Michael Devereux - Lawyer in Beverly Hills, CA

Michael Sean Devereux

Federal crime Attorney at Beverly Hills, CA

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Great Consultation Experience!

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About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Civil rights

25%

Has represented clients in federal court for federal and state civil rights violations for illegal search and seizure, excessive force, typically any civil rights violation done by law enforcement.
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20 years
Federal crime

25%

Michael's first case involved defending associates of the Columbian Cali cartel in Operation Casablanca, the largest money laundering sting in US history.
Privacy

25%

Representing clients in all avenues of privacy law from cybercrimes, defamation, revenge porn, social media (Yelp!) reviews, use of likeness, etc.
Gun Law

10%

Although you may believe that you are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, there are exceptions, even for a felony conviction and/or a 5150 hold.
Lawsuits and disputes

10%

Representing clients in federal and state as a trial attorney for entertainment, forfeiture, Internet, and privacy matters.
Appeals

5%

Published opinion in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in a computer/privacy matter. Exceptional writing skills.

20 years

Top 100 Trial Attorney
2020 Litigator of the Year American Institute of Trial Lawyers
2020 Elite Lawyer
2019 Top 40 Civil Rights Verdicts from TopVerdict
Published Appellate opinion in Ninth Circuit
Nominated by the Cochran Firm as their best criminal defense lawyer in 2005.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 19 years

State CA

Status Active

Acquired 2003

Updated 11/29/2022

Contact Michael

Michael Devereux

9171 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 500

Beverly Hills, CA, 90210

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Reviews

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4.8 / 5.0

20 customer reviews

5 Star

95%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by anonymous | July 16, 2020

Great Consultation Experience!

He was able to answer all my questions in a timely manner that helped put my mind at ease! He was very knowledgeable and I thank him so much for taking his time to answer every question!

Posted by Jean | June 16, 2020

Very helpful information

Mr Devereux took the time to suggest possible remedies for my issues. I am looking further into these solutions and what is involved. It is possible I will hire him to do some work for me.

Response from Michael Devereux June 17, 2020

Thank you for the kind words.

Posted by Marion | March 10, 2019

highly recommend

I consulted Mr. Devereaux for a personal matter and he took the time explaining in detail what to expect, I am forever grateful for his advise.

Posted by Helen | March 21, 2018

Extremely helpful

He not only understood the issue I was trying to solve but sent me a link to all the information I needed to solve it. He went above and beyond and I appreciate that very much.

Posted by anonymous | March 19, 2018

Quick and knowledgeable response on electronic transfer lost between two banks

Attorney Devereux responded quickly to my questions and provided resources and agencies I could use to file a complaint. I transferred funds online from one bank to another and while the intended recipient did not receive the funds due to an oversight on my part, both banks are claiming the other should have the funds. This had been going on for 4 months.

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Posted by Elizabeth | March 16, 2018

I'm so glad to have met him!!

He was so reassurring that everything was going to be be fine in regards of my boyfriend. And when it came to our court date the case was dismissed, and i believe it was due to him because he said he was going to send a letter to the D.A stating I didnt want to pursue anything against my boyfriend and was going to use my right to Marcy's Law and he reassurred me that by doing so the case was going to be dropped and it was.

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Posted by Amy | December 2, 2017

Amazing

He answered me quickly and with respect. All the other attorneys that responded were judgemental and rude. I was very relieved after I spoke with him. He is amazing and was my Angel in disguise

Posted by Brooks | October 13, 2017

5 stars is not nearly enough!!!!!

When I had the good fortune to be represented by Mr. Devereux I was reminded that God does indeed work through others. I owe this man my life, literally. I can't begin to express how great Michael is. Everyone told me my case was hopeless, that I was a fool to take this to trial and this man had faith in me and his ability to give me a fair trial and ultimately an astounding new belief in humanity. With all the lies and illegal acts committed by the prosecution and law enforcement, Mr. Devereux never once seemed to not have anything but ultimate confidence in himself and our case. Watching him in action was like watching a surgeon save a life. If your freedom is a risk, them there is no one better to handle your case. He was always available to answer my calls or emails, he visited me regularly behind bars and ultimately proved my innocence. Because that's what it really is; you proving your innocence. He isn't over priced and is there to provide you justice. I believed he truly cared about me and my case. I can't thank him enough. Thank you Mr. Devereux!!

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Posted by anonymous | September 1, 2017

Brilliant & Informative Attorney

Michael came to us when we were in crisis and had just lost 500k in an internet wire fraud hack job by criminals. He lightened us up with good information and follows up. Just a really nice good guy and easy to talk too.

Response from Michael Devereux September 8, 2017

Thank you for the kind words. If you need any additional information or help, please don't hesitate to call.

Posted by anonymous | January 18, 2017

Great attorney

I retained Mr. Devereux to recall a warrant. He took the time to explain everything and helped me get the results I was hoping for. Could not have been happier with the whole experience. He helped me through a very stressful and draining ordeal. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of an attorney.

Posted by rachel landers | October 8, 2016

Highly Recommend!

Today I consulted with Attorney Devereux on the phone concerning internet law about a website that illegally publishing my personal information. Attorney Devereux time out of his busy day to discuss the internet privacy laws with me. He's very knowledgeable of the law. I highly recommend Attorney Devereux.

Posted by fabiola | April 13, 2016

Exceeded my expectations!!!

Let me start by saying I am extremely pleased by Mr. Devereux's work, professionalism, and devotion to his clients. He was very honest and never made any false promises about the outcome of my case nor did he try to seek compensation further than our initial contract. I initially consulted and even hired other experienced attorneys but nothing got accomplished. Mr. Devereux worked on my case for over six months and was able to get my case dismissed which I was told by previous attorneys was impossible. My husband and I are forever grateful for his great work!

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Posted by Frances | November 8, 2015

Superior Criminal Defense Attorney

I wanted an old fashioned sleuth type criminal defense attorney with successful experience so a friend recommended Michael Devereux in downtown Long Beach. Amazing lawyer. His knowledge of criminal law and evidence is remarkable. He got me a great result. To watch him lawyering was well worth the money. I read a review where someone called him a Super Lawyer. That is so true. You can’t go wrong with this criminal attorney.

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Posted by Gayle | November 29, 2013

Responsive and Knowledgeable

I did not hire Mr. Devereux because of my issues were in small claims court where you can not be represented by an attorney. He give me his full attention and benefit of his experience during our hour free consultation and provided me with guidance as I moved forward. He would be my first choice when I am in need of an attorney in the future.

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Posted by SDKev760 | July 2, 2013

More then one isp approval for your area

Great detail and knowledgeable answer to my question. I would definitely used him as a lawyer for future reference

Posted by Shawn Paul | June 1, 2013

Super Lawyer beat the pants off the Prosecutor & the Judge-WINS unanimously in less than 40 minutes of Jury deliberation.

YES, I highly recommend Michael as a Super Lawyer. Michael took my case to the full jury trial because the issue was politically sensitive and he beat the pants off the Prosecutor & the Judge, so much the prosecutor commented such and shook his hand at the end. WINS unanimously in less than 40 minutes of Jury deliberation! Michael is a Law driven expert who is data, evidence driven, this Super Lawyer which fights to WIN & thrives on taking the full case through the full court system (Jury Trail). He has a deep understanding of Technology, various Industry and expert in aligning the case to make the needs with client expectations. As a Legal leader, act as a consistent advocate and champion for use of Legal, regulatory compliance, standard methods, tools, techniques, best practices, and emerging. He has a passion for creative and innovative technical solutions to understand how a Jury would see things, while ensuring that cost conscientious and executes best road map for your desired results are feasible and deliverable. Although the experience is troubling for anyone to have to go to court, Michael takes the burden away & off the client.

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Posted by Courtney | April 9, 2013

Internet extortion case

When I thought my case was impossible, Michael came to the rescue. His knowledge of internet forensics is beyond impressive. I cannot thank him and his team enough for all of their hard work.

Posted by anonymous | April 4, 2013

Thank you Michael Devereux

Unfortuantely I was in a situation where I needed to hire Michael Sean Devereux regarding cybercrime that happened to me personally. Mr. Devereux was very knowledgable in this field and had my case rectified and closed within weeks. I highly recommend Michael Sean Devereux.

Posted by anonymous | May 18, 2012

Great Attorney

Mr. Devereux and his firm did an outstanding job with understanding and handling my case. I'm a veteran of the US Marines of 8 years, and didn't discover that I had a warrant up until a month or so ago. The experience was so stressful for me and my family because we had nowhere else to turn, and was running out of cash very quickly. From the initial consultation on the phone, Mr. Devereux put me at ease that the situation could be taken care of. Within a day or so he sent me the retainer agreement which explained his fees and payment options. Let me just say that I'm not an educated man, but I do know how to treat people, and I know when someone has a good heart. I would like to personally thank Mr. Devereux for communicating with me constantly during the process, and for responding to my emails and/or phone calls in a very timely fashion. Thank you!!!! - TJ

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Posted by anonymous | September 14, 2022

A highly incompetent and dishonest attorney!

If you want the worst attorney that money can buy, Michael Deveruex is your man. He is a con artist. His record was so bad that he changed his name. He used to be Michael Cernyar. Don't be surprised if all his positive reviews are fake. Go look up his reviews under his real name Michael Cernyar. He's been disciplined by the state bar for how negligent his record as an attorney is. Don't hire this guy. You'd have better luck having Bernie Madoff invest your life savings. He will certainly sell you on his "services," and did so to me and my family. After paying him for a review of our case, he exaggerated his ability to have our case overturned, and eventually put forth arguments that carried no weight in a court of law, effectively squandering any hopes for a legal relief. Initially he used cautious language, reeling us in. He knows not to commit too specifically to the results we were looking for, yet implied that he had some grand plan. In the end, this guy will shuffle a few papers here and there, and drain you for whatever money he can. He may stay within his minimum legal requirements, but he will never give you the kind of counsel that is worth the price he charges. While I am not usually one to leave a review, I could not be silent, for fear someone else will fall victim to this used car salesman of an attorney.

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Response from Michael Devereux September 24, 2022

It's sad to hear. Although it's difficult to determine who this is without any facts, at the time of this posting I was being trolled by a former mentally ill client, an ex-con, who was charged with assaulting several healthcare workers at UCLA Harbor Hospital. Because she was mentally ill, she received a huge discount and was only charged $3,500 for a case involving violence. I did very well and had a deal in place to dismiss the matter, but she refused to take the deal. She wanted to go to trial. I refused to respresent her at trial because I believe that it wasn't in her best interest. The video tape of the incident was not going to assist her. She later went to trial and was convicted. Apparently she's bitter that she didn't take her attorney's advice.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.3 (Excellent)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2020.

Discipline, Probation; no Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2020
updated on 10/15/2020

This sanction means the attorney had a suspension placed on hold (and ultimately removed) by complying with certain requirements.

Michael's comment: “In 2019, I had health issues including several heart attacks causing several strokes which were significant reasons behind the action taken. I'm in good standing with the state bar. I'm working with my physicians and attorney in having the record mitigated.”

Work Experience

Attorney
Michael K. Cernyar, Esq. A Professional Corporation
2005 - Present

Attorney
The Cochran Firm
2004 - 2005

Attorney/Law Clerk
Law Offices of Charles Pereyra-Suarez
2001 - 2004

Education

Loyola Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2001

California State University, Long Beach
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1996

Purdue University
1978

Legal Cases

People v. Kibriya
All cyberstalking & harassment charges dismissed at prelim

People v. McCahon
Murder charge dismissed at prelim

People v. Robert Blake
Acquitted of Murder

View all legal cases

Associations

United States District Court for the Northern District of California
Admitted to Practice
2013 - Present

United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit
Admitted to Practice
2007 - Present

United States District Court for the Southern District of California
Admitted to Practice
2006 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
Admitted to Practice
2004 - Present

United States District Court for the Central District of California
Admitted to Practice
2003 - Present

State Bar of California
Admitted to Practice
2003 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Attorney Member
2002 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Attorney Member
N/A

State Bar of California, Criminal Law Section
Attorney Member
N/A

Internet Attorneys Association
Attorney Member
N/A

American Bar Association
Attorney Member
N/A

Los Angeles County Criminal Courts Bar Association
Attorney Member
N/A

Criminal Courts Bar Association
Attorney Member
N/A

Footprinters #58
Member
N/A

NORML Legal Committee
Attorney Member
N/A

California Public Defenders Association
Attorney Member
N/A

Federal Bar Association
Attorney Member
N/A

Beverly Hills Bar Association
Attorney Member
N/A

Croatian Bar Association
Attorney Member
N/A

Los Angeles County Bar Association
Attorney Member
N/A

Harbor Winds II
Secretary
2001 - 2005

Harbor Winds II
Past Secretary/Treasurer
1995 - 2000

Harbor Winds II
President
1991 - 1994

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Lawyer of the Year
American Institute of Legal Professionals
2021

Top 10 Attorneys
American Jurist Institute
2021

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
National Trial Lawyers
2021

Elite Lawyer
Elite Lawyers of America
2020

Litigator of the Year
American Institute of Trial Lawyers
2020

Top 40 Civil Rights Settlements
TopVerdict
2019

Excellence in Litigation
Lawyers of Distinction
2018

Top Lawyers
Legal Network
2017

Distinguished Lawyer
Expert Network
2017

Top Lawyers In California
The Legal Network
2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
National Trial Lawyers
2014

Top Lawyers In California
American Lawyer Media
2013

Best Lawyer (nominated)
LegalForce Media
2008

Top Criminal Attorney (nominated)
The Cochran Firm
2005

View all awards

Publications

America Now News
Sextortion: Why You Should Never Keep Intimate Photos On Your Phone
2014

KGO, San Francisco
Iphone Theft Ring
2013

Gil Gross Radio Show
Cell Phone Blackmail
2013

E-Commerce Law & Policy
Government, Industry Join in Paying Lip Service to Piracy Fight
2013

KABC News
Woman's Cellphone Theft Turns Into Nightmare
2013

America Now News
An Innocent Picture Could Be Photoshopped Into A Racy One
2013

E-Commerce Law Report
Kinder, Gentler, Perhaps More Annoying Copyright Alert System Coming Soon
2012

CTV News
The Verdict with Paula Todd
2007

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

St. Anthony Career Day
Career Day
2014

St. Anthony's Career Day
Career Day
2013

Chapman University School of Law: Nexus Journal of Law and Policy Symposium-Privacy and the Internet
Privacy & the Internet
2013

Tincher School Law Day
Law Day
2008

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (64)

Given (28)

Endorse Michael

Jacek Lentz

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 24
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"In the course of my career as a criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles I have had the honor and privilege to know dozens and dozens of criminal defense lawyers. I have known a handful whom I would recommend without hesitation to a potential client or fellow lawyer. Among such handful, there is a few, no more than perhaps 3 or so, whom I would trust without slightest hesitation if I ever found myself in trouble. Michael is among the elite criminal defense attorneys whom I can always rely on for help and advice and who, I know from personal experience, always provides the best client representation possible. Michael is an excellent and experienced attorney with significant intellectual and writing skills, as well as great courtroom presence and trial experience. One cannot go wrong with Michael. I endorse him without any reservation."

John Kaman

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is an intelligent aggressive and compassionate attorney who will fight the good fight for his clients. I would gladly refer him any case in Southern California. I endorse this lawyer."

Raymond Areshenko

Business Attorney | Mar 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Agavni Tulekyan

Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Wayne Morrow

Business Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael Devereux is a modern Renaissance man - his areas of legal expertise being both broad and deep. His client satisfaction ratings are similarly outstanding. I endorse this lawyer. WM"

Channika Desilva

Computer fraud Attorney | Mar 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Devereux is undoubtedly a top notch attorney who has skillfully mastered his primary area of practice over the course of his professional experience. His sharp critical thinking and flawless work ethic are perhaps the key qualities which ensured the success of a remarkable number of his cases. I endorse this lawyer and encourage anyone who needs superior legal representation to opt for his services."

Gregory Cade

Computer fraud Attorney | Feb 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. Michael is a well-regarded and driven attorney who has provided exceptional legal representation to numerous clients throughout the U.S. With his extensive knowledge, broad experience and impressive professional skills, he is bound to invest his time and energy into achieving the best outcome for each case, regardless of its level of complexity."

Michael Doland

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I cannot believe I have not endorsed Mr. Devereux before now. He has posted years of answers that are accurate, analytic, and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."

Sarah Condor-Fisher

Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jared Gross

Unknown Attorney | Oct 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"A highly skilled attorney who is well respected in the legal community. I endorse this lawyer."

Epimenio Lopez

Internet Attorney | Jan 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Kellener

General practice Attorney | Nov 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Beyersdorf

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Adam Studnicki

Unknown Attorney | Aug 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Devereux provides consistently accurate and helpful answers to Avvo Askers. He is a very knowledgeable and experienced attorney."

Rabin Nabizadeh

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Michael since my first days as a criminal lawyer 12 years ago. He was then, and is now, one of the best attorneys I have known. He is passionate, caring and goes the extra mile for each client."