Michelle B. Ferguson

A preventative approach to Employment Law.

Michelle B. Ferguson leads Ireland Stapleton’s Employment Law Practice group. In her practice, she focuses on finding ways to keep employers out of court by being proactive in identifying and solving employment issues before a claim is filed. Michelle counsels employers and governmental entities on all matters of employment law and day-to-day personnel issues and represents her clients in all types of administrative claims and works with the firm’s litigators on any employment litigation that is filed in court.

Working with employers across Colorado with varying numbers of employees, Michelle conducts anti-discrimination training, drafts employment agreements and policies, drafts non-disclosure and other employment-related contracts, and counsels employers on appropriate personnel policies, disciplinary actions, and processes. She provides legal advice on collective bargaining and volunteer firefighter pension issues. Michelle regularly conducts independent investigations regarding claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Michelle also serves as general counsel to Colorado special districts, providing legal advice on issues regarding employment law, contracts, Board governance, open meetings laws, open records, elections, and TABOR.

Michelle also serves as a neutral third-party mediator to parties seeking to resolve employment law disputes, whether other legal counsel is involved due to a claim being filed or there is an internal personnel matter where Human Resources or managers could use assistance in resolving conflicts or disagreements between employees.  Michelle has a unique perspective having served as both plaintiff’s and defense counsel in various employment law matters.  This insight, coupled with Michelle’s ability to easily engage with individuals, and her 25 years of employment law experience, allows her to quickly understand the issues, and assist the parties or co-workers to find a resolution.

Michelle, a much sought after speaker, has presented numerous seminars and workshops to professionals throughout Colorado on topics such as investigations of employee misconduct and implementation of disciplinary action, workplace violence, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, family responsibilities discrimination, hiring and termination processes, federal and state anti-discrimination laws, and COVID-19 related topics including Families First Coronavirus Response Act.