Farrah N.W. Rifelj

Farrah N.W. Rifelj is a partner at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP and serves as chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice Group and leader of its Affirmative Action sub-group. Working from the Madison and Milwaukee offices, she advises employers on workplace compliance, employment counseling, and litigation. Her practice focuses on discrimination, restrictive covenants, trade secrets, and federal contractor requirements, including matters involving the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

Farrah earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2003, where she was elected to the Order of the Coif. She received her B.A. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1999 and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies. Her academic background supports her ability to analyze complex employment laws, develop practical compliance strategies, and represent clients in significant workplace disputes.

Farrah counsels management on affirmative action, disability accommodations, discrimination, harassment, hiring and termination practices, employment contracts, family and medical leave, wage and hour law, unemployment compensation, and noncompetition and non-solicitation agreements. She has litigated employment discrimination, contract, FMLA, wage and hour, dealership, noncompetition, and trade secret matters in state and federal courts. Her experience also includes injunction proceedings, jury trials, summary judgment matters, administrative hearings, policy reviews, and employment agreement drafting.

Farrah N.W. Rifelj has been recognized by Chambers USA for labor and employment law and by Best Lawyers for labor and employment litigation. She was also named to the Wisconsin Law Journal’s Power 30 Employment Lawyers list and received its Women in the Law recognition. Farrah is a regular speaker and writer on employment-related topics and serves on the board of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Madison. Her practical guidance helps employers manage risk, protect business interests, and respond effectively to changing workplace requirements.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
• Member, State Bar of Wisconsin
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Wisconsin

Education

• University of Wisconsin Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Wisconsin – Madison
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)