Michael D. Pierce
Partner
- Professional Overview Michael is a partner in O’Hagan Meyer’s Richmond and Norfolk offices. His practice includes matters involving labor and employment law along with commercial and business litigation. Michael regularly appears in state and federal courts throughout Virginia, representing the interests of large entities, regional corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and entrepreneurs. He frequently advises and counsels clients on employee terminations, wage and hour dilemmas, and compliance with state and federal business regulations. Michael also serves as a speaker and presenter on issues affecting commercial businesses as well as members of the legal profession. Topics he has addressed include workplace harassment and discrimination, diversity and inclusion, and attorney mental health and wellness. Michael makes it a point to use his voice to enhance the business and legal communities. Prior to joining the firm, he completed a judicial clerkship with the Newport News Circuit Court working for the Honorable David F. Pugh, the Honorable Timothy S. Fisher, and the Honorable Gary A. Mills. Michael also had the privilege of completing summer clerkships for two federal district court judges: The Honorable Raymond A. Jackson and the Honorable Henry E. Hudson. Michael’s extensive judicial experience at the federal and state court level refined his understanding of the litigation process and what it takes to win both inside and outside the courtroom. Michael values the opportunity to serve his clients with tenacity, efficiency, and dedication. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, learning about Black American history, exercising, and experimenting with AI technology.
- Practice Areas
- Education and Admissions
Education
- B.A. from Christopher Newport University
- J.D. from Regent University School of Law
Admissions
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
- United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
States Licensed
- Virginia
- Professional Organization Memberships
- American Bar Association
- Virginia Bar Association
- Old Dominion Bar Association
- Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association
- South Hampton Roads Bar Association
- I’anson Hoffman Inn of Court
- Richmond Bar Association
- Old Dominion Bar Association Foundation
- News, Honors, Publications & Speeches
SPEECHES
- “Diversity and Bias in Law Firms and Among Lawyers – The Climate, the Numbers, the Experiences, and the Law,” 1-hour CLE, Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association, October 26, 2021, Norfolk, Virginia
- “Deep Dive: Independent Contractors v. Employees & Best Practices for Hiring and Firing Staff,” one-hour hybrid (live and virtual) class, Black Diamond Weekend, November 13, 2021, Newport News, Virginia
- “Diversity and Bias in Law Firms and Among Lawyers – The Climate, the Numbers, the Experiences, and the Law,” 1-hour Faculty training program, Regent University School of Law, February 1, 2022, Virginia Beach, Virginia
HONORS
- Recognized by Virginia Lawyers Weekly as an “Up & Coming Lawyer,” Class of 2018
- Recognized by Virginia Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Employment Litigation, 2020-present
- Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite, Young Lawyers, 2018, 2020-Present
- CoVa Biz Magazine‘s Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia, 2020-Present
- Recipient of the Old Dominion Bar Association’s President’s Award in 2019 for outstanding bar service
- Selected as the 2018 Young Lawyer of the Year by the South Hampton Roads Bar Association
- Recipient of the W.T. Mason, Jr. Bar Member of the Year Award for 2019 by the South Hampton Roads Bar Association
- Languages
- Spanish