Employment Attorney

Michael Akopyan is a seasoned trial attorney with two decades of experience representing clients in high stakes employment litigation. He earned his undergraduate degree in 2001 and obtained his Juris Doctor in 2005.

Following law school, Michael began his legal career as an associate at Keith Fink & Associates, where he represented employers in a wide range of employment disputes. This experience provided him with valuable insight into the defense side of employment litigation, giving him a well-rounded understanding of how such cases are evaluated and managed by employers and their counsel.

He later joined Solomon, Saltsman & Jamieson, where his practice expanded to include both plaintiff and defense representation in matters involving employment law, personal injury, civil rights, business litigation, and administrative proceedings. Through this work, he gained extensive broad based experience and developed a comprehensive understanding of litigation from multiple perspectives.

In 2009, Michael founded the Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. with a clear mission: to provide exceptional legal representation in employment disputes.  The Akopyan Law Firm, A.P.C. has become known for its meticulous preparation, effective advocacy, and delivering outstanding results. Over the course of his career, Michael has successfully represented clients in jury and bench trials, arbitrations, administrative hearings, and appeals.

Michael’s guiding principle is that top-quality legal services should be accessible to all — not just large corporations and insurance companies. He 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.

Throughout his career, Michael has achieved outstanding results, including multi-million-dollar recoveries for employees and favorable, cost-effective outcomes for employers. His reputation for professionalism, ethical advocacy, and thorough preparation has earned him the respect of clients, colleagues, and opposing counsel alike.

Education

Southwestern Law School

University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business

Bar Admission

California

Texas

United States District Court for the Central District of California 

United States District Court for the Eastern District of California

United States District Court for the Northern District of California

United States District Court for the Soutern District of California

Professional Recognition

Michael Akopyan’s accomplishments and dedication to his clients have been recognized by multiple respected legal organizations. He was named to the California Rising Stars℠ list as one of the top up-and-coming attorneys in California in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 — an honor reserved for only a small percentage of attorneys in the state.

He was later recognized by Super Lawyers®, which each year identifies the top lawyers in Southern California through a patented multiphase selection process involving peer nominations, independent research, and peer evaluations. Michael has been selected to the Southern California Super Lawyers® list every year from 2016 through 2026, marking more than a decade of consistent professional excellence.

In addition, Pasadena Magazine named Michael a “Top Attorney” in 2012 and 2013, further recognizing his outstanding work and reputation within the legal community.

Michael is also an active member of professional organizations including the Los Angeles County Bar Association and the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles. He regularly participates in continuing legal education and remains committed to staying at the forefront of developments in employment law. His ongoing dedication to professional growth and client advocacy continues to distinguish him as one of the best employment lawyers in Southern California.

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”