Michael D. Pierce

Overview

Mike Pierce guides employers and businesses through the intricate challenges of labor and employment law while advocating for their interests across a broad spectrum of commercial and business litigation claims. He regularly appears in state and federal courts, representing regional corporations, large and small businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs. His practice addresses the full range of workplace legal issues, with particular emphasis on employee terminations, wage and hour compliance, and navigating the evolving landscape of state and federal business regulations that shape daily operations.

Mike approaches each matter with tenacity, efficiency, and unwavering dedication to his clients’ success. He understands that legal disputes rarely exist in isolation—they intersect with business strategy, organizational culture, and long-term objectives. This perspective informs his counsel whether he is litigating a complex commercial dispute, defending against employment claims, or advising on compliance matters that require both legal precision and practical business judgment. Clients value his responsiveness and his ability to translate legalese into practical and actionable guidance.

Beyond his litigation and counseling work, Mike contributes actively to the business and legal communities as an invited speaker and presenter. He has addressed audiences on workplace harassment and discrimination, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and attorney mental health and wellness—topics that reflect both his professional acumen and his commitment to fostering healthier, more equitable workplaces and professional environments. His presentations are marked by clarity, engagement, and a genuine desire to share knowledge that benefits others.

Experience

• Successfully defended a large nursing home in a seven-day jury trial on claims of negligence and wrongful death and secured a defense verdict on wrongful death claims
• Represented a government contracting company and secured dismissal on summary judgment of a six-figure complaint alleging age, race, disability, and sex discrimination and harassment
• Pollyanna Scott v. Western Branch Diesel, Inc., Case No. 4:17-CV-00174-BO, (E.D.N.C. 2018): represented a tow truck company in mediation and secured a five-figure settlement of a half-million-dollar lawsuit alleging sex discrimination, retaliation, and gender-based pay disparity raised by a former employee
• Vernette Baldwin v. First Data Resources, Inc., Case No. 2:17-cv-542, (E.D. Va. 2018): served as local counsel in federal district court to a national credit card printing company and handled the successful mediation of a six-figure sex and race discrimination suit
• Thomas Clyburn, et al. v. J.I.T. Builders, Inc., et al, Case No. CL19-690, Norfolk Circuit Court: represented residential homeowners in trial of a contract dispute against an unlicensed contractor and construction company and secured a substantial judgment in favor of the homeowners
• Represented a construction company, insurance company, and surety bond company against a painting subcontractor and successfully briefed and argued a demurrer dismissing a breach of contract lawsuit based on the painting subcontractor’s failure to satisfy conditions precedent to litigation

Honors & Speeches

Honors

• Rising Star, Employment Litigation, Virginia Super Lawyers, 2020 to Present
• Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia, CoVa Biz Magazine, 2020 to Present
• Young Lawyers, Virginia Business Magazine’s Legal Elite, 2018, 2020 to Present
• President’s Award, Outstanding Bar Service, Old Dominion Bar Association, 2019
• W.T. Mason, Jr. Bar Member of the Year Award, South Hampton Roads Bar Association, 2019
• Up & Coming Lawyer, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, 2018
• Young Lawyer of the Year, South Hampton Roads Bar Association, 2018

Speeches

• Co-Presenter, “The Employment Landscape for 2026: Federal Workers and DOGE’s Impact, New EEOC Priorities, and Layoffs,” Old Dominion Bar Association Winter Meeting, March 2026

News

Professional

• Member, American Bar Association, 2014 to Present
• Member, Virginia Bar Association, 2018 to Present
• Member, Parliamentarian (2022-2024), Board Member (2020-2022), Old Dominion Bar Association, to Present
• Member, Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association, 2017 to Present
• Member, President (2020-2022), Treasurer (2017-2020), South Hampton Roads Bar Association, 2015 to Present
• Member, I’Anson Hoffman Inn of Court, 2017 to Present
• Member, Richmond Bar Association, 2022 to Present
• Board Member, Old Dominion Bar Association Foundation, 2025 to Present

Community

Mike is an active participant in the “So You’re 18” Program, sponsored by the South Hampton Roads Bar Association, which is a partnership between Black attorneys and local public high schools to educate juniors and seniors on the law. He also volunteers with the Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia (LASEVA) in pro bono initiatives like Wills for Heroes, Senior Law Day, and the Bankruptcy Bypass Clinic.