Michelle C. Prendergast

Michelle is an Associate in Maynard Nexsen’s Raleigh office, where she practices alongside the Firm’s Business Litigation and Labor & Employment practice groups. Michelle focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, employment litigation, and product liability.

She has litigated federal and state cases for employers 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.

As a litigator, she has represented 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 also defended businesses against product liability claims in various industries, including asbestos litigation and defective product claims.

Prior to joining Maynard Nexsen, Michelle worked as an Associate at an international law firm, where she assisted clients in complex commercial litigation, including class action and multidistrict litigation. She also served as a law clerk for the Honorable Joi E. Peake for the U.S. District Court of the Middle District of North Carolina. 

Michelle holds a J.D., magna cum laude, from William & Mary Law School, where she was a member of the William & Mary Law Review. Michelle earned her B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of South Carolina 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)