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Brian Russell Michaels
About Brian
Biography
Brian Michaels is the only attorney in Southern California to have worked as a front line Prosecutor, Police Litigator and full time private Criminal Defense Attorney. Attorney Michaels was hired directly out of law school, where he graduated with academic honors, to work for the Los Angeles City Attorney in the mid 1990s. As a young Prosecutor Michaels tried nearly 100 cases to verdict and settled nearly 1000 more cases. Michaels success as a trial attorney allowed him to work as a trial advocate trainer, in which he was assigned to teach trial skills to lawyers from large corporate firms in trial advocacy.
After several years working as a front line trial lawyer attorney Michaels moved over to the LAPD's elite litigation unit during the height of the cities Rampart Scandal in which he won all of his jury trials. Michaels worked intimately with law enforcement during these years and valued his time working and learning from law enforcement. His years working as a Prosecutor and Police Litigation Attorney gave him invaluable training and experience, nearly unparalled amongst working defense attorneys. After nearly 8 years in government service Michaels retired to private practice in 2002.
Since that time, Michaels has applied his considerable experience to the defense of individuals charged with crimes throughout the State of California where he has worked on thousands of criminal cases as well as domestic violence cases in the family courts. He has distinguished himself in private practice as one of the nations's top 100 trial lawyers with the highest rating on AVVO. Attorney Michaels belives that his experience working for the Government provides rare insights that can be brought to bear in the defense of his clients at the hands of over zealous prosecutors and police officers.
In 2021, Michaels opened "The Restraining Order Lawyer" in response to an overwhelming demand in the wake of the pandemic. His office recognized that the lack of police presence in many parts of the state has lead to an increased demand in people needing to resolve their legal issues without the help of law enforcement. We are committed to assisting people bringing and defending any restraining order case.
Michaels is a hands-on attorney and values direct client communciation, absolute honesty and maintains a fair and reasonable fee schedule which includes payment plans for qualified clients. He values his availability, relatability, and compassion for his clients as his greatest strengths. He is committed from the first client phone call to the very best advocacy a client can receive. Mr. Michaels main office is in Westwood, California and also maintains offices in Newport Beach, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara and San Diego and accepts cases in Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, Riveside, San Bernarndino, Ventura and San Diego Counties.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Domestic Violence
60%
31 years | 3,000 cases
Criminal Defense
25%
31 years | 15,000 cases
Child Abuse
5%
27 years | 500 cases
DUI and DWI
5%
31 years | 10,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 31 years
State: California
Acquired: 1994
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
74 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (74)
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (49)
Lawsuits & Disputes (11)
DUI & DWI (8)
Domestic Violence (7)
Expungement (6)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (6)
Litigation (3)
Car Accidents (2)
Child Custody (2)
Drug Crime (2)
Family (2)
Immigration (2)
Alimony (1)
Asylum (1)
Ethics & Professional Responsibility (1)
Federal Crime (1)
Real Estate (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (63)
Advocacy (43)
Recommendation (28)
Practice Area Knowledge (26)
Responsiveness (26)
Professionalism (24)
General Knowledge (21)
Communication Style (20)
Cost of Services (18)
Character & Conduct (16)
Trustworthiness (15)
Compassion (10)
Punctuality (2)
Staff & Support (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 21 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Landi | June 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Attorney Brian Michael’s
I am incredibly grateful for Brian‘s exceptional legal representation in my recent restraining order case. his expertise, guidance and support were invaluable throughout the entire process.. Brian’s dedication to my case was impressive and his ability to navigate to the legal system. we won thank y...
Posted by anonymous | April 01, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
A fantastic attorney
I recently had the pleasure of being represented by Attorney Brian Michaels, and I cannot praise his services enough. From the onset, Brian showcased his intelligence and precision, addressing my concerns with the judicial system with care and effectiveness. Facing a temporary restraining order wrong...
Posted by Georgiana | June 24, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Brilliant attorney! Highly recommend!
Brilliant attorney! I’m very happy with the outcome for the two restraining orders. We’ve been harassed by our neighbors for two months and police here in Yucca Valley didn’t do anything about it. We had 12 police reports in total and property damage as well. I was at the point of feeling sick of bei...
Posted by Initials MGHV | April 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
This skilled former LAPD prosecutor gave me a peace of mind
Mind you I was in another state 2500 miles away in the great Lakes region and he took the criminal portion of the claim or case in December 2019 since the claimant was in LA county. I think him just showing at the court hearing date in Jan 2020, with Brian being a former LAPD prosecutor, they threw t...
Brian Michaels
Replied last May 05, 2022thk u
Posted by anonymous | December 02, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence
Amazing Advocate. Consumate Communicator. Great Guide.
Brian represented me in both my civil domestic violence restraining order case as well as the false criminal charges that were brought by my wife. As a former prosecutor Mr. Michaels knew how to unravel her accusations and was able to win the civil restraining order case and then use it to get the cr...
Brian Michaels
Replied last December 02, 2019Thank you sir very much appreciated.
Brian Russell Michaels's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"Very educated attorney on the area and great to work with. I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. Brian is a great lawyer and I recommend him highly!"
"One of the absolute best. Exceptional attention to detail, service next to none. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Based on his excellent posts here on the Avvo forums, I find Attorney Michaels to be an extremely capable advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal 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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
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 CorpsJournalist
2017 - Present
San Diego Bar Associationmember
2014 - Present
Santa Barbara County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Lawyers in MENSAMember
2008 - Present
Long Beach Bar AssociationMember
2002 - Present
San Fernando Valley Bar AssociationMember
2002 - Present
Los Angeles County Bar AssociationMember
2002 - Present
Beverly Hills Bar Associationmember
1994 - Present
State Bar of Californiamember
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
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
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
If I file for a DV restraining order against my husband, can I have him move out of the home even if his name is on it?
06 Jun 2022
Q&A
How do I get a Criminal Protective Order- rescinded in LA County, CA? What forms do I use?
24 May 2021
Q&A
Can I renew my license with a warrant for being under the influence?
14 Feb 2021