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    Michael Victorian photograph

    Michael B. Victorian

    Counsel

    Baton Rouge
    225-376-0249
    michael.victorian@phelps.com
    Areas Of Focus
    Commercial LitigationLitigationEmployment Litigation

    Michael B. Victorian guides companies through high-stakes commercial litigation and employment-related issues with steady counsel informed by experience. He defends private industry and government clients in a wide range of disputes involving business operations, professional liability and company leadership.

    As a trusted adviser with experience spanning the spectrum of commercial litigation issues, Michael is often clients’ first call when a conflict occurs. He partners with companies to evaluate their options, offer business counseling, and develop litigation strategies.

    Clients across industries turn to Michael’s trial knowledge to navigate complex proceedings. He regularly represents clients in the courtroom and administrative hearings on complex litigation issues, including employment claims involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination and compliance. He also works with municipalities, police departments and other government entities to resolve issues, including section 1983-related actions. His experience in communications and media relations helps him manage the reputational risks, as well as the legal risks, that can come with high-profile trials.

    A seasoned litigator, Michael steers clients through unsettled areas of law, including the complex field of college athletics. He guides student-athletes and their families, institutions and agencies through the evolving landscape of name, image and likeness rights.

    Michael also helps businesses implement sustainable business practices and navigate the complex frameworks that govern corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship. He works with companies of all sizes to address diversity, equity and inclusion, mental health, and employee physical wellness. He actively partners with employers to ensure that their policies comply with anti-discrimination, harassment and equal pay laws, create positive workplace conditions, and implement proper staff training and disciplinary procedures. Michael helps clients have a presence in the legislative process to ensure their interests are represented.

    Committed to shaping future generations, Michael serves as an adjunct professor at Southern University Law Center and as a leader in several legal and community organizations.

    Clients across industries turn to Michael’s trial knowledge to navigate complex proceedings. He regularly represents clients in the courtroom and administrative hearings on complex litigation issues, including employment claims involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination and compliance. He also works with municipalities, police departments and other government entities to resolve issues, including section 1983-related actions. His experience in communications and media relations helps him manage the reputational risks, as well as the legal risks, that can come with high-profile trials.

    A seasoned litigator, Michael steers clients through unsettled areas of law, including the complex field of college athletics. He guides student-athletes and their families, institutions and agencies through the evolving landscape of name, image and likeness rights.

    Michael also helps businesses implement sustainable business practices and navigate the complex frameworks that govern corporate responsibility and environmental stewardship. He works with companies of all sizes to address diversity, equity and inclusion, mental health, and employee physical wellness. He actively partners with employers to ensure that their policies comply with anti-discrimination, harassment and equal pay laws, create positive workplace conditions, and implement proper staff training and disciplinary procedures. Michael helps clients have a presence in the legislative process to ensure their interests are represented.

    Committed to shaping future generations, Michael serves as an adjunct professor at Southern University Law Center and as a leader in several legal and community organizations.

    Experience

    • Delivered opening and closing arguments to secure rejection of all claims against major university in highly publicized jury trial over multimillion-dollar sexual harassment and retaliation allegations from former athletic program administrator.
    • Served as go-to legal counsel to help industrial product distributor comply with evolving health and safety guidance and recover outstanding debt through mediation, avoiding the need for litigation.
    • Protected prominent entrepreneur’s bar, restaurant and retail business from hostile takeover by former partner by securing a court order after successful bench trial expelling former partner and preventing further interference.
    • Reviewed HR consultant and staffing agency’s contracts for services to resolve borrowed employee issue and recover overpayments to former charter school employees.
    • Negotiated favorable settlements, including in federal court, for several municipalities in cases involving law enforcement agencies and section 1983 claims.

    Insights

    • April 29, 2025

      Roster Limits Remain a Sticking Point to Settle Landmark NIL Case Against the NCAA…

    • April 10-11, 2025

      LA SHRM Presents the Louisiana HR Conference and Exhibition 2025…

    More +
    • April 9, 2025

      Judge Raises Issues as $2.8B NIL Settlement Talks Move Forward…

    • February 7, 2025

      Grant J. Delpit's Community Day Event 2025…

    • February 5, 2025

      Sharing Your Fraternity’s Traditions and Service With Your Family…

    • January 29, 2025

      Michael B. Victorian Honored for His Service to 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge…

    • January 25, 2025

      100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge Gala 2025…

    • November 18, 2024

      Phelps Highlights Regional Strengths, Strategic Growth With Newest Counsel Class…

    • October 8, 2024

      Preliminary Approval of House Settlement Closer to Remaking College Athletics…

    • September 16, 2024

      Fox 8 Sports Show Features Michael B. Victorian's NIL Insights …

    • August 15, 2024

      185 Phelps Lawyers Chosen for Best Lawyers in America, 20 Named "Lawyer of the Year," 26 Added to “Ones to Watch” List…

    • July 16, 2024

      Louisiana Expands NIL Opportunities for Colleges and Student-Athletes…

    • May 31, 2024

      GNO, Inc. HBCU Startup Internship: The Nuts and Bolts of Launching a Startup…

    • May 8, 2024

      Federal Jury Rejects Claims Against LSU in High-Profile Title IX Suit…

    • December 19, 2023

      Super Lawyers Recognizes 44 Louisiana Phelps Lawyers in 2024 Honors …

    • November 10, 2023

      Annual New Orleans Labor & Employment Seminar: Changing Seasons in Employment Law…

    • October 27, 2023

      NBA Presents A.I. 2.0 - Updates on Legislation & Litigation…

    • August 28, 2023

      NLRB Continues Pro-Labor Swing by Reinstating 2014-Era Election Rules…

    • August 17, 2023

      Best Lawyers in America Selects 208 Phelps Lawyers, Names 12 "Lawyer of the Year," Adds 47 to "Ones to Watch" List…

    • July 24, 2023

      Phelps Lawyers Honored on Baton Rouge Business Report’s Capital Region 500 List…

    • July 18, 2023

      Lawyers of Color Honors Michael B. Victorian on 2023 Hot List…

    • June 16, 2023

      FBA Presents The Past is Not Past: Recognizing, Remembering, and Redressing Domestic Terrorism in the United States…

    • April 29, 2023

      NBA Presents Tips for a Succesful Motion Practice …

    • December 27, 2022

      Michael Victorian Named to Lawyers of Color Hot List 2022…

    • December 19, 2022

      42 Phelps Lawyers Honored by 2023 Louisiana Super Lawyers and Rising Stars …

    • December 2, 2022

      Annual New Orleans Labor & Employment Seminar: Boots on the Ground…

    • August 18, 2022

      Best Lawyers in America Selects 158 Phelps Lawyers, Names 10 "Lawyer of the Year," Adds 40 to "Ones to Watch" List…

    • August 3, 2022

      Don’t Touch My Hair: CROWN Act Protects Natural Hairstyles from Discrimination …

    • July 21, 2022

      LBA Human Resources & Security Conference Presents ESG and How it is Likely to Influence HR in the Future…

    • June 17, 2022

      Phelps Associate Michael B. Victorian Honored by National Bar Association’s 40 Under 40…

    • March 21, 2022

      DOL Offers Examples of Unlawful Retaliation Under FLSA and FMLA …

    • February 15, 2022

      Diversity Spotlight: 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge Invests in the Success of Baton Rouge Youth Through Full-Circle Mentorship and Familywide Support…

    • February 2, 2022

      Pathways & Pipelines to Success…

    • December 29, 2021

      Super Lawyers Recognizes 46 Louisiana Phelps Lawyers in 2022 Honors…

    • August 19, 2021

      More Than Half of Phelps Lawyers Chosen for Best Lawyers in America, 12 Named "Lawyer of the Year," 40 Make “Ones to Watch” List…

    • July 13, 2021

      New Executive Order May Have Dramatic Impact on Noncompete Agreements…

    • March 30, 2021

      Phelps Lawyers Chosen for National Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Programs…

    • January 14, 2021

      Phelps Lawyer Joins Leadership Baton Rouge Class of 2021…

    • November 13, 2020

      Phelps Lawyer Michael Victorian Honored by Baton Rouge Business Report's Forty Under 40…

    • August 20, 2020

      127 Phelps Lawyers Selected to Best Lawyers in America, 16 Named "Lawyer of the Year" and 37 Chosen for First Class of "Ones to Watch"…

    • July 22, 2020

      NLRB OKs Emergency COVID-19 Work Rule Changes and Greenlights Employee Property Searches…

    • March 25, 2020

      Alabama and Louisiana Revise Unemployment Compensation Rules in Response to COVID-19 Crisis…

    Recognition

    • Member of the Year Award (2025), 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge
    • Litigation - Labor and Employment (2021-2025), Labor and Employment Law - Management (2022-2025), The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch
    • Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, Super Lawyers (2022-2024)
    • Capital Region 500, Greater Baton Rouge Business Report (2023)
    • 40 Under 40 Nation's Best Advocates, National Bar Association (2022)
    • Forty Under 40, Greater Baton Rouge Business Report (2020)
    • Great Futures Honoree, Boys & Girls Club (2018)
    • Member of the Year Award (2025), 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge
    • Litigation - Labor and Employment (2021-2025), Labor and Employment Law - Management (2022-2025), The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch
    • Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, Super Lawyers (2022-2024)
    • Capital Region 500, Greater Baton Rouge Business Report (2023)
    • 40 Under 40 Nation's Best Advocates, National Bar Association (2022)
    • Forty Under 40, Greater Baton Rouge Business Report (2020)
    • Great Futures Honoree, Boys & Girls Club (2018)

    Education

    • Southern University Law Center, J.D., magna cum laude, 2014
    • Howard University, B.A., Journalism with concentration in Public Relations, cum laude, 2005
    • Southern University Law Center, J.D., magna cum laude, 2014
    • Howard University, B.A., Journalism with concentration in Public Relations, cum laude, 2005

    Credentials

    • Louisiana
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado
    • Louisiana
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana
    • U.S. District Court, District of Colorado

    Memberships and Affiliations

    • Louisiana State Bar Association
    • Baton Rouge Bar Association
    • National Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section - Committee Secretary
    • Defense Research Institute
    • Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
    • Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, Board of Directors
    • Southern University Law Center Alumni Association
    • Howard University Alumni Association
    • Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc., Greater Baton Rouge Chapter – Former President
    • 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge - President-Elect, Secretary (2017-2023)
    • Louisiana Association of Business and Industry - Emerging Leaders Council Alumnus
    • Louisiana State Bar Association
    • Baton Rouge Bar Association
    • National Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section - Committee Secretary
    • Defense Research Institute
    • Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel
    • Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, Board of Directors
    • Southern University Law Center Alumni Association
    • Howard University Alumni Association
    • Louis A. Martinet Legal Society, Inc., Greater Baton Rouge Chapter – Former President
    • 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge - President-Elect, Secretary (2017-2023)
    • Louisiana Association of Business and Industry - Emerging Leaders Council Alumnus
    • Overview
    • Experience
    • Insights
    • Recognition
    • Education
    • Credentials
    • Memberships and Affiliations

    Related Services

    • Litigation
    • Labor and Employment
    • Employment Litigation
    • ESG
    • Media, Sports and Entertainment
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