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Michael R Trust

Michael R Trust

35+ Years of HR Experience + Law License = Your Advantage
  • Employment Law
  • California
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Biography

I lead Michael Trust Law, APC, with a commitment to delivering exceptional legal representation in employment law to both aggrieved employees and to employers. As a California-licensed attorney, I have spent decades addressing various workplace issues such as discrimination, retaliation, wage and hour disputes, whistleblower claims, and disability issues. I am also well-versed in helping with policies and procedures.

My 35-year career in human resources, combined with my legal skills, provides me with a comprehensive understanding of employment matters from both employer and employee perspectives.

My practice is founded on principles of fairness and achieving results. For employers, I provide compliance strategies, dispute resolution, and guidance to cultivate positive workplace environments. For employees, I am a passionate advocate, fighting for justice in cases of illegal treatment, wrongful termination, or other employment-related matters. As a California Certified Mediator, I employ a collaborative approach to resolving disputes, always keeping my clients’ best interests in focus.

My dedication to innovation and efficiency is clear in my use of technology to streamline legal services. I am also a respected educator, having taught courses in employment law and HR. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching football, and viewing historical documentaries. My commitment to integrity, hard work, and client success has earned me the trust and praise of colleagues, clients, and industry professionals.

Practice Area
Employment Law
Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Contingent Fees
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Some services are hourly when contingent fees are not appropriate.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
California
State Bar of California
ID Number: 356354
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Tagalog: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Special Counsel
Confidential Law Firm (Employment) (part-time)
- Current
Attorney
Michael Trust Law, APC (Employment)
- Current
HR & HR Executive Roles
Various
-
Law Clerk
M.L. Hall Law Group (Employment & General Law) (part-time)
-
Law Clerk
Confidential Law Firm (Employment) (part-time)
-
Bar Certified Law Clerk & Law Clerk
The Hall Law Offices (Employment & General Practice) (part-time)
-
Education
Abraham Lincoln University School of Law
J.D. (2023) | Law
Honors: Cum Laude
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University of Southern California
M.P.A. (1993) | Public Administration (Management)
Honors: Summa Cum Laude equivalent
University of Southern California Logo
California State University - Long Beach
B.A. (1991) | Psychology
Honors: Cum Laude
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Awards
Top Contributor Award
Avvo
5 Star Reviews
Avvo
Client's Choice Award
Avvo
Professional Associations
South Bay Bar Association
Memeber
- Current
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Capital Pro Bono
Pro Bono Employment Attorney
- Current
Activities: Provide pro bono employment services.
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State Bar of California  # 356354
Member
- Current
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Beverly Hills Bar Association
Member
- Current
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California Lawyers Association
Member
- Current
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Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA)
Member
- Current
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Cal Chamber (HR California)
Member
- Current
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Society for Human Resources Management
Member
- Current
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Los Angeles County Bar Association
Student Member
-
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Human Resources Certification Institute - Ambassador Program (HRCI)
Founding Member
-
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National Human Resources Association (NHRA)
Member
-
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Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA)
Member
-
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Alchemizing HR: Your Formula for the New Era (contributor)
Human Resources Certification Institute
First Time Boss: Essential Tools for Your New Leadership Role (co-author)
Shelf-Guides (tm)
Michael Trust Law Blog
Michael Trust Law
Certifications
Society for Human Resources Management - Senior Certified Professional - Human Resources (SHRM-SCP)
Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM)
California Certified Mediator Under the California Dispute Resolution Act of 1986
University of California, Irvine
Professional in Human Resources - California (PHRca)
Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI)
Websites & Blogs
Website
Michael Trust Law
Blog
Michael Trust Law Blog
Legal Answers
19 Questions Answered
Q. Can I sue for unpaid wages and harassment if no complaint filed?
A: Hello. Yes, you're entitled to your final pay, plus any penalties for late payment. Yes, you may have a claim for sexual harassment. Its unclear as to whom you'd make a complaint to, from your question. I suggest that you talk with an employment lawyer. Most of us offer a free consultation. You can find us on this site, under find a lawyet. Good luck.
Q. Can I be terminated due to lack of work in California and am I eligible for severance pay?
A: Hello. Sorry to hear about your layoff. The terms of your contract will govern. If there's no severance provision, then there's no severance unless the organization wants to provide it. There's no legal right to severance, otherwise. If the contract discusses early termination by the employer, and any benefits that come from that, those clauses govern. Ant accrued, but unused vacation/PTO are yours and should be paid at termination. You can file for unemployment. If otherwise determined to be eligible by EDD, they will pay it. Good luck.
Q. Employer write-ups and accusations after pregnancy disclosure
A: Hello. Congratulations on your pregnancy. Absent any other data, it seems as though your employer might be discriminating against you due to your pregnancy by finding reasons to write you up and/or to get you to leave. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. I suggest that you contact an employment lawyer as soon as possible. Most of us offer a free consultation. Most of us also work on contingency for some matters, which means that you don't pay until the case is won/settled. You can find us here under "find a lawyer". Good luck.
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Contact & Map
Michael Trust Law, APC
703 Pier Ave STE B367
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
US
Telephone: (424) 634-9333
Monday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Thursday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM (Today)
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: Saturday/Sunday by appointment.