Michael Garey Balmages

Michael Balmages is an accomplished mediator, arbitrator, and discovery referee with ADR Services, Inc. As a neutral, he has had great success in helping litigants resolve their disputes in more than 1,000 cases. His friendly nature and ability to find common ground contribute to his easy rapport with litigants and their attorneys. At the same time, his determination to get cases settled is evident at each hearing.

Michael's mediation experience is supplemented by his broad experience as a civil litigator, corporate general counsel, and transactional attorney. He has tried over 75 cases, taken over 1,000 depositions, and negotiated and drafted more than 1,000 contracts. He has extensive experience with business entities, including the formation, dissolution, and merger of such entities and the negotiation and drafting of numerous contracts and deal documents. Michael has been rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell for over 35 years.

Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, Michael Balmages conducts his hearings remotely via Zoom as a dedicated mediator, arbitrator, and discovery referee with ADR Services, Inc.

Michael's expansive career in law has its roots in Orange County, spanning an impressive 45+ years. His diverse experience has seen him represent plaintiffs and defendants across various business, real estate, and employment litigation phases. His legal journey included a significant tenure as the in-house General Counsel for Ocean Pacific Sunwear, Ltd., a global surf and beach apparel frontrunner during its heyday.

A proud alum of U.C. Berkeley Boalt Hall School of Law (1972), Michael began his professional journey with Kindel & Anderson in their Orange County branch. He later established his firm in Tustin, pioneering in landlord-tenant and business litigation, with a particular flair for employment law. The evolution of his practice led to a merger with Corbett, Steelman & Davidson in 1984, furthering his specialization in employment matters.

Michael's commitment to mediation goes beyond his private practice. As a Certified Dispute Resolution Act Programs Mediator, he is also an esteemed member of mediation panels for the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and the Orange County Superior Court. Over his career, he has played a neutral role in over 1,500 cases, affirming his expertise.

In recognition of his unparalleled contributions, Michael was honored with a lifetime achievement award in 2020 by the Orange County Superior Court for his dedicated service on the court's Temporary Judge panel.

Beyond law, Michael's leadership is reflected in his active engagement within the Orange County community. Michael has been Chair of the Orange County Democratic Party, Orange County Chair of Tom Bradley for Governor, Orange County Chair of Feinstein for Governor, a Democratic candidate for State Senator, a Bobby Sox softball coach, and a Little League Coach. He was also on the Board of Directors of the Newport Theater Arts Center, on the Board of Directors of the California Age Group Wrestling Association, President of the Canyon Freestyle Wrestling Club, President of the Foothill Wrestling Club, and President of the Foothill High School Wrestling Boosters. Additionally, Michael is the head Astronomer for the Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.

Michael enjoys the proximity of his family. Together with his wife, Mary, he cherishes the joy of having their eight grandchildren nearby in North Tustin. Whether in courtroom mediation, on the sports field, or under the night sky, Michael Balmages, Esq. brings passion, dedication, and a wealth of experience to every endeavor.