The National Law Journal (NLJ) has named Jones Day partner Michael J. Gray to the list of 2020 Employment Trailblazers. Through the various Trailblazers special supplements, the NLJ recognizes movers and shakers in the legal industry who have made an impact in their sector through new types of strategies or innovative court cases.
Among the leading labor & employment lawyers in the U.S., Mr. Gray was recognized as a Trailblazer for a number of recent class action and trial achievements, including successfully prevailing in a heavily watched California statewide class action and PAGA representative action, winning first on class certification and then succeeding at a two-week trial. In one of the only jury trials in the country on sexual harassment since the onset of the #MeToo movement, he secured a complete defense verdict in a five-day sexual harassment and defamation jury trial in Chicago. Mr. Gray was recognized for arbitration trial wins in Ohio in an executive breach of contract/tort suit, in a California wage and hour suit challenging the incentive compensation plans for non-exempt workers, and in a contract interpretation labor matter for an oil refinery. He also obtained summary judgment in two separate matters against claims of wrongful termination, in an Illinois Whistleblower Act case, and in a public policy matter.
Mr. Gray brings a creative, business-minded approach to problem-solving and litigation. His work is widely recognized as being at the forefront of leading issues in labor and employment law, and for successfully representing his clients' interests while setting precedent for employers nationwide. In addition to his trailblazing work noted by the NLJ, Mr. Gray, " ... is commended for his 'unmatched passion and great strategic vision' and his 'devotion to his clients,'" according to Chambers USA (2019). He served as co-leader of Jones Day's global Labor & Employment Practice until January 2020 and currently serves as one of two Client Affairs Partners for the Firm.