Michael Jay Goldberg

PRO

Michael Jay Goldberg

4.8
40 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 9.1

Licensed for 37 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Cleveland, OH
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Federal Crime, Violent Crime ... +2 more

323 Lakeside Ave. West, Suite 450, Cleveland, OH

Free Consultation

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 20%

20%
Federal Crime 20%

20%
Sex Crime 20%

20%
Violent Crime 20%

20%
White Collar Crime 20%

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2019
Silver Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Ohio for 37 years

State: Ohio

Acquired: 1988

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Goldberg Law Firm

323 Lakeside Ave. West, Suite 450, Cleveland, OH, 44113

www.michaeljgoldberg.net

Michael Jay Goldberg's Reviews

Showing 31 - 35 of 36 reviews

Posted by DG | September 11, 2011 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Professional & Effective Representation

I cannot say enough about my experince with Mr Goldberg and his Associates. I got way more for my money than I ever expected. My experience with Mr Goldberg and his firm is a pleasure from the first phone call to the conclusion of any situation. I have dealt with Mr Goldberg on many different issu...es - from minor traffic issues to complicated business matters - and he has handled them flawlessly, professionally, and has made me feel comfortable (and he has made me feel as if I was the most important client) along the way. Mr Goldberg gets my full endorsement.

Posted by anonymous | January 31, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Kept me out of prison, but was not easy to work with

I hired Michael to represent me in a felony drug case. The only positive thing that I can say about Michael is that he kept me from going to jail. I'm honestly not even sure if it was him or the prosecutor/judge who kept me from prison to be honest. Michael was late to EVERY court appearance and at t...imes, didn't even show up! And when I say late, I mean by an hour or two. He would also talk down on you like you are a peasant or a dumb person. He was not a friendly guy. He was very difficult to get a hold of as well. A lot of times, I'll leave him a text or email and he doesn't even respond. He had me plead guilty and my charges weren't even lowered or anything! So I'm honestly not even sure what this guy did for me. Not quite sure I would recommend this lawyer. Do some research first.

Posted by anonymous | October 01, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Not a good experience at all.

This lawyer didn't go over any evidence and even threatened me if I went to trial. He did not put in one motion for my defense.I honestly believe he is the worst lawyer and he took my $10000. My opinion is I believe he does this to people of color and I feel I'm not the 1st person be victim.

Posted by anonymous | December 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Terrible attorney

I can honestly telling you after spending well over 10K years ago that I STILL have nightmares about how this man did my case , I was a scared kid 22 facing 22 years . He knew I was scared . No evidence at all the semen wasn’t even mine and this guy still couldn’t represent me correctly . ALWAYS YELL...ING AT ME ! Arrogant man screwed my life up while he goes back to his nice stocked bank account

Posted by anonymous | September 13, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Worst Lawyer EVER!

Where to start. This case was some years back. I reached out to him through his website and he responded that he can assist. He demanded cash upfront and when I couldn't produce it all on short notice he kinda guilted me. He was late to court 90% of the time. The last hearing, the one time you get t...o plead your case, he showed up late and got in an argument with the judge. When the deal fell apart he asked for another payment beyond the original asking price and I never heard from him again. That is nothing in comparison to the way he talked down to me. On multiple occasions he verbally insulted me and made me feel terrible about myself. Totally lacking in Empathy. Oh did I mention that his secretary called me to tell me I had won the case and that Michael was on his way to work things out with the judge? This was the day he showed up late and got into an argument with the judge. To sum it up, the entire experience with him was just crushing and defeating. I highly DO NOT recommend him.

Michael Goldberg

Replied last September 13, 2019

While this is an anonymous review, we take all client criticism seriously. I can tell you that none of these concerns were ever brought to me because I would certainly tried to address them. In addition, we handle nearly all cases by written set fee retainer agreements and do not charge additional fees that are not set forth in our agreement. I would appreciate an opportunity to resolve your experience with you personally or I suggest you bring your complaint to the attention to the local bar association so I can know who you are, review your file and respond completely to your stated complaint.

See All Client Reviews

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Experience

Rating:  9.1 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2020

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Cleveland, Three Best Rated

2020

Top Lawyers in Cleveland, Expertise

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2019

10 Best Criminal Law Firm in Ohio, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2016

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Principal, The Goldberg Law Firm

2001 - 2005

Owner, Goldberg & Murner LLC

Associations

1996 - 2020

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1996 - 2020

Ohio Academy of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Education

1988

Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1985

University of Cincinnati

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2018

Legal Seminar

Second Amendment vs. State Regulation

2016

Legal Seminar

National Gun Law and Marijuana

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution