Akerman is pleased to announce that Mel M.C. Cole, who is based in San Francisco, has joined the firm as a partner in the Labor & Employment Practice Group. Mel will be working remotely from San Francisco and assigned to our Los Angeles office. With a distinguished career in employment law, Mel brings extensive experience in class action and PAGA-only matters, as well as expertise in independent contract misclassification, particularly within the gig economy.

Mel joins from an Am Law 100 law firm and her addition to Akerman marks a significant step in the firm's strategic growth in California. She advocates for clients ranging from major corporations to small enterprises in litigation and administrative proceedings, including class and collective cases related to independent contractor status, wage and hour issues, discrimination, retaliation, and unlawful dismissal. Beyond litigation, Mel provides strategic advice on employment law topics such as classifying workers, making termination and disciplinary choices, addressing workplace accommodation needs, minimizing legal risks, and managing all aspects of the employer-employee relationship.

"We are thrilled to welcome Mel to our team," said Eric Gordon, Labor and Employment Practice Group Chair. "She brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in employment law that will greatly benefit our clients and support our continued expansion in California."

About Akerman
Founded in 1920, Akerman is recognized as one of the country’s premier law firms, with more than 700 lawyers in 25 offices throughout the United States.