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.

Practice areas

Alimony: 25%
14 years, 30 cases
Child custody: 25%
14 years, 29 cases
Divorce and separation: 25%
14 years, 50 cases
Family: 25%
14 years, 20 cases

Languages spoken

French

Client's Choice 2014

Contact

Law Offices of Michael L. Maguire & Associates

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

Office (310) 274-4444
Fax (323) 275-4447

Website

https://www.maguirefamilylaw.com/

Message

Resume

License

State	Status	Acquired	Updated
CA	Active	2008	06/13/2022

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Avvo Contributions

Legal answers	15
Legal guides	0

Awards

Award name	Grantor	Date Granted
Peer Review Rated	Martindale-Hubbell	2021
Peer Review Rated	Martindale-Hubbell	2020
Rising Star	Super Lawyers Magazine	2017
Peer Review Rated	Martindale-Hubbell	2015
Rising Star	Super Lawyers	2014

Rising Star	SuperLawyers	2013
Rising Star	SuperLawyers	2012
Rising Star	SuperLawyers	2011
Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services	State Bar of California	2011
Rising Star	SuperLawyers	2010
Home Restoration Award	City of Los Angeles	1999
Tony Award	Theater Guild	1987

work experience

Title	Company name	Duration
Managing Partner	Law Offices of Michael L. Maguire & Associates	2013 - Present
Partner	Cohen & Maguire	2012 - 2013
Associate	Kolodny & Anteau	2008 - 2012

associations

Association name	Position name	Duration
Los Angeles County Bar Association		N/A
Beverly Hills Bar Association		N/A
American Bar Association		N/A
American Motorcycle Association		N/A

publications

Publication name	Title	Date
Super Lawyers	To Dream a Dream of Family Law	2013

education

School name	Degree	Graduated
Southwestern University School of Law	JD - Juris Doctor	2008
Oberlin Conservatory of Music	Bachelor of Music	N/A
Univ Of Michigan	Master	N/A

speaking engagements

Conference name	Title	Date
SCALE Lecture Series	Latest Trends in California Family Law	2014

Show full resume

Reviews

5.0 stars5.0 (14)

5 Star		100%
4 Star		0%
3 Star		0%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		0%

Review Michael Leslie Maguire

An excellent attorney

5.0 stars

Posted by anonymous
April 17, 2012

I was referred to the firm of Kolodny & Anteau for my divorce case after being disappointed with the lack of responsiveness of my first attorney (phone calls returned days later, deadlines missed, and a general lack of awareness about the details of my case with numerous excuses). At Kolodny & Anteau I was introduced to Mr. Michael Maguire. I could not ask for a better attorney for a family-law case! Michael is professional, knowledgeable, punctual, and an excellent attorney. He is always on top of the case and always responds to e-mail messages within hours if not minutes. Watching him prepare for my spouse’s deposition was like watching a master general ready his troops and artillery for battle. He left no detail out and no potential threat unchecked. When I had “emergencies” after hours he always responded with a quick phone call or text message – often within minutes – instructing me as to the best course of action. In two cases the timeliness of his replies turned out to be essential to the outcome of our case! Mr. Maguire is also a former Broadway star who performed a leading role in the original New York cast of Les Miserables; the talents of his former career are assets that translate well into the people skills needed to achieve a positive outcome in court! Finally, and perhaps most important, Mr. Maguire was always on my side financially. He always advised me about the costs and alternatives available in my case and often made suggestions on how to achieve the best outcome for the least expenditure – something surprising in an attorney working for Beverly Hills firm. In short: hire him.

Less

Highest recommendation for family law

5.0 stars

Posted by Ann
April 12, 2014

Michael Maguire is a powerful advocate who really cares about his clients and their needs. He was responsive, kept me informed and was caring and respectful about what I was going through. He explored options and made me feel like my case was important to him. He was effective in negotiating on my behalf and intelligent and practical in his approach. I have worked with other attorneys and my experience with Mr. Maguire was by far the best!

Less

Fortunate to find him

5.0 stars

Posted by Karen
October 5, 2020

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.

Less

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

Recommendation

5.0 stars

Posted by Ray T
September 9, 2020

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.

Less

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

Professional and Caring Family Law

5.0 stars

Posted by Dennis
May 23, 2017

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.

Less

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

Terrific Guidance

5.0 stars

Posted by Matt Schiff
December 13, 2016

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.

Less

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Consulted attorney

An extremely positive experience

5.0 stars

Posted by anonymous
January 24, 2016

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

5.0 stars

Posted by anonymous
January 17, 2016

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.

Less

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

A big thank you to Michael and his staff

5.0 stars

Posted by anonymous
December 11, 2015

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.

Less

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

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

5.0 stars

Posted by anonymous
November 22, 2014

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!

Less

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.

Show endorsements

Hossein Berenji
Alex Grager
Steven Mindel
Douglas Borthwick
George Chakmakis
Deborah Tilton

Show who Michael has endorsed

Cost

RATES

Contact for details

Questions answered by Michael Maguire

Would "back support" (unspecified) be taxable income?
Do i file divorce with or without child?
"Divorce" mediation recommendation?

See all answers