Michelle Genao

Michelle first discovered her interest in disability rights as a law student at the threshold of the COVID-19 pandemic. During her first fully remote semester, she took a course on Disability Law and received the highest grade distinction for her seminar paper. This experience became a pivotal point in her studies as she soon realized there is not an area of law that isn’t impacted by disability rights. 

In pursuit of her certificate of Concentration in Social Justice Advocacy, Michelle began to explore the intersections of disability rights across various areas of law, with particular interest in Elder Law and Employment Law. During law school, she served as a Judicial Extern with the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court in their Probate, Guardianship and Trusts Division and as a Legal Extern with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) where she garnered valuable experience in these practice areas. Michelle also worked with the St. Petersburg Free Clinic where she helped develop St. Petersburg’s first food policy council and volunteered at their weekly food pantry. This experience was very meaningful to her during such an unprecedented and isolating time. 

Since graduating law school and being admitted to the Florida Bar, Michelle has gained experience working in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Workers’ Compensation, Insurance Defense Litigation, as well as Employment and Disability Law. 

Michelle is an avid walker, sustainability advocate, and yoga practitioner. Outside of work, you can find her pampering her tabby cat and spending time with her vivacious familia. Michelle also enjoys traveling, reading, dancing, sudoku, and all things tea. 

Areas of Practice

• Discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, pregnancy, disability, and marital status under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (“Title VII”), the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”), the Florida Civil Rights Act (“FCRA”) and other applicable statutes
• Violations for unpaid wages and unpaid overtime hours under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”)
• Violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”)
• Violations of the Florida Private Whistleblower Act (“FPWA”)

Education

• Stetson University College of Law, Juris Doctor, Certificate of Concentration in Social Justice Advocacy, William F. Blews Award for Pro Bono Service
• Fashion Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Science, Magna Cum Laude

Bar Admissions

• Florida Bar
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida

 

• U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida

Professional and Community Involvement

• Florida Employment Lawyers Association (FLNELA) — Current Member
• Inaugural Sponsor of the Run Walk ‘n’ Roll 5k – celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans’ With Disabilities Act

Memberships

• Florida Bar, Young Lawyers