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Michael R Trust

Michael R Trust

35+ Years of HR Experience + Law License = Your Advantage
  • Employment Law
  • California
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Biography

I lead Michael Trust Law, APC, with a commitment to delivering exceptional legal representation in employment law to both aggrieved employees and to employers. As a California-licensed attorney, I have spent decades addressing various workplace issues such as discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour disputes, whistleblower claims, and disability issues. I am also well-versed in helping with policies and procedures.

My 35-year career in human resources, combined with my legal skills, provides me with a comprehensive understanding of employment matters from both employer and employee perspectives.

My practice is founded on principles of fairness and achieving results. For employers, I provide compliance strategies, dispute resolution, and guidance to cultivate positive workplace environments. For employees, I am a passionate advocate, fighting for justice in cases of illegal treatment, wrongful termination, or other employment-related matters. As a California Certified Mediator, I employ a collaborative approach to resolving disputes, always keeping my clients’ best interests in focus.

My dedication to innovation and efficiency is clear in my use of technology to streamline legal services. I am also a respected educator, having taught courses in employment law and HR. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching football, and viewing historical documentaries. My commitment to integrity, hard work, and client success has earned me the trust and praise of colleagues, clients, and industry professionals.

Practice Area
Employment Law
Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Contingent Fees
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Some services are hourly when contingent fees are not appropriate.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
State Bar of California
ID Number: 356354
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Tagalog: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Special Counsel
Confidential Law Firm (Employment) (part-time)
- Current
Attorney
Michael Trust Law, APC (Employment)
- Current
HR & HR Executive Roles
Various
-
Law Clerk
M.L. Hall Law Group (Employment & General Law) (part-time)
-
Law Clerk
Confidential Law Firm (Employment) (part-time)
-
Bar Certified Law Clerk & Law Clerk
The Hall Law Offices (Employment & General Practice) (part-time)
-
Education
Abraham Lincoln University School of Law
J.D. (2023) | Law
Honors: Cum Laude
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University of Southern California
M.P.A. (1993) | Public Administration (Management)
Honors: Summa Cum Laude equivalent
University of Southern California Logo
California State University - Long Beach
B.A. (1991) | Psychology
Honors: Cum Laude
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Awards
Top Contributor Award
Avvo
5 Star Reviews
Avvo
Client's Choice Award
Avvo
Professional Associations
South Bay Bar Association
Memeber
- Current
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Capital Pro Bono
Pro Bono Employment Attorney
- Current
Activities: Provide pro bono employment services.
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State Bar of California  # 356354
Member
- Current
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Beverly Hills Bar Association
Member
- Current
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California Lawyers Association
Member
- Current
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Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA)
Member
- Current
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Cal Chamber (HR California)
Member
- Current
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Society for Human Resources Management
Member
- Current
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Los Angeles County Bar Association
Student Member
-
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Human Resources Certification Institute - Ambassador Program (HRCI)
Founding Member
-
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National Human Resources Association (NHRA)
Member
-
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Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA)
Member
-
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Alchemizing HR: Your Formula for the New Era (contributor)
Human Resources Certification Institute
First Time Boss: Essential Tools for Your New Leadership Role (co-author)
Shelf-Guides (tm)
Michael Trust Law Blog
Michael Trust Law
Speaking Engagements
Employment Law Essentials: Onboarding, Offboarding, and Everything In-Between, PRG Friday Coffee, Irvine, CA
PRG
Certifications
Society for Human Resources Management - Senior Certified Professional - Human Resources (SHRM-SCP)
Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)
California Certified Mediator Under the California Dispute Resolution Act of 1986
University of California, Irvine
Professional in Human Resources - California (PHRca)
Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)
Websites & Blogs
Website
Michael Trust Law
Blog
Michael Trust Law Blog
Legal Answers
67 Questions Answered
Q. Can boss text PHI to personal phone, against policy?
A: Hello. Report this to your organizations ethics or compliance officer as a possible violation of HIPAA. Insofar as using your own phone, you should be reimbursed for that work-related expense. If you haven't been, consider talking with HR or Payroll about that. For one text, I wouldn't worry about it, but if it's an ongoing issue, this is a reimbursable item under the Labor Code. Good luck.
Q. Defending against ex-employee's legal demand after NDA breach and termination.
A: Hello. She has a right (and with her authorization, her attorney on her behalf) to a full and complete copy of her personnel and payroll files. See Labor Code Sections 226 and 1198.5. It may be nothing; if you did everything correctly, you probably have nothing to worry about.
Q. Am I obligated to sign an attestation for data deletion and return nonprofit property after whistleblowing?
A: Hello. It's pretty standard in policies and procedures, and in any resignation or termination that the departing employee attest that they have retained nothing, and to go back through their records, and delete anything they may have in their personal files. I don't see anything wrong with this request. If you filed a lawsuit, or had an arbitration, or mediation, you can keep whatever documents you used for that process; absent that, I know of no law that would allow you to keep the organization's files without their permission. I don't think you're going to be compensated for searching for and deleting files; however, I could see an argument that it's part of your job. Are you still an employee? If so, I'd have them compensate you. If not, I think it's a harder case to make, but there may be a case to make. Legal counsel should absolutely review anything you're being asked to sign. I suggest you engage with an employment attorney. You can find us on here. Good luck. ... Read More
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Contact & Map
Michael Trust Law, APC
703 Pier Ave STE B367
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
US
Telephone: (424) 634-9333
Monday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 6 PM (Today)
Thursday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: Saturday/Sunday by appointment.