Michael J. Dee

Michael Dee is a strategic partner to public and private employers for their most challenging labor and employment problems. Whether that partnership involves traditional labor matters, compliance with the ever-evolving regulatory schemes affecting employers, or the many phases of litigation, he takes a proactive approach to achieve the best result for his client efficiently.

Mr. Dee concentrates his practice on representing and counseling private and public sector employers in all aspects of labor and employment law. He has represented employers in matters pending in State and Federal Court, arbitral tribunals, and administrative agencies involving claims under Title VII, Equal Pay Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act, among other statutory and common law claims. He has extensive experience representing both public and private sector employers in traditional labor matters, including as chief spokesperson in labor negotiations, labor arbitrations, and before the National Labor Relations Board and the Public Employment Relations Commission. In addition to his litigation and counseling practice, Mr. Dee regularly conducts investigations on behalf of public and private sector employers, including allegations of discrimination, sexual harassment, conflicts of interest, and other alleged violations of internal rules and policies.

From 2014 through 2016, Mr. Dee served as the Director of the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations under Governor Chris Christie. As Director, Mr. Dee served as the Governor’s agent in all matters involving the State and the various unions representing the over 50,000 employees within the Executive Branch of State Government and State Colleges, including as chief spokesperson in labor negotiations, litigation, and matters before administrative agencies. During that time, he also served as Chair of the Police and Fire Interest Arbitration Impact Task Force, created by legislation to study and report to the Legislature and Governor on the impact of recent amendments to the interest arbitration law for police and fire employees throughout the State. In 2017, after returning to private practice, the Governor reappointed Mr. Dee as Chair of the Interest Arbitration Task Force to issue its final report and recommendation.