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Michael John Harrington
About Michael
Biography
An understanding lawyer with compassion. Listens to his clients concerns and develops a plan to best meet them.
Come visit our 1,000 square foot law center and meet our friendly, professional staff.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
35%
35 years | 250 cases
Child Custody
20%
35 years | 315 cases
Family
20%
35 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 33 years
State: California
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Location
Michael Harrington
77711 Flora Rd, Palm Desert, CA, 92211
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Michael John Harrington's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Janice | April 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hr. Harrington is a very good listener and also very knowledgeable about the law.
Mr. Harrington is very professional and knowledgeable in his field of expertise. He took time to listen and understand the facts of my situation. He explained the process that we needed to follow and quickly moved forward. Everything was settled exactly as he promised. I really appreciate him and...
Posted by anonymous | March 21, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Was not clear, not helpful, very insulting
He was insulting and disrespectful during our phone consultation. He said he wanted to talk about money and felt that my questioning his ability to understand my situation meant that I 'couldn't afford his services.' Totally unacceptable. He never even spoke about what he charged so what grounds did ...
Michael Harrington
Replied last July 7, 2024Sorry you had a bad experience over the phone . Some cases are very costly and this is out of our control. Sorry you couldn't retain this office.
Posted by Alicia | June 4, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best experience I have ever had at a lawyer's office!
I encountered some unfair treatment from my previous landlord. Luckily, I was referred to Harrington Law Center to resolve my issues and exercise my rights as a tenant. I met with Mr. Michael Harrington at his office in Palm Desert and sat down with him to discuss my situation. During our session...
Posted by Dee | October 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Would not recommend
After weeks and weeks of no response- I finally got a hold of Mr. Harrington. When I asked for clarification as to where he stood on getting my documents done- he started yelling at me and accused me of "harassing" him like the person I was trying to get him to protect me from! I was pleasant and onl...
Michael Harrington
Replied last July 21, 2022Dee was never a client she was a friend of a pro bono client with a mental illness and I was able to stop client from losing her child to the county adoption system , instead she has supervised visits. What Dee described , never happened. Sadly because of AVVO policies im hesitant to volunteer my time to help the mentally ill anymore. Defamation such as this can destroy a lawyer's practice. Where county attorneys are more shielded from this sort of thing. You are not in our data base as a client. Please come in our office to resolve this. To add, this was a friend of a court appointed client calling and harassing our office. The Judge asked the person to stop it.
Posted by April | January 13, 2014
Helpful and understanding
We are in a difficult situation because our case is in Riverside county, but neither myself, the children, nor my ex-husband live in Riverside county any more. Mr. Harrington was the only attorney who would take our case, and we couldn't have done it without him. Even though I couldn't be physically...
Michael John Harrington's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"This lawyer is very professional at all times. I endorse this lawyer.."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a very competent and ethical attorney. He is a credit to his community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"With a 22 year career spanning criminal, juvenile and family law Michael is certainly experienced. Experience counts! Reviews, local endorsements and contributions are just part of his legal legacy. If you are in or near Murietta do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation, I would."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Mr. Harrington has made a substantial number of contributions on avvo.com. I have read several of his contributions and have found them to be thoughtful, informative and practical. I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Harrington is an exceptional attorney. Although I have been practicing law for 24 years as a judge, magistrate, law professor, prosecutor, and private attorney, I learn from his responses on Avvo every time that he posts. If I needed an attorney, I would hire him. I recommend him with no reservation. It would be the best investment of your life to hire him to represent you."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Attorney Harrington. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Harrington has a firm grasp on the law and would be a stellar advocate for his clients."
"Mr. Harrington is a great advocate on his clients behalves. He is knowledgeable and professional. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer - a great Family Law attorney."
"I endorse Mr. Harrington. All of the postings I have seen by him on avvo.com are intelligent and compassionate. He knows his stuff, and he actually cares about people and their family law needs. If you have a legal matter in California involving any family issues, please consider contacting Mr. Harrington for sage counsel and advice."
"Mr. Harrington is an excellent lawyer and a prollific contributor to the Avvo community. I endorse him without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer. This lawyer's ansers are insightful and show great knowledge of the law. This lawyer is an asset to the community."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2015
Top Lawyer, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2013
Top Lawyers, Palm Springs Life Magazine
2013
Certificate of Appreciation, Inland Counties Legal Services
2012
Top Lawyers, Palm SpringsLife Magazine
2011
Top Lawyers, Palm Springs Life Top Lawyers 2011 edition
2006
Certificate of Appreciation, Riverside County Court, Judge Sharon Waters
2004
Certificate of Appreciation (Guardianship Program), Riverside County Courts
1990
Certificate of Appreciation, Neighborhood Legal Services
Work Experience
2014 - 2014
Co Chair (past), National Lawyers Guild
2013 - 2014
Board Member, Riverside County Mental Health Bd
2012 - 2014
Mediator, Riverside Co. Court Mediation Panel
2005 - 2007
Guardianship Assitance Attorney, Public Service Law Corporation
1995 - 1995
Staff Attorney, Lake Tahoe Womens Shelter
1994 - 1995
Alternate Public Defender, County of Alpine
Associations
2017 - Present
Santa Barabra Business CollegeBoard Member
2013 - 2014
Riverside County Mental Health Bd.Member
2011 - 2014
National Lawyers Guild (Los Angeles chapter)Legal Observer Program
2007 - 2008
Natl Assoc Consumer Bankruptcy Lawyers
Desert Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
------ vs [school bus co. ]
Confidential
Guardianship of _______
Pro Bono protection of parental rights for mental health patient
Education
1991
University of La Verne College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1981
University of California - Santa Barbara
B.A.
N/A
University of Southern California
Speaking Engagements
2015
Coachella Valley Assoc of Govts
Human Trafficking
2014
San Francisco Coalition Against Human Trafficking
Presenter- Vulnerable Populations
2014
Housing
Landlord -Tenant Law
2013
Indio Teen Center
Human Trafficking
1999
Radio Show Guest
School Bus Safety ____vs __--(school distrcit, --bus co,)
Publications
2014
State Party Platform (D) /proposed Labor Legislation
Human Trafficking
1999
Desert Sun
School Bus Safety ____vs __--(school distrcit, --bus co,)
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can the party that has “exclusive access” to the marital home make all home financial decisions without the other party?
22 Jan 2021
Q&A
Can you file for a divorce of domestic partnership and marriage at the same time in California?
28 Oct 2020
Q&A
Can I ask for a continuous to add a lawyer?
02 Nov 2020
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
California "Cyber-Bully" Law Takes Effect January 1, 2011
01 Jan 2011
Legal Guide
Divorced with Children: Holiday Visitation Agreements
24 Nov 2010
Legal Guide
Family Law for Grandparents: Visitation
21 Feb 2009