Event
2026 Labor & Employment Seminar | Oklahoma City
October 29, 2026|
less than a minute
How do I help employers manage workplace issues?
I help employers navigate the complex and constantly evolving challenges that arise in today’s workplace. I’ve built my practice around helping clients assess risk, evaluate options, litigate claims and handle other disputes, and make informed business decisions. Drawing on my background in human resources management, I focus on providing practical guidance that takes into account not only the law, but also the realities of running a business.
Combining deep legal knowledge with firsthand HR management experience
Michael Bowling divides his practice among employment advice and counsel, employment and commercial litigation and business immigration matters. He regularly advises multi-state employers on workplace compliance issues involving employee relations, wage and hour concerns, leave requirements, disability accommodations and the continually transforming patchwork of federal and state employment regulations. Michael is particularly attuned to the uncertainty employers and HR professionals face when agency guidance change or differs between jurisdictions, and he works proactively to help clients stay ahead of those developments. As one client told Chambers USA, “Michael’s previous HR experience allows him to understand the concerns and priorities of employers.”
Managing risk through practical and strategic counsel
Leveraging his background in HR management, Michael approaches client counseling through the lens of risk management rather than rigid legal absolutes. He frequently advises employers on difficult Americans with Disabilities Act issues, including determining the appropriate scope of reasonable accommodations while balancing operational realities and workforce productivity concerns. He also advises on a range of other issues, including those that involve discrimination, retaliation, harassment, reasonable accommodation, wage and hour disputes, OSHA compliance, National Labor Relations Act charges, and compliance with the Davis-Bacon and Davis-Bacon Related Acts, among others. Rather than offering simplistic yes-or-no answers, Michael works collaboratively with clients to identify options, assess varying levels of risk, and develop strategies aligned with each organization’s business objectives and culture.
Developing creative and effective litigation narratives and presentations
On the litigation front, Michael represents employers nationwide in employment disputes while also handling a range of commercial cases. Known for his thoughtful and often innovative approach, he evaluates every angle of a case to identify opportunities for early resolution, favorable negotiation outcomes or successful courtroom advocacy. Clients value his ability to distill complicated legal issues into clear, direct arguments supported by careful preparation and thorough analysis. Whether negotiating a settlement or presenting a case before a court, Michael maintains a calm, even-keeled style that emphasizes clarity, credibility and practical results rather than unnecessary theatrics.
Traversing the complex landscape of business immigration
Michael also maintains an active business immigration practice, assisting employers and employees with securing employer-sponsored work visas and navigating immigration compliance requirements. He regularly counsels clients confronting shifting policies and inconsistent agency decision-making at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, helping businesses respond strategically to regulatory uncertainty while maintaining workforce continuity.