human Resources Management Association
  • Contributing author to the Florida Chamber of Commerce Employment Law Manual since 2008
  • Contributing author to the Fisher Phillips’ Employment Laws in the State of Louisiana publication since 2009

Community Activities

  • President of the Kappa Delta Sorority New Orleans Alumnae Association
  • Hogs for the Cause, Team Volunteer
  • Member of the Kappa Delta Sorority New Orleans Alumnae Association and a former chapter advisor and National Officer
  • Serves on the Teaching Kitchen Committee at the Rosa Keller Library and Community Center in the Broadmoor community
  • Member of the Krewe of Muses

Insights

  • Insights

    04/23/25

    Don’t Get the Ick! How to Prepare for New State Sick Leave Requirements in 2025

    Michelle I. Anderson, Jenna B. Rubin

    Read more 

  • News

    03/26/25

    New York Law Journal Recaps Michelle Anderson’s Discussion at LegalWeek

    Michelle I. Anderson

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  • Insights

    06/25/24

    Louisiana Dismantles Concealed Carry Requirements: Key Employer Takeaways and 4 Steps You Can Take to Create a Safer Workplace

    Michelle I. Anderson

    Read more 

  • News

    06/10/24

    Fisher Phillips Earns Top Rankings Again as a Leading Firm in Labor and Employment Law by Chambers USA

    Edwin G. Foulke Jr., Andrew J. Sommer, Travis Vance, Kristin R.B. White, Danielle Hultenius Moore, Jocelyn Campanaro, Micah Dawson, Todd A. Fredrickson, Angelica M. Ochoa, Steven M. Bernstein, Suzanne K. Bogdan, Charles S. Caulkins, Christine E. Howard, Jeffrey E. Mandel, Cathy M. Stutin, Michael P. Elkon, Shanon R. Stevenson, Terri R. Stewart, Laurel K. Cornell, Raymond C. Haley III, Emily N. Litzinger, Todd B. Logsdon, Craig P. Siegenthaler, Megan Reese U'Sellis, Michelle I. Anderson, Edward F. Harold, Timothy H. Scott, David W. Erb, Daniel E. Farrington, Joseph W. Ambash, William E. Altman, Gregory V. Murray, Barbara Jean D’Aquila, Steven R. Cupp, Gregory D. Ballew, J. Randall Coffey, James R. Holland II, Brian J. Finucane, Melody L. Rayl, David B. Dornak, Scott M. Mahoney, Mark J. Ricciardi, Kathleen McLeod Caminiti, Rosemary S. Gousman, Michael R. Marra, David Klass, Richard A. Millisor, Clarence M. Belnavis, Todd A. Lyon, Michael P. Avila, Nan Sato, Christopher P. Stief, William D. Wright, Michael D. Carrouth, C. F. W. Manning II, Stephen C. Mitchell, J. Hagood Tighe, David S. Jones, Greg Grisham, Jeff Weintraub, Stephen J. Roppolo, Teresa Valderrama, Theresa M. Connolly, Davis C. Bae, Ralph Hua, Radhika Mehta, Suzanne Kelly Michael

    Read more 

  • Event

    05/07/24

    Mid-Year Pulse Check: Is Your Workplace Thriving or Simply Surviving: Tampa

    Brett P. Owens, Michelle I. Anderson, Marisol Ruiz, LaKisha M. Kinsey-Sallis, Lisa A. McGlynn

    Read more 

  • Insights

    08/04/23

    Workplace Law Update: 22 Essential Items on Your August To-Do List

    Emily Alvarez, David E. Amaya, Michelle I. Anderson, Amanda M. Blair, Ted Boehm, Suzanne K. Bogdan, Jennifer B. Carroll, J. Micah Dickie, Anet Drapalski, Benjamin M. Ebbink, Jason A. Fischbein, Ilanit Fischler, Lonnie D. Giamela, Rosemary S. Gousman, Darcey M. Groden, Marty Heller, Melissa Huether, Jang Hyuk Im, Megan L. Janes, Usama Kahf, Nicole Kamm, Anne Yarovoy Khan, Sarah Leon, Courtney Leyes, Emily N. Litzinger, Todd A. Lyon, Richard R. Meneghello, R. Henry Moore, Joshua D. Nadreau, Alden J. Parker, Christopher G. Peterson, Erin Price, Monica Snyder Perl, Nan Sato, Landon R. Schwob, Evan Shenkman, Shanon R. Stevenson, Sharon Suh, Hannah Sweiss, Spencer W. Waldron, David J. Walton, Sheila M. Abron, Arthur M. Wolfson

    Read more 

  • Insights

    08/01/23

    Genetic Testing and Cancer Screening Leave Laws Take Effect in Louisiana: What Employers Need to Know

    Michelle I. Anderson

    Read more 

  • News

    06/06/23

    Fisher Phillips Once Again Recognized as a Top Labor and Employment Law Firm by Chambers USA

    Edwin G. Foulke Jr., Andrew J. Sommer, Travis Vance, Kristin R.B. White, Danielle Hultenius Moore, Jocelyn Campanaro, Micah Dawson, Todd A. Fredrickson, Angelica M. Ochoa, Steven M. Bernstein, Suzanne K. Bogdan, Charles S. Caulkins, Christine E. Howard, Jeffrey E. Mandel, Cathy M. Stutin, Shanon R. Stevenson, Laurel K. Cornell, Raymond C. Haley III, Emily N. Litzinger, Todd B. Logsdon, Craig P. Siegenthaler, Megan Reese U'Sellis, Michelle I. Anderson, Edward F. Harold, Timothy H. Scott, David W. Erb, Daniel E. Farrington, Joseph W. Ambash, William E. Altman, Gregory V. Murray, Steven R. Cupp, Gregory D. Ballew, J. Randall Coffey, James R. Holland II, Brian J. Finucane, David B. Dornak, Scott M. Mahoney, Mark J. Ricciardi, Kathleen McLeod Caminiti, Rosemary S. Gousman, Michael R. Marra, Richard A. Millisor, Clarence M. Belnavis, Todd A. Lyon, Nan Sato, Christopher P. Stief, William D. Wright, Michael D. Carrouth, C. F. W. Manning II, Stephen C. Mitchell, J. Hagood Tighe, David S. Jones, Jeff Weintraub, Arthur V. Lambert, Stephen J. Roppolo, Teresa Valderrama, Theresa M. Connolly, Davis C. Bae, Ralph Hua, Radhika Mehta, Suzanne Kelly Michael, Barbara Jean D’Aquila

    Read more 

  • Event

    03/08/23

    2023 Breakfast Briefing: How Not to Spend Time with a Lawyer

    Michelle I. Anderson

    Read more 

  • Event

    11/02/22

    The North Florida Employment Litigation Boom: Don’t Become a Target

    Michelle I. Anderson

    Read more 

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