Michelle C. Prendergast

Michelle is an Associate in Maynard Nexsen’s Raleigh office, where she practices in the Firm’s Financial Services practice group. Michelle’s practice focuses primarily on defense of brokerage firms against claims asserted by employees in arbitration proceedings before the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and in state and federal courts. Michelle also litigates federal and state cases for employers in other industries on various matters, including restrictive covenant and non-compete agreements, unfair trade practices and trade secrets, wrongful termination claims, and discrimination claims under the ADA, FMLA, and Title VII. Michelle conducts and supports clients through workplace investigations related to discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and workplace misconduct.

Michelle also has extensive experience in complex commercial litigation matters, representing clients in both state and federal courts across a diverse range of business disputes, such as shareholder disputes, breach of contract, breach of warranty, unfair and deceptive trade practices claims, and tort claims. Michelle has defended businesses in all aspects of pretrial litigation, including through motions practice; oral argument; fact, expert, and corporate representative depositions; and evidentiary hearings, including live testimony.  

Michelle earned her J.D., magna cum laude, from William & Mary School of Law, where she was a member of the William & Mary Law Review and inducted into the Order of the Coif. She earned her B.A. in History, magna cum laude, from the University of South Carolina at Aiken.

Outside Maynard Nexsen

Michelle spends most of her free time with her family. She is also an avid crocheter and has amassed an impressive (unhealthy) yarn collection. 

Recognition

• Listed in Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" for Commercial Litigation (2024-present)