Michael J. O'Connor, Jr.

Michael J. O’Connor Jr. represents businesses and employers throughout the region in class action defense, regulatory compliance, collective actions, commercial proceedings, and claims ranging from alleged wrongful termination to employee mobility-related disputes. In addition to assisting clients with litigation and pre-litigation advice and counseling, Mr. O’Connor handles a variety of transactional matters, including contract review, negotiation, and implementation.

Mr. O’Connor serves numerous clients in the sports and entertainment industries and has represented athletes, entertainers, coaches, teams, universities, bowl games, and related associations with matters related to sponsorship, marketing and licensing efforts, governance, compliance, investigations and grievances, risk management, and dispute resolution.

Honors & Recognitions

Mr. O’Connor has been recognized as a San Diego Super Lawyer in the area of Employment Litigation: Defense every year since 2013.

• Successfully opposed motion to certify class of over 500 non-exempt employees’ claims against agricultural industry client for alleged rest period violations, resulting in denial of class certification. Then obtained summary judgment on Plaintiff’s individual claims, resulting in dismissal of action, with prejudice. (San Diego County Superior Court)
• Successfully opposed motion to certify class of over 600 non-exempt employees’ claims against restaurant client for alleged meal and rest period violations, resulting in denial of class certification. Then obtained summary judgment on Plaintiff’s individual claims, resulting in dismissal of action, with prejudice. (Los Angeles County Superior Court)
• Forced dismissal of all class and PAGA claims against hospitality client, then resolved individual claims for nominal amount. (Kings County Superior Court)
• Obtained judgment on the pleadings as to all claims against shipping and logistics client in PAGA action, with the exception of a Labor Code 2802 claim, then forced resolution of remaining claim on an individual basis. (San Joaquin County Superior Court)
• Prevailed at Labor Commissioner hearing, securing a decision for employer client denying claims by former sales representative for unpaid wages (commissions) and waiting time penalties. (Stockton)
• Obtained summary judgment on Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) complaint against employment recruiting and staffing client for alleged deficient wage statements based on Plaintiff’s failure to exhaust administrative remedies as required by PAGA, resulting in dismissal of case and seven-figure damages claims. (Riverside County Superior Court)
• Obtained dismissal of class and representative PAGA claims against shipping and logistics client involving meal period, rest period, and overtime claims. (San Diego County)
• Prevailed on demurrer eliminating all class claims against petroleum industry client in wage and hour class action for missed meal and rest periods. (San Diego County Superior Court)
• Obtained full defense verdict for corporate healthcare client after two week jury trial involving claims of sexual harassment and wrongful termination. (San Diego County Superior Court)
• Prevailed on motion for summary judgment on behalf of corporate healthcare client in arbitration disposing of entire case, which consisted of 10 causes of action including wrongful termination, retaliation for taking a medical leave and reporting violations of wage and hour laws, disability and age-related discrimination, hostile work environment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. (Orange County)
• Prevailed in three-day arbitration disposing of entire case against corporate healthcare client, which consisted of multiple causes of action for gender, pregnancy/disability discrimination, failure to accommodate. (San Diego County)

Practice Areas

Community & Professional

• San Diego Bowl Game Association, Executive Committee Member
• Football Bowl Association, Outside Counsel
• Past Chair and Committee Member, Annual San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl Youth Football Clinic