In a newly released interview titled “Michael Hoffman on Fairness, Law, and the Human Side of Work,” veteran employment attorney Michael Hoffman is using his decades of experience to call attention to a growing need for ethical, preventative, and people-centred approaches to workplace law. His message: long before a case reaches a courtroom, the seeds of conflict—and resolution—are already planted.
“The law is technical,” Hoffman says, “but people’s problems are emotional. You have to hold both.”
Hoffman, who spent over 30 years representing employees in cases involving wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment, as well as advising companies on policy, internal investigations, and compliance, believes that more thoughtful leadership and awareness at the ground level could dramatically reduce workplace conflict.
A Workplace Under Strain
Recent data supports Hoffman’s call for change. According to a 2024 Gallup survey, only 23% of employees strongly agree that their employer cares about their wellbeing—a steep drop from 49% just four years prior. Meanwhile, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) received nearly 73,000 discrimination complaints in 2023, costing businesses millions in legal settlements and lost productivity.
“Prevention is just as important as litigation,” Hoffman says. “I wasn’t just putting out fires—I was helping people understand the rules of the road before trouble started.”
Empathy Isn’t Optional
In the interview, Hoffman reflects on moments from his career where listening, clarity, and shared values resolved issues without legal escalation. One such case involved a worker fired after reporting safety concerns. “It wasn’t a headline case,” he explains. “But for that client, it meant everything. And it reminded me why this work matters.”
His advice is rooted in lived experience: real solutions are less about legal muscle and more about culture, communication, and care.
“Even when I had to deliver hard news,” he says, “I did it with respect and honesty. That builds trust.”
What You Can Do
Hoffman isn’t asking for policy change or new laws. He’s urging individuals—employers, HR leaders, employees, and young professionals—to take ownership of their environment by choosing awareness over avoidance.
Here’s what he recommends:
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Know your values early. The law will test them—make sure you’re ready.
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Communicate clearly. Many disputes start with confusion, not malice.
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Be proactive. Fair policies and training prevent more than they punish.
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Prioritise empathy. Understand the human before reacting to the problem.
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Mentor others. Share your experience to raise the standard for those who follow.
“You don’t need to be a lawyer to make a difference,” Hoffman says. “You just need to care enough to act before it’s too late.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Michael Hoffman
Michael Hoffman is a semi-retired employment attorney based in San Francisco with over 30 years of experience in labour, employment, and benefits law. Known for his ethical, empathetic approach, he has represented employees and advised organisations on workplace disputes, compliance, and policy. He now focuses on mentorship, mindfulness, and promoting fairness in the modern workplace.
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