Michael Akopyan, Founder & Trial Attorney

Michael Akopyan is the founder and a trial attorney at Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C., where he represents employees and employers in employment litigation throughout Southern California. With more than two decades of experience litigating employment disputes, Michael has developed the judgment and perspective that come from handling countless employment cases through every stage of the litigation process. He draws on that experience to evaluate cases, develop litigation strategy, anticipate potential challenges, and prepare matters for trial. His experience representing both employees and employers also provides him with insight into the strategies, considerations, and risks that can shape each side of an employment dispute.

Michael earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California in 2001 and obtained his Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School in 2005.

Following law school, Michael began his legal career as an associate attorney at an employment defense firm in Los Angeles, where he represented employers in a wide range of employment disputes. This experience gave him valuable insight into how employers and their counsel evaluate claims, assess risk, develop defenses, and approach litigation.

He later joined a litigation firm in Playa del Rey, where his practice expanded to include both plaintiff and defense representation in employment law, personal injury, civil rights, business litigation, and administrative proceedings. Through this work, Michael developed broad-based litigation experience and a practical understanding of how disputes are approached from multiple perspectives.

In 2009, Michael founded Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. with a clear mission: to provide careful, effective representation in employment disputes. Michael has represented clients in jury and bench trials, arbitrations, administrative hearings, and appeals.

First Class Representation for both Employees and Employers

Michael represents both employees and employers in a wide variety of employment disputes including but not limited to matters involving wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour violations, leave of absence litigation, workplace accommodations, and whistleblower litigation.

Michael believes in helping real people navigate complex legal challenges with integrity and skill. Unlike many employment attorneys who limit their practices exclusively to either employee or employer representation, Michael represents both sides, provided the case is just. This balanced approach gives him unique insight into the strategies and priorities of opposing parties, allowing him to advocate more effectively for his clients.

Trial-Focused Preparation

Michael approaches every case with the expectation that it will go to trial. This expectation from case inception to its conclusion guides his work from the initial evaluation through discovery, depositions, motion practice, mediation, arbitration, trial, and appeal.

Preparation is central to Michael’s approach to litigation. He believes that effective advocacy requires more than responding to developments as they occur. It requires identifying the critical factual and legal issues early, anticipating how those issues are likely to develop through discovery and motion practice, and preparing the case with an understanding of how the evidence may ultimately be presented at trial.

That preparation shapes litigation strategy at every stage. Discovery is approached with the issues that must ultimately be proved or defended in mind; depositions are prepared with an eye toward both dispositive motions and trial; and strategic decisions are evaluated in the context of the case as a whole rather than as isolated events.

Whether representing an individual employee or a California business, Michael remains focused on developing the evidence, applying the governing law, and positioning the case to achieve the client’s objectives. His approach emphasizes careful preparation, strategic decision-making, and the ability to take the case through trial and appeal when necessary.

Education

Southwestern Law School

Juris Doctor, 2005

University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business

Undergraduate degree, 2001

Bar Admission

California (Bar Number: 239574)

Texas (Bar Number: 24128332)

United States District Court for the Central District of California (Bar Number: 239574)

United States District Court for the Eastern District of California (Bar Number: 239574)

United States District Court for the Northern District of California (Bar Number: 239574)

United States District Court for the Soutern District of California (Bar Number: 239574)

United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit (Bar Number: 239574)

Professional Recognition

Michael’s work in employment litigation has been recognized by Super Lawyers. He was selected to the Southern California Rising Stars list in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, followed by selection to the Southern California Super Lawyers list each year from 2016 through 2027.

Super Lawyers uses a multiphase selection process that includes peer nominations, independent research, and peer evaluations. The recognition reflects third-party selection and should not be understood as a promise or prediction of an outcome in any matter.

Michael is also an active member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. His continued involvement in the legal community supports his ongoing attention to developments in employment law and civil litigation.

Speak with Michael

If you are an employee facing wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, unpaid wages, or another workplace dispute, you can request a free case evaluation from Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. Michael can review the circumstances and help you understand the legal options that may be available.

If your business is responding to an employment demand, administrative complaint, lawsuit, wage and hour claim, or other workplace dispute, contact the firm to discuss the allegations, potential exposure, and a strategy suited to the matter.

Contact Akopyan Law Firm at (818) 509-9975 to discuss your situation and learn how the firm may be able to help.

Client Reviews and Testimonials

“This was our first time dealing with any legal matter, and we honestly didn’t know what to expect—but working with Michael Akopyan was an incredibly positive experience from start to finish. He immediately made us feel comfortable and reassured, taking the time to explain everything clearly and patiently. Throughout the entire process, Michael was supportive, accessible, and attentive. No matter how big or small our questions were, he was always available to answer them and never made us feel rushed or overwhelmed. His calm, confident approach helped ease our anxiety and made a stressful situation feel manageable. Most importantly, we felt he truly cared about our case and worked hard to ensure the best possible outcome—which, in the end, we believe was a very successful one. We’re so grateful for his professionalism, dedication, and genuine care. If you’re looking for a lawyer who is not only knowledgeable but also kind and approachable, we highly recommend Akopyan Law Firm.”

“Michael Akopyan was an excellent lawyer who showed great dedication and professionalism throughout the entire process. He was very knowledgeable about employment law and had a deep understanding of the legal complexities surrounding unpaid wages especially regarding the unique circumstances to my case. He kept me informed every step of the way, regularly updating me on the status of my case and was very helpful answering any questions I had. He was always readily available to speak with me and provided clear and concise advice. Thanks to Michael Akopyan’s expertise I was able to get the best outcome possible. I cannot thank him enough for his outstanding representation and would highly recommend him to anyone who needs an employment lawyer. I would not hesitate to use his services again in the future. If you are looking for a knowledgeable and dedicated employment lawyer to help you with your unpaid wages case, I highly recommend Michael Akopyan.”

“I was feeling really lost and helpless with the injustices in my work situation when I contacted Michael Akopyan. By our initial phonecall, he had put my mind at ease. I had called a few attorneys when I knew that I would need legal help, but with Mr. Akopyan, I knew instantly he would be the person that would fight for my rights, work diligently, as well as be supportive throughout. I never felt like I was in the dark regarding my case status. Mr. Akopyan has been a prompt and thorough communicator, as well as incredibly kind through the duration the entire process. He was always there to answer my questions, and provide the best possible guidance. I am so glad that I chose him to represent me– it made a difficult situation significantly less stressful. Michael Akopyan is someone you can trust in even the most complicated situations”

“Michael has been not only a fantastic lawyer but an even better person. I have had nothing short of an exceptional experience with them representing me. 10/10 times would recommend. Thank you Michael!”

“I have been involved in the settlement of a dispute with Mr. Akopyan / Akopyan Law Firm for the past year. I only have very positive and satisfactory feedback to report about our almost weekly conversations and correspondences. Mr. Akopyan has been very caring, prompt, conscientious and careful to manage the settlement through the most prudent and financially feasible tactics while maintaining professionalism and care for me, his client. He is very smart, knowledgeable and experienced in his field and brings in many well thought out tactics and negotiation tools to help bring justice to his clients and throughout he has been willing to do whatever it takes to reduce the emotional and financial pressures of a lawsuit. I believe he is one of the few attorney who practices with his heart as well as his mind and gets the job done the right way, I highly recommend The Akopyan Law Firm.”

“Michael Akopyan is honestly the best lawyer you could reach out to. He communicates so well and took his time to explain everything. I couldn’t have chosen a better person to represent me. Awesome work 👏 Thank you so much for everything Michael.”

“I was dealing with an overwhelming harassment and wrongful termination issue that had affected my mental and physical health. Michael and Ani Akopyan were absolutely amazing. They were super understanding and helped me deal with the stressful situation that I was facing. Ani was very reassuring and helped me deal with the process and assisted me in every way possible. Her experience and knowledge helped me obtain a better resolution than I originally expected. I am very thankful that she was there for me. I recommend her services. She is a highly experienced and professional lawyer that will fight for you and defend your rights with all her experience and knowledge”