An abiding interest in civil rights has led me to a career of standing up for workers and holding employers accountable to the law. Employment laws in California have the ability to correct violations that, in some cases, workers have endured for years.
Growing up in Southern California, I had a front row seat to both the promise of a growing economy, and the multitude of people that were pushed between the cracks and exploited along the way.
I have witnessed how systems and institutions can disregard or take advantage of the most vulnerable people.
This was reinforced for me during my travels and research in Latin America, where the potential of the law, and inequities in economy and enforcement, can also be glaring. This strengthened my desire to work as a lawyer, realizing the promise of the law one case at a time. It’s that enduring belief in civil rights in the workplace that has led to my life’s work.
I believe that my clients can attest to that.
”“Attorney Michael Velarde represented me in a contentious harassment and discrimination case. During the case, Michael displayed remarkable attention to detail and a strategic approach to building my case. His ability to anticipate challenges and provide proactive solutions was invaluable. Beyond his impressive knowledge, he also showed genuine care for my well-being, making the experience more manageable. His expertise not only reassured me but also equipped me with the information I needed to make informed decisions throughout the process. I felt confident knowing that I had someone with such a deep understanding of the law advocating for me. I am grateful for Michael’s support. His combination of expertise and compassion makes him an outstanding attorney who will fight diligently for his clients.”
- Lorna S.
My background includes experiences as broad as working as a social worker with orphans in Nicaragua, doing graduate research with Non-Governmental Organizations in El Salvador, earning a Master’s degree in Latin American Studies from UC San Diego, and earning my Juris Doctor law degree from USC (where I worked in environmental law and criminal defense, as well as on a scholarly journal).
Ultimately, my career trajectory was complete when I became a full-time litigator, fighting for the rights of employees. It has been an honor to practice on behalf of employees for over twelve years, and I look forward to advocating in the field for decades to come.
California has some of the most robust labor protections in the country, and yet it also has a long history of employment abuses. It’s the job of employment rights lawyers to use those labor protection laws to make sure that the hard-working Californians who keep our state running get the fair treatment they are entitled to.
Whether they’re facing sexual harassment in the workplace, being denied the disability accommodations or medical leaves guaranteed to them by law, or facing retaliation for exercising these rights, or other protected activities, my clients come to me at a time when their lives are being upended. It’s my responsibility and my privilege to stand up for their rights and hold their employers responsible for their actions.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing employers held accountable – not only by being required to do the right thing, but also by paying my clients financial compensation, the language all businesses speak. It’s just as rewarding to know that compensation has helped a client regain stability.
Outside of work, you’ll most likely find me on adventures with my wife and three kids. Whether we’re hiking, camping, or surfing, it’s important to us to appreciate the natural beauty of our state and all that it has to offer.
From large corporations to small business owners, some employers think they can take advantage of people without facing consequences. My goal is to help people find their voice and speak out against the injustices they face in the workplace.
With my knowledge of the law and my ability to use it, my clients can stand up for their rights and win back their dignity.
- USC, Juris Doctor
- UC San Diego, MA in Latin American Studies
- UC Santa Barbara, BA in Psychology and Spanish
- California Employment Lawyers Association
- Super Lawyers Magazine: Super Lawyer 2025
- Super Lawyers Magazine: Rising Star, four times
