My name is Michael Cantrell, and I am a California-licensed attorney and labor mediator. I received my B.A. in International Studies from the University of California, Irvine in 2009, and my J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law in 2013.

I began my legal career in plaintiff-side environmental litigation under the mentorship of Melinda Mejia, Esq., where I gained foundational experience in civil litigation. In 2017, I transitioned to serve as general counsel for a SaaS startup, marking the beginning of my focus on corporate and contract law. Since then, I’ve advised a wide range of startups and small businesses on legal issues related to entity formation, growth, and operations.

My clients have included SaaS platforms, sanitation companies, and franchise restaurant operators, among others. This breadth of experience has given me a strong grasp of both universal corporate concerns and industry-specific legal challenges. It has also deepened my understanding of the interpersonal and organizational dynamics that can affect internal operations — from leadership issues to everyday employee concerns.

In 2022, I expanded my practice to include mediation, completing formal training through the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Since then, I’ve mediated dozens of cases, focusing on  workplace disputes including discrimination, hostile workplace, and sexual harassment claims. I also serve as a mediator for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), helping parties resolve complex and often sensitive employment issues.

My approach to mediation is grounded in empathy and practical insight. I work to identify the underlying interests of each party, foster trust, and facilitate constructive dialogue — even in highly adversarial situations. This approach allows me to guide parties toward meaningful, lasting settlement, despite how hostile they may appear at the start.