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Michael A. Klitzke
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About Michael
Biography
I specialize in litigation against car dealers and manufacturers who lie and cheat consumers or sell them defect vehicles. I actually really enjoy my work and that tends to scare the defense.
Most well known case: Pulliam v. HNL Automotive, Inc. - California Supreme Court ruled finance companies are required to pay the attorney fees incurred on consumer claims under the FTC Holder Rule. This makes litigation affordable for consumers who generally pay no up front cost to file and litigate their case.
Awards:
Best of the Bar for achieving one of the top 100 verdicts in California in 2022
2020 – 2023 Super Lawyers Rising Star
2020 Who’s Who in America for the State of California
2014 Who’s Who Among Students in American universities and Colleges
2013 Neighborhood Hero – City of San Diego
Publications:
* Michael Klitzke, Bypassing Bryant: A Bright-Line from Davis to Confrontation, 36 T. Jefferson L. Rev. Online 2015
* Alan Mansfield & Michael Klitzke, How does Sanchez v. Valencia Holding Co. Change the Arbitration Equation in California, Association of Business Trial Lawyers (2015)
* Marybeth Herald, Your Brain and Law School (2014) (editor)
* Marjorie Cohn, Drones and Targeted Killing (2014) (editor)
I HANDLE NEW, USED, AND 'CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED' VEHICLES. All qualify for Lemon Law relief! Call now or submit a contact form on my website for a free consultation.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Consumer Protection
65%
Lemon Law
30%
Personal Injury
5%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
1%-33%
Awards
2024 2023
2021 2017 2016
Licenses
Licensed in California for 11 years
State: California
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
Location
Auto Law Firm, PC
500 La Terraza Blvd., Suite 150, Escondido, CA, 92025
autofraud.autolawfirm.com/auto-fraud-optin-avvoGallery
Michael A. Klitzke's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 45 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | November 1, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Attorney that cares about people
I consulted with Michael asking questions about contract signing. He answered promptly and reassured me. It's hard to find an attorney that's professional and compassionate these days. Thank you!
Posted by Fatima | April 29, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
He’s excellent 1000%
Mr. Michael is an amazing lawyer! I bought a car from a dealership that broke down within days of having it. He made sure I got my money back quickly! the whole process was efficient and easy! Although I don’t speak English he made sure to get the right information out to me.
Michael Klitzke
Replied last April 30, 2024Thanks for the positive review. I was happy to help and the defense attorney apologized again for the delays at the end.
Posted by Ashley | April 27, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Very helpful
I am going to small claims and he answered all the questions I needed in a insiteful professional way. Thank you so much.
Michael Klitzke
Replied last April 30, 2024Hi Ashley, I rarely hear back about general advice that is provided to people who do not become a client. Thanks for the feedback, it made my day.
Posted by Alice | March 22, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Extremely helpful and professional
Mr.Klitzke worked on my behalf to get the dealership to fix their mistake. I tried to resolve the issue I had on my own for three months and for nowhere, after help from Mr.Kiltzke I got an excellent settlement and everything was taken care of for me. I couldn't ask for a better experience and sett...
Posted by Brandi | July 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Fabulous lawyer!
Mr. Klitzki is a terrific lawyer. I bought a car that blew up within a month of having it, and he got my money back within a week of hiring him. He is fast, professional and good at what he does! I'd recommend him to anyone in need of help with a bad car deal!
Michael A. Klitzke's Lawyer Endorsements
"The answers of Mr. Klitzke are consistently accurate, full of analysis and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney. Further, Mr. Klitzke is familiar with the tradition of professional courtesy, which in the event of a lawsuit that quality will always yield better results for the benefit of the client."
"Attorney Michael Klitzke is an attorney’s attorney. Attorney Klitzke possesses a brilliant legal mind and is constantly sharpening his legal craft. Attorney Klitzke is detail oriented, hardworking, and dedicated to his legal craft. Beyond having a brilliant legal mind, attorney Klitzke is very personable and down to earth. Attorney Klitzke loves his legal profession, loves applying his legal craft, and loves resolving legal matters. Attorney Klitzke is the epitome of an attorney’s attorney."
"I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Klitzke. His excellent knowledge of consumer law, dedication to finding the best client outcome, and compassion for his clients provide a great choice for consumers needing an a strong advocate."
"Michael is a brilliant young attorney, who has an unmatched work ethic. He is a go-to guy if I ever have any questions about interpreting the law or litigation strategy. I would highly recommend him to any potential client, especially in consumer protection law and products liability. You're in good hands with Michael."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Klitzke is an excellent lawyer with superb writing skills that allow him to obtain favorable results for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
Mihan Raufy
Consumer protection lawyer
Alicia Hinton
Consumer protection lawyer
Bradley Sorrentino
Car accident lawyer
Teigan Stones
General practice lawyer
David Herman
Consumer protection lawyer
Jason Stones
Litigation lawyer
Stuart Mellman
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2024
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2023
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2022
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2022
Top 100 Verdicts - California, Best of the Bar
2021
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2020
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2014
Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges, Who's Who Among students
2013
Neighborhood Hero Award, City of San Diego
Work Experience
2023 - Present
Attorney, Auto Law
2015 - 2015
Attorney, Law Office of Michael A. Klitzke
2015 - 2023
Attorney, Rosner, Barry & Babbitt, LLP
2014 - 2014
Intern, San Diego City Attorney's Office
2013 - 2013
Intern, Pestotnik + Gold, LLP
2013 - 2013
Intern, San Diego District Attorney's Office
2012 - 2012
Intern, Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic
Associations
2014 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2015 - 2016
Association of Business Trial LawyersMember
2015 - 2018
Hon. William B. Enright American Inn of CourtMember
2014 - 2018
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Melendez v. Westlake Services, LLC
Affirmed
Pulliam v. HNL Automotive, Inc.
Affirmed
Education
2014
Thomas Jefferson SOL
JD - Juris Doctor
2011
San Diego State Univ
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Consumer Attorneys of California event at Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Panelist for CACO
Publications
2015
Thomas Jefferson Law Review
BYPASSING BRYANT: A BRIGHT-LINE FROM DAVIS TO CONFRONTATION
2015
Association of Business Trial Lawyers Report
How does Sanchez v. Valencia Holding Co. Change the Arbitration Equation in California
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Michael earned significant contribution points in 2024.
Legal Answers
Q&A
How can I get refunded and compensated for buying a defective brand new car?
06 Mar 2026
Q&A
Im cosigner for my ex fiances car and it got repossessed today. What are my options?
22 Feb 2026
Q&A
Can a dealer keep an auto contract and demand payments if financing fails in California?
22 Jan 2026