eeGainesville Employment Law Attorney
Serving Employees and Employers Throughout Florida
Employment law issues are both critical and complex, often involving significant civil rights concerns. These cases carry high stakes for both workers and companies, as they strive to protect their reputations and financial standing.
At Massey & Duffy, PLLC, Attorney Michael O. Massey leads a full-service employment law firm representing both employees and employers. With his J.D. earned with High Honors from the University of Florida College of Law (graduating in the top 10% of his class), he brings sophisticated legal knowledge to every employment case. Our Gainesville employment law attorneys provide experienced and dedicated representation, offering personalized service to each client. We handle cases such as wrongful termination, discrimination, wage disputes, and other labor and employment matters.
Comprehensive Employee Representation
Attorney Massey's judicial clerkship experience with Chief Judge Maurice M. Paul in the U.S. District Court provides him with valuable insight into how federal courts interpret and apply employment laws. We work tirelessly to defend the rights of workers who have been treated unlawfully at their jobs.
Employee Advocacy Services
Drawing on his experience as Senior Research Editor for the Florida Journal of International Law, Attorney Massey provides thorough and strategic representation in cases including:
Whistleblower Claims - Protecting employees who report illegal activities
Race, Disability, and Religious Discrimination - Fighting against prejudicial treatment
Age and Gender Discrimination - Addressing bias based on protected characteristics
Retaliation and Wrongful Termination - Challenging improper employment actions
Unfair Performance Reviews - Contesting biased or discriminatory evaluations
Disciplinary Action Defense - Responding to unwarranted workplace discipline
Sexual Harassment - Addressing hostile work environments and quid pro quo demands
Wage and Hour Disputes - Securing unpaid wages, overtime, and proper classification
Strategic Approach to Employee Cases
Attorney Massey's multiple Book Awards in subjects including Civil Procedure inform his methodical approach to employee representation:
Rights Assessment - Identifying specific legal protections applicable to your situation
Evidence Development - Gathering documentation of discriminatory or unlawful treatment
Administrative Navigation - Filing and managing complaints with appropriate agencies
Negotiation Strategy - Leveraging evidence to seek favorable settlements
Litigation Preparation - Building compelling cases for trial when necessary
Comprehensive Employer Representation
In addition to representing employees, Attorney Massey provides comprehensive legal support to employers. His specialized LL.M. in Taxation and previous experience as an International Tax Senior Consultant at Deloitte & Touche provide him with exceptional analytical skills to address employers' complex legal needs.
Employer Defense and Compliance Services
Regulatory Compliance - Ensuring adherence to state and federal employment laws
Employment Policy Development - Drafting employee manuals and handbooks
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Management - Navigating complex leave requirements
Accommodation Guidance - Implementing disability and religious accommodations
Internal Investigation Support - Conducting thorough employee complaint investigations
Unemployment Proceedings - Representing employer interests in benefit determinations
Contract Development - Crafting employment and severance agreements
Proactive Risk Management Approach
Attorney Massey's construction litigation experience at Vezina, Lawrence, & Piscitelli, P.A. and Moye, O'Brien, O'Rourke, Hogan & Pickert, P.A. developed his skill in identifying and addressing potential legal vulnerabilities:
Liability Assessment - Evaluating workplace practices for potential legal exposure
Policy Audits - Reviewing existing policies for compliance and effectiveness
Management Training - Educating supervisors on legal requirements and best practices
Dispute Resolution Systems - Implementing procedures to address workplace conflicts
Strategic Planning - Developing approaches to challenging employment situations
Disciplinary Action and Performance Review Assistance
If you're facing disciplinary action or a series of negative performance reviews, your job could be at risk. For employees who have never faced discipline or negative reviews, this can be a stressful and confusing time. Attorney Massey's comprehensive legal background allows him to effectively address these precarious situations.
If you believe your employment is in jeopardy, it's important to speak with a lawyer you can trust. At Massey & Duffy, PLLC, we understand the pressure that employees face in these situations. Since establishing the firm in 2003, Attorney Massey has taken the time to listen, understand client circumstances, and work proactively to help save jobs.
Strategic Job Protection Advocacy
As an experienced employment law attorney, Attorney Massey knows that responding to negative feedback from your employer can be challenging. In many cases, following up with your employer and discussing the issue can be helpful. However, if your employer is unwilling to reconsider, the situation may require legal intervention.
Comprehensive Intervention Strategies
Attorney Massey can assist in several ways, including:
Performance Review Analysis - Challenging inaccurate or discriminatory evaluations
Employment History Review - Investigating your record with the company
Disciplinary Basis Examination - Reviewing the validity of disciplinary actions
Strategic Response Development - Crafting effective replies to disciplinary notices
Effective Communication Approach
Attorney Massey frequently helps clients draft professional, strategic letters to employers, outlining their perspective. These communications:
Present the employee's position clearly and persuasively
Identify potential legal issues with the employer's actions
Suggest constructive resolutions to the situation
Document the employee's good faith efforts to address concerns
In some cases, these letters successfully resolve the issue. If the employer threatens termination, Attorney Massey may escalate the matter by filing with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or another relevant agency. He makes it clear that retaliatory actions may lead to liability for the employer.
The Massey & Duffy Employment Law Difference
Whether representing employees or employers, Attorney Massey brings exceptional legal credentials and genuine commitment to each case. His distinctive approach includes:
Client-Centered Representation
Personalized Attention - Taking time to understand unique circumstances
Clear Communication - Explaining complex legal concepts in accessible terms
Strategic Planning - Developing approaches tailored to specific objectives
Regular Updates - Keeping clients informed throughout the legal process
Responsive Service - Being available to address questions and concerns
Sophisticated Legal Analysis
Comprehensive Case Evaluation - Identifying all potential legal claims or defenses
Precedent Analysis - Applying relevant case law to strengthen positions
Risk Assessment - Providing realistic evaluations of potential outcomes
Strategic Options - Presenting clear choices for moving forward
Cost-Benefit Guidance - Helping clients make informed decisions
Contact Attorney Michael Massey at (352) 359-7538 or Massey@352law.com for a consultation about your employment law needs. Whether you're an employee facing workplace issues or an employer seeking guidance, his distinguished educational background and decades of experience provide the foundation for effective representation.