They’ve Got Next: The 40 Under 40 - Michael Willemin of Wigdor

Please describe two of your most substantial, recent wins in practice.

I recently represented Cassie Ventura, who was an up-and-coming recording artist, in her lawsuit [alleging] sex trafficking and sexual assault against Sean “Diddy” Combs and his record label Bad Boy. I was heavily involved in the Ventura matter every step of the way, from the initial calls and meetings with Ms. Ventura through the execution of the settlement agreement and have frequently been quoted about the case in the media.

The lawsuit was filed to hold Mr. Combs accountable and to expose the individuals and entities who allegedly enabled his decade of sexual and physical abuse, including his record label, through which he exerted complete economic and professional control over Ms. Ventura. Within 24 hours, Ms. Ventura and Mr. Combs resolved their claims, but not before Ms. Ventura was able to go public and give others the strength to tell their truth.

I also provided representation to Deborah Dugan in 2020, the first woman President and CEO of The Recording Academy, who filed an explosive discrimination complaint against the Academy. This case illustrated that even women at the top of their respective fields are often subjected to unlawful discrimination and retaliation. After nearly a year and a half of high-profile litigation, we reached a confidential settlement in 2021 and many of the changes Ms. Dugan demanded were implemented at the Academy.

I am also representing a group of student-athletes in Johnson v. NCAA in a case that alleges that student athletes are employees and entitled to the protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act, including being paid the minimum wage.

What is the most important lesson you learned as a first-year attorney and how does it inform your practice today?

The most important lesson I learned as a first-year attorney was to listen far more than to talk. Listening allows me to build a close working relationship with each of my clients, wherein I know exactly what their goals are and how to communicate with them most effectively.

While many attorneys base their initial reactions to their clients’ claims on cases with which they were previously familiar, I believe it is imperative to take each case in with an open mind. Without being able to develop a solid relationship with my clients, I would not be able to ascertain the unique and often complicated elements of their specific cases.

How do you define success in your practice?

Success is defined in my practice by the results my clients receive. While large settlements are always welcome, I believe that true success can only be measured by delivering clients the justice that they have otherwise been deprived of. Whether it be a wrongful termination, racial discrimination, or sexual harassment, employers often disregard the rights of the people that make their businesses profitable. I consider my practice to be a success when I empower my clients to fight back against the systems that have exploited them.

What are you most proud of as a lawyer?

I am most proud of my ability to consistently grow and become a better attorney. From my days as an associate until now, I have come to understand that being an elite lawyer requires constant growth and attention to emerging resources and trends that can help me keep my practice as forward thinking as possible. I am proud to have been considered a trailblazer for my work with the survivors of sexual harassment and assault, but I am the first to say that my work is far from finished.

Who is your greatest mentor in the law and what have they taught you?

I have been at Wigdor LLP since 2011 and I’ve worked closely with Douglas Wigdor on countless cases in that time. From the moment I joined the firm, Doug has been an invaluable resource for both my personal and professional growth. With his guidance, my legal career has flourished as I have become a shrewd litigator and formidable negotiator. His attention to detail and disciplined approach to taking on challenging cases has greatly informed my ability to do the same.

Summer Playlist
Some of my favorite music to listen to is “Let It Be” by the Beatles. It is a classic and a calming reminder not to get bogged down by things you can’t control. Everything else I listen to is early 2000s alternative rock music from my high school and college days, like “The Taste of Ink,” by The Used. My taste in music hasn’t matured at all!

Michael Willemin of Wigdor, his wife Danielle, and their two sons in Palm Beach, Florida.

Credit: Michael Willemin and Jonathan Hurtarte/Bloomberg Law