Michael E. Brewer

Michael E. Brewer is a partner at Baker McKenzie and serves as both the Global and North American Chair of the firm’s Employment & Compensation Practice. A seasoned trial lawyer, he represents multinational and domestic clients in employment disputes, trade secrets litigation, and class actions. He is widely respected for his ability to step into high-stakes cases and deliver strategic litigation results.

Michael earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1995 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, earned in 1990. His dual foundation in law and the liberal arts supports his clear, persuasive advocacy in complex employment law matters.

Throughout his distinguished career, Michael has defended clients in wage-and-hour class actions, wrongful termination claims, discrimination lawsuits, and trade secret disputes. He frequently represents clients in federal and state courts, arbitration, and before agencies such as the EEOC and U.S. Department of Labor. He also advises companies on ADA compliance, public accommodations law, and emerging employment regulations nationwide.

In addition to trial work, Michael counsels corporate clients on workforce management, litigation prevention, and compliance with California’s labor and transparency laws. His notable representations include defending a national auto parts retailer in a multi-district class action and serving as lead counsel in a five-month wage-and-hour trial for a significant title and escrow company.

Michael E. Brewer is admitted to practice in California and numerous federal district courts across the U.S., including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Super Lawyers and Benchmark Litigation recognize him for his excellence in labor and employment law. A former president of the Contra Costa County Bar Association’s Employment Law Section, he is a leading authority on complex employment litigation and strategic workforce counsel.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Baker & McKenzie LLP
• Member, State Bar of California
• Member, State Bar of California, Labor and Employment Law Section
• Member, Bar Association of San Francisco, Labor and Employment Law Section
• Former President, Contra Costa County Bar Association, Employment Law Section

Licensed State

• California

Education

• University of Colorado School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California at Los Angeles
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges