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Michaeli Hennessy

Michaeli Hennessy

Associate
Overview

As a Labor & Employment attorney, Michaeli guides employers through the nexus of managing employees and workforce regulations.

Michaeli* understands that labor & employment law, with workforces keeping businesses moving, can be especially sensitive, complex and detailed. Preparedness, compliance, policies and training can be critical components, heading off problems before they develop. Michaeli monitors fast-moving local, state and federal guidance for employers so that she can guide the implementation of best practices regarding, among others:

  • Title VII
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
  • Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)

Before joining the firm, Michaeli served internships with the Hon. William Woolley, Sedgwick County Courthouse, 18th Judicial District, and in the Communications Department for the Kansas Governor's Office. Additionally, she held a social media internship for a boutique retailer.

Services

Recognition

  • Missouri Bar Pro Bono Wall of Fame, 2021

Education

  • J.D., William & Mary Law School
    • William & Mary Law Review, Symposium Editor
    • Honor Council, Associate Justice & Secretary
    • Women’s Law Association
  • B.S., University of Kansas
    • Strategic Communications – Journalism
  • B.A., University of Kansas
    • Political Science
    • University Senate – Court of Appeals, Chief Justice
    • Kansas Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi, Chapter President
    • Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity
    • Study Abroad: Language, Literature, and Culture in Barcelona; Barcelona, Spain

Admissions

  • Missouri
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • The Missouri Bar
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA)


*pronounced "Makayla"
2024 Pro Bono Contributor
Experience
  • Won pregnancy discrimination case at 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of banking client. Plaintiff was terminated for force balancing and alleged that termination was due to disability and pregnancy. District court granted summary judgment in employer's favor, plaintiff appealed, and decision was affirmed at 10th Circuit.
Legal Updates | March 11, 2021
The New FFCRA Under the American Rescue Plan Act
Articles | February 01, 2021
TLNT: Whiplash: Is a New FFCRA on the Horizon?
Legal Updates | January 27, 2021
Whiplash: Is a New FFCRA on the Horizon?
Outside the Office

Michaeli is a proud dog mom to Franklin, a Cavapoo. The pair enjoy regular visits to Kansas City’s downtown dog park. Michaeli is also an avid reader of thrillers, mysteries and sci-fi, and a listener of podcasts.