If you are looking for an employment lawyer or workplace advisor who understands what you’re going through, you have come to the right place.
I offer “escape planning” to ensure your safe exit from a toxic workplace.
Are you…
Suffering from workplace abuse?
Being gaslit by your boss and / co-workers?
Feeling like people are talking behind your back?
Under investigation for something bogus?
Feeling like something is just “off”?
Worried you might get laid off or fired?
Experiencing attempts to silence you with NDAs or other tactics?
Planning to leave your current position in the next few months or preferably sooner?
You have rights and I can help you understand them. Let me help you exit a toxic workplace safely using escape planning.
I’m Michele Simon, an employment lawyer who understands what you’re going through — because I’ve been there myself.
After a long career in food advocacy, I experienced a severe form of workplace trauma and lost everything I built due to a smear campaign. If I were not an attorney, I may have walked away with nothing.
I'm more than just an employment lawyer – I have survived severe workplace trauma and workplace betrayal, including a smear campaign. My personal experience gives me unique insight into the tactics used in toxic environments and the emotional toll they take.
I offer strategic legal counsel combined with genuine empathy to help you navigate your escape and reclaim your life. I represent clients in California and serve as a strategic workplace advisor throughout the United States and globally.
I specialize in covert abuse ….
Smear campaigns and workplace defamation
Psychological abuse, bullying, and gaslighting
Bogus investigations, ambush meetings with HR
Weaponizing of PIPs (performance improvement plan)
Moral injury — when your personal ethics collide with workplace practices.
Mobbing: when co-workers gang up on you.
Attempts to silence you by forcing you to sign a NDA (non-disclosure agreement).
I can help plan your exit either as your attorney in California, or as a strategic advisor in other states and around the world. Have more questions? Check out my FAQs.
How can I help you?
Smear Campaign Defense: Protect your reputation and career from false allegations.
Gaslighting & Psychological Abuse: Document and counter manipulation in the workplace.
Bogus Investigations & HR Ambush Tactics: Defend yourself against unfair disciplinary actions.
Workplace Bullying & Harassment: Take legal action to stop hostile treatment.
Moral Injury Support: Find resolution when workplace ethics violate your personal values.
NDA Guidance & Silencing Prevention: Understand your rights and resist oppressive silencing tactics.
I promise to….
Listen, really listen
Be honest about your options
Respect whatever path you take
Be in your corner no matter what
Remain available to you when you need me
Never, ever ghost you
Never advise you to agree to be silenced
Not take your business unless I can help you
Offer transparency and flexibility regarding my fees
Refer you to other lawyers more suited to your situation, if needed
My goal is to get you to safety, as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Have questions about working with me? I've answered the most common questions about my process, fees, and approach in my FAQs for clients.