Michele Desoer
Calabasas,CA
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Vice President, Head of Legal and HR
101 Studios, LLC
10.2019 - 04.2021
- Developed comprehensive legal and HR company policies and procedures for start-up
- Supervised outside counsel on legal matters
- Negotiated favorable terms for supplier contracts
- Created internal human resources systems
- Oversaw all policies and procedures to address COVID-19 and its impact on the workplace
- Recruited talent for open positions
Senior Counsel
Sauer & Wagner LLP
03.2018 - 10.2019
- Achieved favorable settlements by skillfully negotiating complex legal disputes.
- Drafted comprehensive legal documents for successful litigation outcomes.
Partner
Zuber Lawler & DelDuca
08.2014 - 04.2018
- Ran team that successfully litigated and resolved complex copyright and trademark case to client's benefit.
- Litigated commercial and employment litigation including matters involving international transactions in federal and state courts and international arbitration
- Collaborated with a diverse team of professionals to develop innovative solutions for complex legal issues.
- Mentored junior associates, providing guidance on case strategy and professional development opportunities.
- Directed firm's pro bono committee
Of Counsel (during Different Periods of Time)
Wites & Kapetan LLP
10.2007 - 06.2014
- Conducted extensive legal research to support case preparation and provide accurate advice to clients.
- Drafted persuasive legal documents, such as motions, briefs, and memorandums, contributing to successful court outcomes.
- Presented compelling arguments in court proceedings, achieving favorable rulings for clients across various cases types.
- Served as co-counsel during wrongful death trial that resulted in multi-million dollar verdict for client
Of Counsel
Methven & Associates
11.2009 - 12.2010
- Assumed full responsibility for firm's litigation matter for clients in diverse business, financial and civil matters.
- Litigated copyright dispute over recording by Nina Simone
Partner/Owner
Law Offices Of Michele M. Desoer
09.2003 - 06.2007
- As owner of small firm, achieved successful client outcomes by identifying and addressing their unique needs and goals.
- Served as lawyer (guardian ad litem) for children in dependency and neglect, truancy, and custodial matters
- Tried cases involving employment compensation
- Arbitrated numerous matters ranging from commercial disputes to divorce asset settlements
Partner
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
04.1992 - 08.1999
- Represented a wide variety of high-profile clients in disputes ranging from Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Fred Savage to Mobil Oil and Universal Studios in diverse matters including copyright and trademarks disputes, employment matters involving senior executives, and labor arbitrations
- Served as co-chair of Employment Litigation division of Litigation Department
- Hired and mentored junior associates, providing guidance on case strategy and professional development opportunities.
- Served on recruiting and partner evaluation committees
Vice President - Head of Litigation
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
03.1991 - 03.1992
- Directed team that supervised outside counsel that handled diverse litigation matters including intellectual property, bankruptcy, and commercial matters
- Participated in successful extended litigation in WIlmington, Delaware over corporation's control in claims against Giancarlo Parretti (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giancarlo_Parretti )
- Developed department budgets
Labor and Employment Counsel
CBS, Inc.
07.1989 - 03.1991
- Handled directly employment and labor matters including litigation, arbitration, and matters before government agencies
- Participated in negotiations on contracts with Hollywood guilds including WGA and IBEW
- Drafted persuasive legal documents, such as motions, briefs, and memorandums, contributing to successful court outcomes.
- Negotiated settlements of disputes and litigation.
Associate
Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker
10.1985 - 06.1989
- Member of Litigation and Employment Law departments
- Handled matters from inception to resolution under partner supervision
- Participated in team that tried nine-week trial in Chicago, IL concerning corporate insurance coverage
Education
Post-Baccalaureate Writing Certificate - Creative Writing
UC Berkeley Extension
Berkeley, CAJ.D. - Law
University of California - Berkeley School of Law
Berkeley06.1985
No Degree - Law (1982-1983)
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CABachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA06.1981
Skills
- Investigation and Research (legal and factual)
- Conflict resolution
- Judgement and Decision Making
- Creative and Critical Thinking
- Litigation Experience
- Persuasive Writing
- Creative Writing
Additional Information
I currently write articles on various subjects including travel and political and am working on a mystery novel. Examples of articles include: https://www.travelpaso.com/blog/author/michele-desoer-travel-writer/64d2a58f7675266d030c4140/
https://bookcottages.com/author/michele-desoer/
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Portuguese
Limited Working
Affiliations
- California Bar Association
- Beverly Hills Bar Association
Certification
California Bar License 119667
Timeline
Executive Vice President, Head of Legal and HR
101 Studios, LLC
10.2019 - 04.2021
Senior Counsel
Sauer & Wagner LLP
03.2018 - 10.2019
Partner
Zuber Lawler & DelDuca
08.2014 - 04.2018
Of Counsel
Methven & Associates
11.2009 - 12.2010
Of Counsel (during Different Periods of Time)
Wites & Kapetan LLP
10.2007 - 06.2014
Partner/Owner
Law Offices Of Michele M. Desoer
09.2003 - 06.2007
Partner
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
04.1992 - 08.1999
Vice President - Head of Litigation
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
03.1991 - 03.1992
Labor and Employment Counsel
CBS, Inc.
07.1989 - 03.1991
Associate
Paul Hastings Janofsky & Walker
10.1985 - 06.1989
Post-Baccalaureate Writing Certificate - Creative Writing
UC Berkeley Extension
J.D. - Law
University of California - Berkeley School of Law
No Degree - Law (1982-1983)
University of San Francisco
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of California, Berkeley
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