Michael P. Zangl
About Michael
Michael Zangl is a member of the firm’s education and employment teams. He advises a broad range of clients on employment and policy matters, with a particular focus on serving public and independent schools. His work includes advising on leave issues, employee handbooks, ADA compliance, code of conduct development, and policy review. Michael helps institutions navigate complex legal requirements with practical, solutions-oriented guidance informed by his prior experience in higher education administration.
Michael represents clients in state and federal courts in Washington and Oregon, including defending education institutions against constitutional and tort claims. He also advises and advocates for clients before administrative agencies, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI), and Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). In addition, he has conducted independent workplace investigations related to discrimination and employee responsibilities.
Michael began at Miller Nash as a summer associate in 2022 and 2023 where he supported the firm’s education, employment, tribal, bankruptcy, and real estate teams with research and drafting memoranda. Michael also served as a judicial extern for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.
Before law school, Michael had a career in higher education administration and student life where he gained a deep understanding of how higher education institutions function and the issues they face on a daily basis.
Activities
- Washington State Bar Association, Member
- Oregon State Bar, Member
- QLaw Association of Washington
- Board of Directors, 2026-present
- Northwest Association of College and University Housing Officers (NWACUHO)
- Board Member, 2019-2021
- Diversity and Inclusion Committee, 2017-2019
- Program Task Force, 2017-2019
- Bowling Green State University, Student Development Association
- Second Year On-Campus Representative, 2015-2016
- First Year On-Campus Representative, 2014-2015
- University of Washington
- Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW)
- Queer Student Commission, Advocacy Intern, 2012-2013
- ASUW Senator, 2012-2013
- Presidential Proxy to Personnel Committee, 2011-2012
- Human Resources Intern, 2011-2012
- Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW)
- Lander Hall Council, Advocacy and Council for Tomorrow, 2010-2011
Recognition
- Northwest Association of College and University Housing Officers (NWACUHO), New Professional Award, 2019
Insights from Michael
Business Officers Conference
- “Washington State Minimum Wage Updates for 2027, Including Local Governments Exceeding the State’s Minimum Wage,” Miller Nash, Employment Law in Motion (Oct. 2026)
- “DEI Initiatives Face New Risks Under Executive Branch Interpretations,” Campus Legal Advisor (Oct. 2025)
- “Washington State Minimum Wage 2026 Update, Including Jurisdictions Exceeding the State’s Minimum Wage,” Miller Nash, Employment Law in Motion (Oct. 2025)
- “Real ID Deadline Is Approaching: What this Means for Employers and Employees,” American Bar Association, Labor & Employment Law News (July 2025)
- “Update on Jurisdictions Exceeding Washington State’s Minimum Wage in 2025: Burien and Everett,” Miller Nash, Employment Law in Motion (May 2025)
- “Washington State Law Provides Agricultural Cannabis Workers the Right to Unionize,” Miller Nash, Employment Law in Motion (May 2025)
- “RealID Deadline Is Approaching: What this Means for Employers and Employees,” Miller Nash, Employment Law in Motion (Apr. 2025)
- "Staying in Compliance: Navigating Oregon Measure 119 for Cannabis Employers," Miller Nash (Mar. 2025)
- “New Trump Administration Executive Orders Reflect Significant Policy Changes—Key Takeaways for School Administrators,” Miller Nash (Jan. 2025)
- “Companies Face a New Wave of Class Action Privacy Litigation,” Miller Nash, IP & Technology Law Trends (Aug. 2023)
- “Reviewing the Case File: A Year In Employment Law - Washington Legal Update,” Miller Nash, Employment Law Seminar (Oct. 2026)
- “Emerging Legal and Compliance Challenges & Opportunities,” Northwest Association of Independent Schools, Business Officers Conference (Apr. 2026)
- “Pregnancy-Related Leaves and Accommodations,” Miller Nash, Employment Law Seminar (Oct. 2025)
- “Start Smart: Your Back to School Legal Toolkit for Managing Misconduct, Accomodations, & Critical Contracts,” Miller Nash webinar (Aug. 2025)
Outside the Office
In his free time, Michael enjoys playing new tabletop board games and card games, reading science fiction and fantasy novels, and going to the movie theaters.