About Michael
Michael Okun is a partner at Patterson Harkavy LLP, located at 414 West Jones Street in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has been licensed to practice law in North Carolina since 1980. The firm specializes in labor and employment law, representing unions and individuals throughout the state. Okun's experience in this field has positioned him as a prominent advocate for workers' rights. He earned his Juris Doctor with honors from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1980. During his time there, he was recognized as a James O. Bowman Scholar and served on the Law Review.
Additionally, he received the prestigious Order of the Coif Award for Legal Writing, highlighting his commitment to excellence in legal scholarship. Prior to law school, Okun obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Antioch College in 1977. His diverse background includes roles as a graphic artist, rehabilitation therapist, cab driver, and ironworker, which contribute to his understanding of the labor landscape. Okun's practice focuses on various aspects of labor and employment law. He represents local unions affiliated with numerous international unions in arbitrations, NLRB proceedings, and contract negotiations. His litigation experience is extensive—he has successfully argued cases in the North Carolina Supreme Court and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Eleventh Circuits.
This breadth of experience shows his capability to navigate complex legal challenges on behalf of his clients. For nearly four decades, Okun served as general counsel to the North Carolina State AFL-CIO, where he provided legal guidance and support to labor organizations. His involvement extends to the Lawyers Coordinating Committee and the National Employment Lawyers Association, reflecting his dedication to advocating for workers' rights at both state and national levels. He has also contributed to the American Bar Association's Section on Labor and Employment Law and served on the North Carolina Commission on Workforce Development. In recognition of his contributions to the legal community and labor rights, Okun was awarded The Order of The Long Leaf Pine in 2011, one of North Carolina's highest honors. He is an active member of the North Carolina Bar Association's Labor and Employment Section, where he has served as past chair. Additionally, he is admitted to practice before the U.S.
District Courts for the Eastern, Middle. Western Districts of North Carolina, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. His commitment to labor law and education is further demonstrated through his consulting and educational programs for the ABA and the Free Trade Union Institute in Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia.
