Michael Fantaci’s practice includes extensive civil litigation and commercial transaction experience. Mr. Fantaci frequently represents and advises business owners with regard to corporate structure, corporate governance, choice of business entities, employment contracts, and non-competition provisions. Mr. Fantaci also specializes in the representation of management with regard to employment law and employment discrimination issues. Mr. Fantaci handles litigation cases in various state and federal courts and with governmental agencies such as the EEOC, NLRB, DOL Wage and Hour Division, and OSHA. He represents employers faced with union organizing, grievance arbitration, and collective bargaining agreement negotiation. Mr. Fantaci has also represents local appointing authorities in defending civil service appeals. In addition to his litigation experience, Mr. Fantaci regularly assists clients in the training of supervisors, preparation of policy manuals and employee handbooks, improving communications with employees, and devising methods to avoid claims, charges, and lawsuits. Furthermore, a significant aspect of Mr. Fantaci's practice is providing "on call" advice and opinions to clients who request legal counsel on a daily basis. Areas of frequent inquiry involve the hiring process, terminations, performance reviews, employee compensation, harassment allegations, Family and Medical Leave Act requirements, and accommodations under the ADA.
Education:
- University of Georgia, ABJ, (Journalism/Public Relations) 1994
- Louisiana State University, J.D. 1997
Admitted to Practice:
- State Bar of Louisiana
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
- United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana
- United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- Notary Public, State of Louisiana
Professional Activities:
- American Bar Association
- Louisiana State Bar Association
- Jefferson Chamber of Commerce (Government Committee)
- 1998-1999 Jefferson Councils Leadership Institute
Experience:
LeBlanc Butler, LLC (September 2002 – Present)
McGlinchey Stafford PLLC (September 1999 – September 2002)
- Representing management in all areas of employment and labor law.
- Practice includes OSHA and FMLA compliance, race, sex, and disability discrimination, NLRB practice, grievance arbitration, and wage and hour law.
Fisher & Phillips LLP (September 1997 – September 1999)
- Represented management in all areas of employment and labor law.
- Practice include OSHA and FMLA compliance, race, sex, and disability discrimination, NLRB practice, grievance arbitration, collective bargaining agreement negotiation, and wage and hour law.
House, Kingsmill, Riess & Seabolt, LLC (Summer 1996)
- Primarily engaged in general litigation defense practice with emphasis in bankruptcy law, employment law, maritime law, and insurance defense.
Fransen & Hardin (Summer 1995) – Summer
- Personal injury litigation practice.
Articles and Presentations:
- Served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Orleans teaching Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Law during the 2000 fall and spring semesters.
- Authored "Why Employers Should Use Discretion Before Compelling Employees to Arbitrate" published in The Corporate Counselor august 2001.
- Authored "high Court Upholds Arbitration of Employment Disputes" published in The Corporate Counselor April 2001.
- Authored "OSHA's Final Ergonomics Standard" for publication in The Corporate Counselor March 2001 (unpublished due to March 20, 2001 repeal of standard).
- Authored "COBRA and the 1999 Proposed Regulations" published in The Corporate Counselor June 2000.
- Edited Chapter 10 "Voluntary Associations," Chapter 15 "Executive Compensation," and Chapter 16 "Workers Compensation/ADA/FMLA" of the Employment Termination Supplement published by The Bureau of National Affairs, Inc.
- Delivered speech to Louisiana Farm Bureau's Annual Convention Concerning application of federal and Louisiana child labor laws to agricultural employers.
- Delivered speech to New Orleans Kiwanis Club concerning hiring practices.
- Delivered speech to Greater New Orleans Hotel/Motel Association concerning overview of all federal and Louisiana employment discrimination laws.
- Delivered speech to Greater New Orleans Hotel/Motel Association concerning interviewing and selecting employees.
- Delivered speech on various forms of unlawful harassment in connection with McGlinchey Stafford's Executive Briefing client seminar.
- Delivered speech on accommodating persons with disabilities in the workplace in connection with McGlinchey Stafford's Executive Briefing client seminar.
- Participated in presentation on employee privacy rights in connection with McGlinchey Stafford's Executive Briefing client seminar.
Contact Mr. Fantaci at mfantaci@leblancbutler.com