Skip to main content

Michael Leslie Maguire

  Save
Avvo Rating9.8
  • Beverly Hills, CA
  • Licensed for 12 years
See more Beverly Hills Child Custody lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Michael

My diverse business and professional background and personal experiences give me an ability to comperhend your problems and to solve them quickly and cost effectively.  I spent years working as a broker on Wall Street where I was responsible for numerous multi-million dollar transactions every day.  That skillset helps me understand numbers and balance sheets better than most attorneys and. often, better than opposing accountants thus giving my clients the edge in negotiations or at trial.

 

I also went through a very unpleasant divorce myself many years ago and that experience colors the way I practice law today in that I treat my clients and their case with the utmost respect that I believe they deserve.  That means that I fully explain and get the client's approival before taking any major legal action(s) and I try to focus on resolving the case issues to my client's maximum benefit but at a minimum cost. 

 

I was also very fortunate in my past to have had a wonderful career as a Tony Award winning performer that has a very positive influence on my law practice by giving me an ease with practically everyone I meet, especially Judges, and I strive to maintain a level of personal integrity that is second to none so that, when I speak on my client's behalf, the Court and the opposition hear and clearly understand my client's perspective on the issues. 

Read More

Practice areas

FamilyDivorce and separationAlimonyChild custody
  1. Child custody: 25%

    13 years, 29 cases

  2. Alimony: 25%

    13 years, 30 cases

  3. Divorce and separation: 25%

    13 years, 50 cases

  4. Family: 25%

    13 years, 20 cases

Languages spoken

French

Contact

Law Offices of Michael L. Maguire & Associates

301 N. Canon Dr.
Suite 306
Beverly Hills, CA, 90210

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      CAActive200805/12/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers15
      Legal guides0
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      Rising StarSuper Lawyers Magazine2017
      Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2015
      Rising StarSuper Lawyers2014
      Rising StarSuperLawyers2013
      Rising StarSuperLawyers2012
      Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal ServicesState Bar of California2011
      Rising StarSuperLawyers2011
      Rising StarSuperLawyers2010
      Home Restoration AwardCity of Los Angeles1999
      Tony AwardTheater Guild1987
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      Managing PartnerLaw Offices of Michael L. Maguire & Associates2013 - Present
      PartnerCohen & Maguire2012 - 2013
      AssociateKolodny & Anteau2008 - 2012
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      Los Angeles County Bar AssociationN/AN/A
      Beverly Hills Bar AssociationN/AN/A
      American Bar AssociationN/AN/A
      American Motorcycle AssociationN/AN/A
      Publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      Super LawyersTo Dream a Dream of Family Law2013
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      Southwestern University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2008
      Oberlin Conservatory of MusicBachelor of MusicN/A
      Univ Of MichiganMasterN/A
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      SCALE Lecture SeriesLatest Trends in California Family Law2014

      Reviews

      (14)
      5 Star
      		100%
      4 Star
      		0%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		0%
      1 Star
      		0%
      Review Michael Maguire

      Fortunate to find him

      Posted by

      I was referred to Michael by a prominent attorney in Detroit. He was the third attorney I hired in a 3 year contentious, bank breaking divorce, made worse by the lawyers, of course. Michael’s tact was totally different and his skills exceptional: he handled a belligerent opposing attorney beautifully, getting important concessions for me that my previous attorneys blew off. He was always available, has a terrific staff and associates, probably undercharged me, and wrapped up the divorce quickly. I referred people to him and he did what seemed the impossible for them, too, by gaining an understanding of the opposing parties and dealing with them appropriately. He’s tough as well as smart. It doesn’t hurt that he’s also comfortable in his own skin, confident and down to earth. I’m grateful to him for his kindness and thoughtful, effective advocacy.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Recommendation

      Posted by

      I went to Micheal Maguire a few years ago to handle my divorce process. I was so impressed with the level of honesty, professionalism, and ease that I felt, with him and his staff. They did a great job, and when there was any questions or concerns, Michael and his staff were available to discuss the issue and guide me through it with confidence. The serious but informal setting in this law firm was something that I had not seen before and it was priceless. I wholeheartedly recommend Michael Maguire's law Firm at any time.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Professional and Caring Family Law

      Posted by

      After 25 years of marriage, Michael and his team took great care with my case, offering sane, honest, fair, friendly, and professional advice while working with opposing counsel to bring things to a balanced and fair closure. I am very pleased with the outcome and grateful to both Michael and Andrew for their professional help and guidance.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Terrific Guidance

      Posted by

      I had been married for 23 years and while I never expected to be divorced, there I was. Michael explained to me how the process could work, and he explained to me the options available. While I can't say that I got everything I wanted in my divorce, I did have one of the fastest and easiest divorces around because of Michael's guidance. Without that, I probably would be arguing about trivial items for years to come. And because of this advice, I saved money that was used for my family. I can't say enough about his sincere help in helping me and my family through a tough time.
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      An extremely positive experience

      Posted by

      I had a very good experience with Mr. Maguire in a battle with a constantly contentious ex-wife. Michael was very knowledgeable, tactful and always available. Instead of my third attorney I wish I had him as my first attorney. Deborah Tilton was a good support and always available for my questions.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      I give Michael Maguire my highest recommendation

      Posted by

      Michael Maguire may well be the best divorce attorney in Beverly Hills! Mr. Maguire brings some exceptional qualities to his work that one doesn't often find in an attorney, having previous successful careers in finance and as a Tony award winner on Broadway before his own life experience led him to help others going through divorce. He and Deborah Tilton are both responsive and sensitive to their clients' needs, yet skillful and highly effective as legal advocates. A dynamic communicator and someone I would trust to take good care of people close to me, I give Michael Maguire my highest recommendation.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      A big thank you to Michael and his staff

      Posted by

      I cannot say enough about the thoughtfulness, patience, and professionalism Michael, Deborah, and their entire staff displayed throughout the entire process of my divorce. Their kindness and support helped me to walk through this most difficult process. The professional guidance and advice I received were very helpful, but what I appreciated even more was the personal concern extended to me. I felt cared for and supported during what has been one of the most challenging times in my life.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Michael and his team made sanity out of a very messy divorce.

      Posted by

      Michael and his team made sanity out of a very messy divorce. He exuded common sense and was cost conscious, without sacrificing on the things that mattered most to my family. The court appearances are kept to a minimum and when he does appear, his arguments were sound and spoke well to the judge. It seems impossible but even his sense of humor eased me over some big bumps. I would recommend him highly!

      Michael Maguire is the BEST at what he does! He will not let you down

      Posted by

      Michael Maguire saved me from losing custody of my children and paying thousands of dollars in alimony and child support. Divorce by nature is such an unpleasant experience and Michael made the process as smooth and painless as possible. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the law and what makes people tick and I knew I could rely on him to always have my best interest in mind. Michael took charge of an extremely complicated financial and custody battle where my wife wanted to move out-of-state with the children. I am happy to say that we won on all accounts and I owe that to Michael’s dedication and assertiveness to get the job done.

      Michael Maguire was the perfect attorney for me!!! I

      Posted by

      Michael Maguire was the perfect attorney for me!!! I found Michael on Yelp. The beginning of our mutual endeavor was hard because my divorce was pretty messy and I came to them with unclear vision of what I want and what my ex wants and how we get to a place where we both agree. But through Michael and his associate Deborah Tilton, with her kind heart, superb work ethic and skills, a lot of work and due diligence was made. They found resolutions without going to court and the divorce agreement was achieved. Deborah actually does guided mediation for you to achieve the perfect resolution with your ex partner. They were way more than fair about what they charged me and I felt like they were looking at the long term benefit for me and my son. They were fair, caring, loving, real, sincere and everything they did made sense. Michael and Deborah, thank you so much for being assisting in such a challenging matter. I know that you worked with me so diligently even through my stubbornness and my blindness and were always there to show me the right way. Thank you for ending a two year divorce in about 3 months from the day you picked my case. Thank you for everything.
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (11)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Jennifer Skolnick, Family Attorney on May 19, 2016
      Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Andrew Breitman, Family Attorney on Apr 21, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Matthew Smurda, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 25, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. He is a top-notch advocate who strives to get the best results possible for his clients. Highly respected in the LA family law community.

      Deborah Tilton, Family Attorney on Jan 21, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Robert von Dohlen, Child custody Attorney on Jan 19, 2015
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Kyle Mccormick, Divorce and separation Attorney on Dec 11, 2014
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      Gentleman/Lion. Those two words do a great job of summing up Michael's demeanor in court. He is stately and impressive, noble, powerful and kind. Michael is truly a brilliant attorney, one of our nation's best. He has a superb mastery of California law, especially dissolution proceedings in Family Court, including issues related to alimony and support. He is committed to his clients, working tirelessly day and night to fight for their interests and achieve their goals. He is very direct and has a forthright negotiation style that is refreshing and effective. Truly, he is a magnificent attorney and I am proud to have had the opportunity to work with him on a number of matters. I give Michael my highest possible recommendation and endorsement. I recommend and refer to Michael exclusively for my clients and friends who are proceeding with dissolution proceedings in California.

      Jesus Zuniga, Family Attorney on Dec 10, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Ryan Fishman, Alimony Attorney on Dec 9, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Douglas Borthwick, Family Attorney on Nov 20, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 29, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Maguire is a knowledgeable and well respected attorney in the community. He is an excellent divorce attorney who is helpful to others.

      George Chakmakis, Family Attorney on Apr 4, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Maguire's clients have received the aggressive representation and excellent results that you need if your in family law court. Clearly a top notch advocate.