Brian Russell Michaels

Brian Russell Michaels

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

Domestic violence Lawyer at Los Angeles, CA
Practice Areas: Domestic Violence, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI ... +2 more

1925 Century Park East, Suite 1700, Los Angeles, CA

About Brian

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Domestic Violence 60%

We are specializing in all areas of Restraining Order litigation. Domestic Violence, Civi Harassment. Elder Abuse, Workplace Violence. Also defense against related criminal charges.

31 years | 3,000 cases

60%
Criminal Defense 25%

Full service criminal defense lawyer. All criminal cases. Misdemeanor and Felonies over 90 jury trials to verdict high success rate

31 years | 15,000 cases

25%
Child Abuse 5%

Representation in Family, Civil or Criminal Court.

27 years | 500 cases

5%
DUI and DWI 5%

Full service DUI defense including criminal trials and DMV APS Hearings. Former DUI Prosecutor

31 years | 10,000 cases

5%
Family 5%

Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support. Prenuptial Agreements, DV Restraining Orders

16 years | 500 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 31 years

State: California

Acquired: 1994

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Brian Michaels

1925 Century Park East, Suite 1700, Los Angeles, CA, 90067

Law Office of Brian Michaels

401 West A Street, San Diego, CA, 92101

Law Office of Brian Michaels

3333 Michaelson Drive, Irvine, CA, 92612

Law Offices of Brian Russell Michaels

777 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA, 92240

Law Office of Brian Michaels

1117 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101

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Brian Russell Michaels's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

74 Client Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 20 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Ivan | October 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Misdemeanor Vandalism Handled Perfectly!

Mr. Michaels is an absolutely exceptional attorney. He was very prompt to initially respond, and seemed dedicated to my case right out the gate. Not only did he keep me updated and informed the entire time but at no point did I feel he wasn't handling my case competently and with efficiency. He w...as able to keep me out of jail and on top of that was able to achieve the best possible outcome for my situation. Now I am simply waiting comfortably in informal probation until I can dismiss the misdemeanor next year. I never felt like he was going to drop the ball. He seemed to be at the top of his game the whole time, even regarding the fact that he's a very busy man. Mr. Michaels is very skilled, intelligent, and above all kind. He doesn't mind answering all your questions, just make sure when you contact him you know exactly what you want to discuss, keep it brief and succinct and he will answer any and all questions you have. Make sure you pay attention to everything he says and don't ever waste any attorney's time. Brian Michaels will fight for you vivaciously, and use his prior knowledge and experience as a prosecutor to get you the best results he can. Nothing is guaranteed, however with Mr. Michaels, it seems it's quite close. If you care about your future, and your freedom, I highly suggest you hire this man as quickly as possible, and he will begin immediately building your case. Quick, calculated, responsible, and caring, you'd be wasting your money not hiring Brian Michaels. No matter how severe your case is if you want to be sure that your money is being spent wisely make sure you hire the man. His prices are very reasonable for the level and quality of service. Don't take my word for it, before I hired him he already had dozens of reviews like this one and it's what helped me decide to hire him. It was a great decision, and I don't regret it. If you hire him expect to add another raving review to Avvo as well. Thank you!

Posted by anonymous | June 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Knowledgable and Caring

What can I say other than Brian Michaels is an AMAZING attorney. I was faced with a rather confusing legal problem for years. Despite reaching out to numerous attorneys I was unable to settle the matter. Upon reaching out to Brian, I finally found an attorney with the knowledge, skill set, and experi...ence needed to quickly handle the issue. Brian was incredibly compassionate and always very easy to reach. He was always willing to answer my phone calls or emails within a moment's notice and always made a point to listen to my concerns from start to finish. He explained to me everything I needed to know and made me feel at ease given that I was finally in the right company. If it hadn't been for Brian Michaels' hard work, determination, and knowledge, I would still be floating in legal purgatory. If you are considering hiring an attorney in regards to criminal law, PLEASE consider reaching out to him first.

Brian Michaels

Replied last June 19, 2017

thk u

Posted by anonymous | April 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Professional and Reassuring

Had a moving violation citation that I was worried about - Brian put me at ease, explained his process for how he would be approaching the citation in court, and got the citation dismissed. Well worth the money.

Posted by Konrad | December 21, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

If you want results... this is the Attorney to hire!

I had hired another attorney and it was a back and forth thing for over one year then one day he stopped communicating with me. About a week ago, I connected with Mr Michaels and my case is already completed as of two days ago. Mr Michaels was quite thorough and efficient keeping me informed every st...ep of the way. Being professional yet personable there is no doubt he knows his business as well as compassion to care.

Posted by Sherry | September 04, 2016 | Criminal Defense

Wouldn't think of using anyone else, He is the real deal!

My search for a criminal defense attorney began when my son was arrested twice in one week for repeat of felony charges. They will result in 2 strikes. He is in "big trouble" and he is a young man facing his life in prison. I spent hours reading the bio's of the candidates I selected, checking into... their education and client ratings. Brian consistently kept coming up at the top and always 10 out of 10 client satisfaction. I contacted him on this web page, got a call back the very same afternoon from him personally. Within the first hour, he pulled my sons charges and reviewed them with me, letting me know from the very beginning that they were of a very serious nature and would be difficult at best. Brian did not promise miracles, he talked with me ( for an hour and a half) on his own time, no up front fee's or even discussion of the cost involved to retain him. I was convinced of his knowledge of the law, his compassion for helping other people but, "most of all' listening and hearing what I had to say and my very real concerns. In 15 days, I have had daily contact with him. We've exchanged phone calls, e-mails and to date 138 texts. My complete confidence in his ability to represent my son with the best possible outcome has filled my heart with peace. If you are a parent reading this, you understand the value of having the inner calm that comes from knowing that you have done your very best. It is my honor to recommend with the most heartfelt and highest regard; Brian Russell Michaels!

See All Client Reviews

Brian Russell Michaels's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Brian
Susan M. Murphy headshot
Susan Murphy

Unknown lawyer | Dec 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer - I admire his standing in our community, being as my firm leans towards real estate law, I have found Brian to be reliable and Knowledgeable source."

Gary Joonsuh Kim headshot
Gary Kim

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I truly admire Brian's expertise in criminal defense law. As an immigration lawyer, I face criminal law matters with my clients, and Brian has been very helpful. I highly recommend Brian to those in need of criminal law defense."

Danny D. Peebles headshot
Danny Peebles

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I highly recommend and endorse Brian Michaels as a criminal defense attorney. He is a broad depth of legal experience, is easy to talk to, and very effective in helping people get through the criminal justice system. Excellent attorney!"

Elena Mebtahi headshot
Elena Mebtahi

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Very educated attorney on the area and great to work with. I endorse this lawyer."

Dorinda Jo Myers headshot
Dorinda Myers

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"When you, or a loved one, find yourself in need of a criminal defense attorney it is important to retain someone who is experienced, knowledgeable and competent. I do not hesitate to recommend Attorney Michaels for those reasons."

A. Marie Felsen headshot
A. Felsen

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Brian is a great lawyer and I recommend him highly!"

Jonathan Pierre Lacour headshot
Jonathan Lacour

Unknown lawyer | Jun 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer."

George Stanley Henderson headshot
George Henderson

Criminal defense lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Based on his excellent posts here on the Avvo forums, I find Attorney Michaels to be an extremely capable advocate."

Gregory David Brenner headshot
Gregory Brenner

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ike Sherman headshot
Ike Sherman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Dmitriy Shakhnevich headshot
Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew Nezhad headshot
Matthew Nezhad

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse attorney Brian Russell Michaels. He is experienced, skilled, and an asset to the legal profession. He has earned respect from his clients and colleagues in the legal field."

Paul J. Molinaro headshot
Paul Molinaro

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stacey M. Washington headshot
Stacey Washington

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Michaels has the experience and background to help you fight that DUI or speeding or traffic ticket. Call him to help you get it dismissed. He is well respected and will fight for you. I endorse this lawyer."

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Criminal defense lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. An outstanding and well respected attorney in the legal community. I would recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone needing legal representation."

John Michael Phillips headshot
John Phillips

Unknown lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Lawyers who serve the avvo community as much as Mr. Michaels are few and far between. It takes passion, concern and dedication to devote so much time. You have my endorsement and kudos."

Vijay Dinakar headshot
Vijay Dinakar

Unknown lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Debra Vaniman Crawford headshot
Debra Crawford

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Bradley Stephen Sandler headshot
Bradley Sandler

Family lawyer

Danny D. Peebles headshot
Danny Peebles

Criminal defense lawyer

Elena Mebtahi headshot
Elena Mebtahi

Criminal defense lawyer

Zachary James Levine headshot
Zachary Levine

Gaming lawyer

Randy Stuart Kravis headshot
Randy Kravis

Appeals lawyer

Lee Allan Miller headshot
Lee Miller

Employment and labor lawyer

Nikki Mehrpoo Jacobson headshot
Nikki Jacobson

Immigration lawyer

Bruce M Kaufman headshot
Bruce Kaufman

Criminal defense lawyer

Keith S. Erbstein headshot
Keith Erbstein

Defective and dangerous products lawyer

Jack Edwin Kaufman headshot
Jack Kaufman

Criminal defense lawyer

Lawrence Jeremiah Zerner headshot
Lawrence Zerner

Unknown lawyer

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Personal injury lawyer

Mitchell Fred Kaufman headshot
Mitchell Kaufman

Employment and labor lawyer

Peggy Kohannim headshot
Peggy Kohannim

Family lawyer

Aissa Wayne headshot
Aissa Wayne

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

1994

Dean's List Graduate, University of LaVerne

1993

Law Review, Journal of Juvenile Law

1992

Deans List, University of LaVerne

1992

#1 ranked student, University of LaVerne

1991

Dean's List, University of LaVerne

Work Experience

2002 - Present

Owner, Law Office of Brian Michaels

2000 - 2002

LAPD Civil Rights Lawyer, Los Angeles City Attorney

1995 - 2002

Prosecuting Attorney, Los Angeles City Attorney

1995 - 1996

Judicial Clerk, Justice Earl Johnson, Jr., Cal. Appellate Court

1989 - 1990

Legal Assistant, Masery and Vittitoe

1988 - 1988

Legislative Aide, State Senator Gary Hart

1988 - 1989

Legal Intern, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky and Walker

1987 - 1989

Director, UCSB Government Extern Program

1987 - 1987

Research Director, Association of Third World Affairs

1985 - 1988

Legal Assistant, Legal Aid Center of Santa Barbara

Associations

2019 - Present

International Foreign Press Corps

Journalist

2017 - Present

San Diego Bar Association

member

2014 - Present

Santa Barbara County Bar Association

Member

2012 - Present

Lawyers in MENSA

Member

2008 - Present

Long Beach Bar Association

Member

2002 - Present

San Fernando Valley Bar Association

Member

2002 - Present

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Member

2002 - Present

Beverly Hills Bar Association

member

1994 - Present

State Bar of California

member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Phillips

Case Dismissed

People v. Erik Ramirez

3 dismissals time served

People v Bracco

House Arrest

People v. Klucovich

dismissed

People v. Robison

Probation

People v. Bertin

No Charges filed

People v. Beltran

Dismissed

People v. Miss

Client avoided imminent deportation

People v. Kent

No charges filed

People v. Blades

No Jail. Probation Only

People v. Camacho

Murder, Manslaughter and DUI charges set aside.

People v. M

Not Guilty After Trial

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

University of La Verne College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor W Honors

1988

Univ of California Santa Barbara

undergraduate

1983

Birmingham High School

Speaking Engagements

2005

Birmingham High School Alum Night

Considering Law School

2002

California DUI Lawyers

DUI's: A Prosecutor's View

2001

Los Angeles City Attorney

Defending Police Abuse Cases

Publications

1993

Journal of Juvenile Law Children's Rights. Searching For A Constitutional Consensus

1993

University of Laverne Law Review First Amendment Legal Survey

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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