Michele Augusta Baptiste

Michele Baptiste is a seasoned attorney with over 20 years of experience practicing law in New York State. Her legal career commenced as an Agency Attorney at the New York City Department of Education’s Office of Labor Relations, where she adeptly handled labor arbitrations and hearings, including those before the New York State Public Employment Relations Board. Additionally, she served as a hearing officer for Step 3 grievance hearings. Michele expanded her legal skills in 2002 by joining labor and employment law firms in Nassau and Suffolk County. There, she conducted sexual harassment investigations and represented clients across diverse legal forums, including Education Law §3020-a hearings, labor arbitration, state, and federal courts. Her role as an Administrative Law Judge for the NYC Department of Finance further solidified her legal acumen. Recognized for her commitment to diversity and inclusion, Michele has served as the Chief Diversity Officer and Title IX Coordinator at colleges, investigating discrimination and harassment complaints. Her general legal practice encompasses Labor and Employment Law, Education Law, Mortgage Foreclosure Defense, among others. A graduate of Boston University and Albany Law School, Michele is also actively involved with the New York State Bar Association and provides pro bono services through the Queens Volunteer Lawyers Project.