
Michael Diederich Jr.
US Army Judge Advocate General ("JAG") Corps
My interest in law has always been in helping people and helping our system of justice work better. My law office focuses on helping victims of illegality and bias. My office handles wrongful termination and job discrimination cases and civil rights violation. Cases include wrongful discrimination based upon age, gender / sex, national origin, race, pregnancy or disability.
I also served as a "citizen soldier" (US Army reservist), with tours of duty in the combat zones of Iraq (2004-05) and Afghanistan (2012), as an Army lawyer. I retired in the rank of lieutenant colonel.
We handle cases from Long Island, through New York City and into the Hudson Valley up to Albany and Western Massachusetts.
- Lewis & Clark Law School
- J.D.
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- University of Vermont
- B.S. | Environmental Science
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- Pace Law School
- LL.M. | Master of Laws
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- US Army Command and General Staff College
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- US Army Judge Advocate General's School
- Army JAG School-- basic and advanced schools
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- Lt. Colonel (retired)
- US Army Judge Advocate General ("JAG") Corps
- Current
- Principal Attorney
- Diederich Law Office
- - Current
- Except during periods of active governmental service (e.g., 1 year duty as US Army Lawyer in Iraq), I have focused on representing individuals in employment, civil rights and environmental cases. I have also been active in public interest and taxpayer litigation, and influenced the US Supreme Court in environmental/constitutional law. My private practice focuses on employment discrimination and civil rights.
- National Employment Lawyers Association
- Member
- Current
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- NY State Bar Association
- Civil Rights Committe -- appointed member
- Current
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- Rockland County Bar Association
- Current
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- Orange County (NY) Bar Association
- Current
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- Massachusetts
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- New York
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- 2nd Circuit
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- U.S. Supreme Court
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- US Army Court of Military Appeals
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Free Consultation
Free telephone consultation. -
Contingent Fees
I often handle an individual's case on a contingency fee basis, sometimes with a partial fee. -
Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
Prior results do not guarantee future success. Each case stands on its own merits. I enjoy representing victims of wrongdoing or bias.
- Appeals & Appellate
- Civil Appeals, Federal Appeals
- Civil Rights
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Discrimination, Employment, Fair Housing, Police Misconduct, Privacy Law
- Employment Law
- Employee Benefits, Employment Contracts, Employment Discrimination, ERISA, Overtime & Unpaid Wages, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower, Wrongful Termination
- Environmental Law
- Gov & Administrative Law
- Administrative Law, Election Law, Government Contracts, Government Finance, Legislative & Government Affairs
- Medical Malpractice
- Birth Injury, Medical Misdiagnosis, Pharmacy Errors, Surgical Errors
- Constitutional Law
- English: Spoken, Written
- Q. Hello. My husband received last warning from manager, and was told that after that he will be fired. We believe that
- A: You do not state the reason for the warning. If it was poor performance, that is a basis for job termination. Overtime is (presumably) a separate issue here. Is your husband an hourly or salaried employee? If properly classified as an hourly employee, then he has certain rights (including the right to be paid a "time and a half" rate for all overtime work). If he believes illegality may be afoot, or that he faces potential job termination, he should consult with a competent employment lawyer (many of whom will offer a free telephone consultation) so that he can possibly avoid being fired and, if needed, protect his legal rights.
- Q. Can i be fired after 10yrs working for insurance company, even tho I disclosed felony in app and when questioned by HR
- A: Seems you are saying that you have been, or may be, fired for the old felony conviction. Do you think bias may be involved as well? Is your employment in NYC? A useful site is: https://www.justicecenter.ny.gov/nyc-fair-chance-act-ban-box . If you are fired, you should discuss with an employment lawyer (such as Mr. Urba, or from the NELA referral service, or me). Mike D
- Q. I need a lawyer to represent me for unemployment,and sexual harassment and workplace violence.
- A: You should speak with an employment lawyer. Some employment lawyers, such as my office, provide a free telephone consultation. Unlawful employment discrimination or reprisal often directly relates to an unemployment insurance claim.