Associate

Michael Rivkin

p: (413) 553-0324‬
f: (413) 341-1059‬

Michael focuses his practice predominantly on litigation.  He litigates and arbitrates all aspects of employment and corporate matters on behalf of individuals, corporations, and charitable organizations. When representing individuals, Michael has obtained substantial funds for his clients, including settlements in amounts far exceeding $1,000,000. When representing corporate clients, Michael has obtained favorable outcomes, including successfully dismissing claims where his client’s exposure exceeded $3,500,000.

Michael serves as national coordinating counsel in matters related to employment practices for multiple employers in the Commonwealth. Clients come to Michael for sound guidance on employment practices, workplace policies, corporate formation, and corporate governance.  Michael draws upon his substantial trial, arbitration, and mediation experience in advising his employer clients.

Since 2020, Martindale-Hubbell has awarded Michael the highest honor possible for client satisfaction, the Client Champion Premium rating. Clients know they can rely on Michael to be available and responsive. They also know he is an advocate that will truly represent his client’s best interest in a cost-effective manner.

Michael is admitted to practice in Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, and Connecticut.  He is a weekly volunteer at the Berkshire Farm Sanctuary, a non-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and provides a safe haven for abandoned, abused, and neglected companion and farm animals. Michael was formerly a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Arthur D. Spatt in the United States Federal District Court for the Eastern District of New York. He is a member of Berkshire Young Professionals and holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100 Ton Master Captain’s License.

Experience Highlights

  • Following a five-day arbitration, successfully obtained a favorable outcome for clients accused of breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, and fraud where alleged damages exceeded $10,000,000.
  • Obtained $140,000 settlement for a patron injured at an events venue.
  • Following a two-day trial, won a judgment in favor of a medical services provider client inclusive of attorney’s fees.
  • Was granted a preliminary injunction in Worcester Superior Court on behalf of a commercial tenant against a landlord.
  • Obtained judgment in Federal Court for over $100,000 on behalf of a tech employee where an employer failed to pay wages.
  • Negotiated and secured numerous settlements on behalf of employees, including:
    • $1,000,000 settlement after a multi-day mediation for employees who experienced sexual harassment and retaliation.
    • Approximately $650,000 settlement for employees that were not paid for all of their hours worked.
    • $100,000 settlement for an employee who experienced sexual harassment.
    • $250,000 settlement for an employee terminated after disclosing a disability.
    • Approximately $125,000 settlement for an employee terminated after requesting a reasonable accomodation.
    • $120,000 settlement after mediation for employees that were not paid for all of their hours worked.
    • $95,000 settlement for a terminated employee in a whistle-blower retaliation case.
    • Approximately $90,000 settlement for an employee miscategorized as a volunteer.

Education

  • Union Collge, B.A.
  • Boston College Law School, J.D.

Bar Admission

  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • State of New York
  • State of Connecticut
  • State of New Hampshire
  • U.S. District Court, District of New Hampshire

Memberships

  • Berkshire Bar Association
  • New Hampshire Bar Association

Professional Recognition

  • Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Premium Rating, 2022
  • Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Premium Rating, 2021
  • Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Premium Rating, 2020