Michael Judd’s practice centers on competition and information. He guides clients through complex litigation in varied industries, including disputes related to employee mobility, antitrust and trade secrets. He also maintains a vigorous First Amendment practice in which he represents media organizations in their news-gathering efforts.
Capabilities
Biography
Michael is a commercial litigator focused on competitive issues. His work includes employment litigation where he represents employers in cases related to employee movement, compensation and compliance with state and federal law, including the ADA, FLSA, and FMLA.
Michael’s practice also includes complex business and intellectual-property matters, including trade-secret disputes, enforcement of restrictive covenants and anti-competitive business practices.
In his First Amendment practice, Michael also represents clients, including news media organizations, in matters that enable reporting and public oversight through access to government records, defense of defamation claims and similar legal issues.
Experience
Defended Mattress Company Against Founders' Claims in Employment Dispute
Served as legal counsel for a mattress company in a lawsuit brought by its co-founders seeking unearned future salary payments. Successfully argued for dismissal of claims, which was granted with prejudice.
Defended Accounting Firm in Partner Dispute and Dismissal of Claims
Represented an accounting firm and its partners in a dispute with a former non-equity partner who sought over $1.3 million in damages for alleged breach of contract, fraud and defamation. Successfully narrowed the dispute by filing counterclaims and securing a partial dismissal of claims, including full dismissal of all claims against individual defendants.
Represented client against antitrust complaints (Sherman Act)
Parsons represented Ute Conference against anti-trust (Sherman Act Section 1 & 2) complaints regarding boundary rules for a youth football team. The plaintiffs also asked the federal court to enjoin the Ute Conference from enforcing boundary rules through a temporary restraining order (TRO). Parsons obtained a complete victory for the client. The judge declined to enter any aspect of the requested TRO and found for the client on likelihood of success on the merits, on irreparable harm and on the balance of harms.
Accomplishments
Academic
University of Iowa, J.D.
· Editor in Chief of the Iowa Law Review
· Captained the Jessup Moot Court team
· Received the Dean’s Award for Constitutional Law
· Earned a joint MBA at Iowa’s Tippie College of Business
Princeton University & Brigham Young University, B.A, English, Economics
Professional
Utah Legal Elite, Civil Litigation 2022
Mountain States Super Lawyers, Rising Stars, 2019–2023
Associations
Professional
Advisory Committee, Utah Rules of Appellate Procedure, Recording Secretary, 2019–present
Board Member, Utah Chapter, Federal Bar Association, 2020–present
Community
President, Alumni Association, The Waterford School, 2013–present
Insights
Articles
Employment Law Update, October 10, 2024
Employment Law Update, April 25, 2024
Employment Law Update, November 20, 2023
Employment Law Update, July 13, 2023
Employment Law Update, June 30, 2023
Federal Court Sides with Whole Foods in Dress-Code Dispute Over Black Lives Matter Masks
Employment Law Update
Presentations
What’s Not to Like About Social Media in the Workplace?
Remote Work — Managing the Perk That’s Become a Presumption
Remote Work: Managing the Perk That’s Become a Presumption
Salt Lake SHRM’s Annual Chapter Meeting
SE Idaho SHRM Half-Day Employment Law Conference
Employee Life Cycle II: HR Law Issues During Employment
Parsons Attorneys to Present at SHRM Annual Employment Update
Every Case Really is a Story: Four State and Federal Caselaw Stories and Lessons
Credentials
Licensed
Utah
Education
University of Iowa College of Law
