Profile

Retained by some of the nation’s largest corporations as litigation counsel in California and Nevada, Michael has practiced for over 28 years and has tried in excess of 80 jury trials in both federal and state courts.

Focused on Litigation Defense for Regional and National Clients

He has handled a wide variety of litigation, ranging from complex business disputes for national and local companies to injury and wrongful death claims asserted against product manufacturers, trucking companies, fraternities, security companies, and healthcare professionals.

Managing Litigation Outcomes and Costs for National Manufacturers

For a number of years, Michael has served as litigation and trial counsel to national manufacturers under innovative flat-fee and convergence-counsel programs, demonstrating adaptability in meeting the costs-containment needs of his clients while still providing first-rate service.  Seeking out and developing creative methods to control litigation fees and costs, Michael has extensive first-hand expertise in managing, supervising, and litigating flat-fee dockets of tort claims, including high-exposure and complex matters, throughout California.

Criminal and Civil Trial Law Background of Excellence

Michael served as a criminal prosecutor with the El Dorado County (South Lake Tahoe) and San Francisco County District Attorneys’ Offices from 1981 to 1989. Since then, he has developed an extensive civil trial and litigation practice, serving the diverse litigation needs of national, regional and local clients. He was elected to The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2000, and served as an instructor of legal writing and research at Hastings College of the Law from 1985 to 1989.

Experience

Product Liability - Counsel for national and regional manufacturers, including Ford Motor Company, Motorola, and Newell Rubbermaid; has litigated cases on behalf of manufacturers of presses, automobiles and trucks, recreational watercraft, hand tools, and industrial equipment.

Negligence - Defended personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage cases against fraternities, trucking companies, premises owners, architects, engineers, alarm and fire protection companies, and contractors; a former arson prosecutor, Michael has specific expertise in the investigation and litigation of automotive, residential, commercial, and industrial fires.

Medical Malpractice - Defended chiropractors, mental health therapists, dentists, and doctors in malpractice actions.

Business Litigation - Defended and prosecuted cases arising from business disputes involving breach of contract, wrongful termination, real estate and banking transactions, non-compete agreements, unfair business practices and fraud; represented international air carriers in litigation involving the sales and leasing of jet aircraft.

Intellectual Property Disputes - Handled plaintiff and defense cases involving allegations of misappropriation of trade secrets, trademark infringement, copyright violations, and unfair competition.

Entertainment Litigation - Prosecuted cases against record companies, television studios, and television production companies to recover royalties and for copyright and trademark violations.

Toxic Tort and Environmental – Defended cases claiming exposure to various chemicals and substances, including asbestos, benzene, and lead; has represented clients in investigations brought by California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control.

Consumer Litigation - Defended national clients in class actions, consumer litigation, toxic tort claims, and cases brought under California's Unfair Competition Law, Consumers Legal Remedies Act, and Proposition 65.

News/Publications

Recent News and Articles

Publications

Michael authored four chapters of DRI’s State-by-State Compendium on Trade Secrets and Agreements Not to Compete. A project of the DRI Commercial Litigation Committee and a part of DRI's Defense Library Series, the publication is written by attorneys recognized for their expertise in these areas of the law. Michael contributed chapters on non-compete agreements for the States of California, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Montana.

Press Releases

03.19.09 Lateral in Litigation Boosts Archer Norris