About Michelle

Michelle Bedoya Barnett specializes in representing clients in workplace and professional licensing and credentialing matters, both inside and outside the courtroom.

Areas of Expertise

Trial Practice

Both federal and state court trial experience, representing employers in both single- and multi-plaintiff litigation

Advice and Counsel

Assists clients with day-to-day advice and counsel on matters such as employee hiring, employee discipline and terminations, reductions in force, executive employment issues, wage and hour issues, employment handbooks, policies and training


Provides advice and counsel to clients regarding Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and other federal and state wrongful discharge, tort and contract laws

Educational Institutions

Represents educational institutions in student and faculty grievance issues, matters involving student disabilities and academic accommodations, financial aid compliance under Title IV, accreditation and licensing issues, and complaints arising under the Civil Rights Act (CRA) of 1964, as well as compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965

Litigation of Physician Contracts and Credentialing Issues

Assists health care clients in all aspects of employment, human resources and labor relations, including the negotiation of employment contracts and physician associations by drawing on an in-depth knowledge of general employment laws, particularly those that apply to health care facilities and physicians


Represents health care providers in federal and state courts, as well as in administrative hearings, including employee or physician disciplinary issues, grievances and the hiring or firing of employees

Labor Relations

Represents employers in collective bargaining disputes and contract negotiations, unfair labor practice charges, interpretation of benefit plans and labor arbitrations

International Labor Relations

Uses fluency in Spanish in assisting foreign and domestic clients in handling cross–border issues including compliance with domestic and international laws


Assists foreign and domestic clients with conducting workplace investigations, reviewing employment contracts, handling immigration issues and conducting workplace training


Representation of clients reaches internationally, including contacts with local counsel throughout Latin America and the Caribbean

Workplace Investigations

Conducts workplace investigations including the investigation of claims of harassment and discrimination as well as claims of employee theft

Workplace Training

Facilitates the training of employees and managers throughout the United States on workplace-related matters involving discrimination, harassment and other workplace issues

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Assists clients in issues relating to OSHA compliance, on-site investigations and litigation

Bar Admission and Bar Grievance Process

Assists law students and law school graduates in the application process for admission to the Florida Bar and members of the legal profession in grievance matters and issues of omissions and nondisclosures, financial responsibility issues and prior criminal charges

Previous Experience

Prior to co-founding Alexander DeGance Barnett, Michelle spent six years with the law firm of Holland & Knight. During her time there, she traveled throughout the United States and internationally to represent clients. While at Holland & Knight, Michelle was appointed the National Training Coordinator for the Labor and Employment Section and served on the recruiting committee, as well as the six-member National Diversity Council. Michelle is a frequent and highly sought after presenter at seminars on labor- and employment-related topics.

Honors & Distinctions

• Florida Legal Elite Up & Comer, 2011
• Co-Editor of the 2010 Chamber of Commerce Handbook on Florida Model Policies and Forms for Florida Employers
• OSHA General Industries Certification
• Pro Bono All Star, Holland & Knight, 2007, 2008
• Chief Justice, Vanderbilt Moot Court Board, 2003-2004
• Phi Delta Phi Honor Society
• Vanderbilt Law School Mock Trial Team Member

Memberships

• American Bar Association
• Chester Bedell Inn of Court
• The Florida Bar Association
• Jacksonville Bar Association
• Jacksonville Bar Association Young Lawyers Board of Governors, Officer
• Northeast Florida Hispanic Bar Association
• Vanderbilt Alumni Association

Admissions

• The Florida Bar
• U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida

Education

• Vanderbilt University School of Law, J.D.
• University of Florida, B.S.B.A., with honors, Finance

Community Involvement

• Board of Directors, Girl Scouts Gateway Council
• Board of Directors, Jacksonville Housing Authority
• Leadership Jacksonville

Outside of the Office

Michelle and her husband, Richard, have one son, Rawls. Born and raised in Lake City, Fla., she enjoys traveling, boating and spending time with family and friends.