MICHAEL ZOLDAN
Partner | Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC
About Michael
Michael Zoldan is a trial attorney, business owner, and named partner at Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC, where he represents employees, employers, and small businesses throughout Arizona. With nearly two decades of litigation experience, Michael has built a reputation for taking on challenging cases—and taking them all the way through trial when that’s what it takes to get the right result.
Michael’s practice spans employment law, business and commercial disputes, and civil litigation. As a business owner himself—having founded and successfully sold his own employment law firm before joining forces with Shields Petitti & Zoldan—he brings a practical, results-oriented perspective to every matter. He understands the real-world pressures his clients face because he has navigated them firsthand.
On the employment side, Michael is known for aggressive, detail-driven advocacy in cases involving discrimination, wage and hour violations, harassment, wrongful termination, and restrictive covenant disputes. He has tried cases to jury verdict and has extensive experience litigating complex matters in both state and federal court. Clients and opposing counsel alike know that Michael does not take shortcuts and does not back down.
Earlier in his career, Michael developed his litigation skills across multiple firms, handling a high volume of cases alongside some of the most accomplished trial lawyers in the state. He also served in the Trial Attorney Department of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and clerked for a Maricopa County Superior Court Judge—experiences that gave him a deep understanding of how employment cases are evaluated from every angle.
Michael was recognized as an Arizona Rising Star by Super Lawyers every consecutive year from 2015 through 2024—an honor awarded to no more than 2.5% of attorneys in the state—earning the distinction each year he was eligible before aging out of the award at 40. He has since been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for Employment Law – Management, a peer-reviewed honor reserved for attorneys with sustained excellence in their field.
Areas of Practice
Employment Law
- Employment discrimination litigation under Title VII and Arizona state law
- Wage and hour disputes under the FLSA and Arizona state law
- Wrongful termination and workplace retaliation claims
- Sexual harassment and hostile work environment litigation
- Non-compete, non-solicitation, trade secret, and restrictive covenant disputes
- EEOC Charge proceedings, including investigation and mediation
- Representation of professionals before licensing boards and professional associations
Business, Commercial & Civil Litigation
- Contract disputes and breach of contract claims
- Business torts and unfair business practices
- Partnership and ownership disputes
- Commercial collections and enforcement actions
- General civil litigation in state and federal court
Business Consulting
- Small business consulting on employment contracts, risk management, and personnel policies
- Employer compliance and prevention strategies
Bar Admissions
- Arizona
- Illinois (currently inactive)
- Washington (currently inactive)
- U.S. District Court, District of Arizona (2011)
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit (2013)
Education
- Juris Doctor – Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law (2010)
- Bachelor of Arts, Finance – The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business (2007)