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Desktop Image: Goettig, Michael
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Michael Goettig

Partner

T 212.603.6498 New York
I help clients create workplaces where their employees can thrive.
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Mike Goettig knows that making good employment decisions from the outset can pay big dividends in the long run. He helps businesses and tax-exempt organizations at all stages of development lay the right groundwork with their employees to avoid potential problems by developing employee handbooks, drafting detailed employment agreements for key employees, and providing a sound perspective on legal requirements under federal, state, and local law. Mike is a trusted counselor and advocate, committed to resolving disputes expeditiously in the early stages of the process. Mike draws from his experience as a trainer and educator with the Peace Corps to present sometimes esoteric areas of law with clarity and precision, in his ongoing client counseling as well as in more formal presentation settings.

When litigation arises, Mike derives great satisfaction from presenting the best argument to be made on a client's behalf. He has a wealth of experience advocating for clients before courts and administrative agencies on matters ranging from single-plaintiff discrimination suits to class and collective wage-and-hour actions.

Practice Highlights

Tax-exempt organizations

Provided employment-related counsel to organizations working in a variety of spaces, including early childhood education, environmental conservation, and intercultural exchange. Work has included wage-and-hour litigation, internal investigations, and advice on legal and regulatory compliance.

Media and performing arts

Defended major broadcast and cable entities in state and federal litigation against a variety of claims, including class and collective actions concerning internship programs as well as single-plaintiff allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Defended publishing house against claim of discriminatory failure to publish manuscript. Provided ongoing counseling and advice to on- and off-Broadway venues specializing in theater, film, and music.

Early-stage companies

Frequent speaker at accelerators and incubators providing guidance to founders on employment law basics. Provided counsel to new and emerging businesses in sectors ranging from graphic design to fashion, and from fintech to food.

Admitted to Practice

  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York

Education

  • J.D., Columbia Law School
    • Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar
    • Recipient, Parker School of International and Comparative Law Certificate
    • Editor in Chief, Journal of Asian Law
  • B.A., University of Minnesota, with distinction

Memberships & Affiliations

    • Human Rights Intern (China), Humans Rights Watch
    • Summer Intern, ABA Asia Law Initiative
    • Partner, Speakeasy Bar (China)
    • Volunteer, Technical Trainer and Training Coordinator, Peace Corps (China)

Professional Recognition

    • Selected to "New York Rising Stars," Thomson Reuters, 2013-2017

Background

    • Associate, Vedder Price P.C., New York, N.Y., 2007-2015
Searching...
05.08.25
Presentations
Panelist, "The Elephant in the Room: What You Need to Know About the Trump Administration 2.0's Impact on Your Workplace," New York Employment and Labor Law Seminar, Davis Wright Tremaine
05.08.25
Presentations
Presenter, "Misclassification Mayhem: Navigating the Wild World of Worker Status Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Wallet)," New York Employment and Labor Law Seminar, Davis Wright Tremaine
05.08.25
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Presenter, "The Tri-State Tango: Employment Law's Latest Moves," New York Employment and Labor Law Seminar, Davis Wright Tremaine
05.16.24
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Panelist, "Quick-Fire Challenge, Master Lawyer Edition: FTC Noncompete Final Rule, New Salary Basis Test, EEOC Harassment Guidance, and New York Update," Labor & Employment Law Update for New York-Area Clients 2024, Convene, New York
05.16.24
Presentations
Presenters, "'You Can't Say That at Work!' (or Can You?): Employee Speech and Lawful Off-Duty Conduct," Labor & Employment Law Update for New York-Area Clients 2024, Convene, New York
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