Michael V. "Mike" Abcarian

Michael Abcarian is the managing partner of the Dallas office of Fisher Phillips. In addition to national recognition as an elite labor lawyer, Michael is an exceptional defense trial lawyer with a track record to prove it. Michael represents employers in many complex lawsuits, some with “bet the company” and/or precedent-setting implications. These have included class actions and multiple-plaintiff cases. He often surprises clients with early, knock-out wins even when lengthy trial proceedings were expected in hard-to-win matters.

But the courthouse is not the ultimate destination for most of Michael’s clients, and he works diligently to keep them away from that venue whenever possible. With excellent negotiation skills, he frequently resolves disputes before they turn into expensive lawsuits. Michael is recognized for deep expertise in complex workplace safety matters before OSHA, some involving fatalities and legal issues with precedent-setting implications. He is also a seasoned practitioner in labor/management relations, with decades of experience in NLRB elections, unfair labor practice proceedings, union decertification proceedings, as well as labor contract negotiations and arbitration of union grievances.

Michael is well-known for guiding employers through complex FLSA scenarios and disputes, as well as ERISA litigation. Over time, Mike has developed significant credibility and the respect of law enforcement agencies like OSHA, USDOL, EEOC and the NLRB. He has accomplished this through not only meticulous knowledge of applicable law, but also by understanding the perspectives of law enforcement officials. This allows Michael to develop creative strategies that bring employers and enforcement agencies together for “win-win” solutions.

Michael is frequently praised by firm clients for achieving their goals by “seeing the big picture.” He works diligently to understand the end game in every situation he handles. Throughout his career, Michael has been a sought-after speaker and prolific author. He is highly respected by peers and colleagues as a mentor in the field. Michael has for decades received the coveted “AV” Peer-Rating by Martindale-Hubbell for preeminent legal skill and ethics, and has been listed in Texas Super Lawyers in every year since 2005. Michael has also been listed in Best Lawyers in America in every year since 2013, and in Chambers USA in every year since 2016.