Michael L. Elkins
SHAREHOLDER
Miami
305.789.9213
melkins@fowler-white.com
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Michael Elkins’ practice focuses on the defense of employers against employee claims. He handles the full range of employment disputes arising from Title VII, the Florida Civil Rights Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age and Discrimination Act (ADEA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). An experienced litigator, Michael regularly appears before both state and federal courts, as well as before a variety of administrative agencies, including the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Michael’s strategic approach to litigation has proved advantageous to employers. He works closely with clients to quickly resolve employee-related disputes and dispose of pending claims efficiently.
Michael’s employment litigation background provides him with additional insights when counseling clients on strategies to avoid litigation and to maintain positive relations with employees. He guides employers through such complex issues as statutory compliance, employee discipline and terminations. Michael also conducts training seminars for management and human resource professionals on critical topics including sexual harassment and wage and hour law.
In addition, Michael works with employers to develop and administer human resource policies, as well as to draft and execute non-competition, confidentiality and employment agreements.
Representative Matters
Represented national retailer in an action brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on behalf of 11 plaintiffs regarding claims of national origin discrimination and hostile work environment.
Represented prominent South Florida country club in a multiple plaintiff employment dispute involving national origin and discrimination claims.
Prevented the filing of a multiple plaintiff labor claim against a South Florida athletic club by conducting a thorough examination and providing the appropriate and necessary training to managers.
Developed and presented harassment and discrimination prevention programs for a variety of clients.
In the News
Quoted, “You Can’t Afford to Ignore Background Checks,” MSN Business on Main, July 8, 2009 (PDF, 948KB)
Quoted, “Tracking Employees: Google Latitude Offers Employers a New, Possibly Lower-Cost Option,” Human Resource Executive, February 26, 2009
Quoted, “Redefined Disabilities Act Amendments Take Effect Today,” Miami Today, January 1, 2009
Quoted, “Tension Levels Rise as Recruiters Deliver the Bad News,” Workforce Management, November 2008
Published Works
Author, “Amendments to the ADA and FMLA: New Legislation Equals New Policies for Employers,” Compensation & Benefits Review, July/August 2009
Author, “Cyber Spy: What You Don’t Know About Employees’ Computer Use Could Hurt You,” Winning Bids, Winter 2008/2009 (PDF, 1.01MB)
Professional & Civic Involvement
American Bar Association
Broward County Bar Association
Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce