Michelle M. Donarski

Michelle M. Donarski is a Fargo attorney at ABST Law with more than 25 years of experience representing businesses and employers. Her practice includes labor and employment law, corporate and contract matters, agricultural law, commercial transactions, and litigation. Michelle advises employers on workplace policies, hiring, termination, employee leave, wage requirements, retaliation, and discrimination claims. She also handles administrative proceedings and helps organizations evaluate risks arising from employment decisions and business operations.

Michelle earned a B.S. from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 1990 and a Juris Doctor with Distinction from the University of North Dakota in 1995. Her legal education laid the groundwork for work involving regulations, evidence, and business relationships. She began her career in private practice in Fargo before joining ABST Law in 2000. Her experience in litigation and business counseling supports both preventive advice and representation when disputes arise.

Michelle advises clients on FMLA, FLSA, OSHA, workers’ compensation, workforce safety, ADA, Title VII, whistleblower and retaliation claims, and confidentiality and noncompetition agreements. She assists with employment contracts, internal investigations, policy reviews, and responses to Department of Labor and EEOC complaints. She has also represented farmers in federal crop insurance arbitrations and appeals before the United States Department of Agriculture. Her work includes training employers on compliance and workplace practices.

Michelle M. Donarski has received recognition from Great Plains Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and Chambers USA for employment and commercial litigation work. She has lectured frequently on employment law and previously served as a municipal judge in West Fargo. Her practice combines employer counseling, training, administrative matters, and courtroom representation. She helps organizations respond to existing disputes while working to reduce avoidable legal problems through sound workplace decisions.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, ABST Law
• Member, State Bar Association of North Dakota
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Municipal Judge, City of West Fargo, North Dakota (2005-2022)
• Alternate Municipal Judge, City of Fargo, North Dakota (2013-2015)
• Past Board President, Fargo Cass Board of Health
• Past Board President, Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Dakota
• Volunteer Leader, Hope Lutheran Church (2009-2015)
• Past Member, City of Fargo Civil Service Commission
• Member, Sanford Women’s Metro Council (2013 – Present)
• Member, GoFar Woman Race Committee
• Member, Churches United for the Homeless

Licensed State

• North Dakota
• Minnesota

Education

• University of North Dakota
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Minnesota State University Moorhead
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges