Free Consultation: (424) 634-9333Tap to Call This Lawyer
Michael R Trust

Michael R Trust Justia Connect Pro Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›

35+ Years of HR Experience + Law License = Your Advantage
  • Employment Law
  • California
Review This Lawyer
Lawyer Rating and Reviews
Legal Knowledge
5.0/5.0
Legal Analysis
5.0/5.0
Communication Skills
5.0/5.0
Ethics and Professionalism
5.0/5.0
Badges
Claimed Lawyer ProfileOffers Video ConferencingQ&ASocial MediaResponsive Law
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
Video Conferencing
  • Zoom
  • Microsoft Teams
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
Placeholder image for jurisdictions.
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
Placeholder image for education.
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
Placeholder image for education.
Awards
Top Contributor Award
Avvo
5 Star Reviews
Avvo
Client's Choice Award
Avvo
Professional Associations
South Bay Bar Association
Memeber
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Capital Pro Bono
Pro Bono Employment Attorney
- Current
Activities: Provide pro bono employment services.
Placeholder image for professional associations.
State Bar of California  # 356354
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Beverly Hills Bar Association
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
California Lawyers Association
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA)
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Cal Chamber (HR California)
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Society for Human Resources Management
Member
- Current
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Student Member
-
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Human Resources Certification Institute - Ambassador Program (HRCI)
Founding Member
-
Placeholder image for professional associations.
National Human Resources Association (NHRA)
Member
-
Placeholder image for professional associations.
Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA)
Member
-
Placeholder image for professional associations.
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
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
33 Questions Answered
Q. Should we be compensated for restrictive on-call shifts with limited activities and no pay unless called?
A: Hello. If your activities are restricted while on call, you're entitled to on call pay. Document every on call shift for which you were not paid. Same for the break between shifts, which also likely triggers split shift pay. You can file a complaint with the DLSE (but they're 2-3 years behind) or if significant enough to be economically viable for you, you can hire an employment attorney. Most of us offer a free consultation. You can find us here on this site. Good luck.
Q. Employer pressured me to resign; experienced verbal abuse, anxiety, and no severance. What actions can I take?
A: Hello,

If you have no documentation, it's going to be difficult to prove your allegations. It's unlikely that you will have friendly witnesses as well. "Bullying" which is largely what you describe here isn't protected legally. You might have a claim, if you can prove it with evidence, of a constructive discharge. You might also have a claim, if you can prove it, of disability discrimination. Any mental health issues are likely covered by workers' compensation (except in some very narrow circumstances), and that statute of limitation clock is ticking, so if that's in fact the case, I suggest that you have a consultation with a workers' comp attorney asap. Severance is not a legal requirement and employer may choose to offer it, but do not have to offer it. Good luck. ... Read More
Q. Legal actions against employee retaliation by lying & reporting at work?
A: Hello. HR is your best solution, even with your concerns. If HR doesn't handle it, then escalate it. There's really no legal issue at this time. Good luck.
View More Answers
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
Thursday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM (Today)
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: Saturday/Sunday by appointment.