Michael C. Wenzel is a partner of the firm. Mr. Wenzel's practice is focused on the defense of public entities, including cities, counties, school and community college districts, in the areas of employment and civil rights defense. He regularly represents public entities and their employees in cases alleging employment discrimination and wrongful termination, and police departments in cases alleging excessive force, false arrest and related civil rights claims. Mr. Wenzel represents public entities in administrative hearings and provides advice and counsel to clients on issues ranging from student records to employee discipline. In addition, Mr. Wenzel represents clients in commercial litigation and general contract matters, including contract negotiation on behalf of private and public entities.
Mr. Wenzel earned his B.A. degree in History and Economics from Syracuse University in 1992 and his Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers University – Camden School of Law in 1995. Mr. Wenzel was awarded with Dean's List honors and served as a member of the Hunter Advanced Moot Court Board in law school. Mr. Wenzel served as an intern to the Honorable Joseph E. Irenas of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Edward R. Schwartz of the Superior Court of New Jersey. Mr. Wenzel is certified by the State of New Jersey as a mediator.
Mr. Wenzel practiced civil litigation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for five years before his admission to the California Bar in 2001. His practice extends to all state and federal Courts in California, and he is admitted to practice in California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, Northern and Eastern Districts of California and the District of New Jersey.
Mr. Wenzel has briefed and argued cases in the California Court of Appeal and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal. He recently argued the matter of Gordon v. City of Oakland before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal, in which the Ninth Circuit ruled that a public entities training reimbursement program for safety employees did not violate the minimum wage standards of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The decision ratified the right of public entities throughout California to utilize training reimbursement programs for public safety employees.
