Michael Laurence Fell

PRO

Michael Laurence Fell

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 36 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Irvine, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Juvenile

900 Roosevelt, Irvine, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Michael

Biography

Former Sr. Dep. District Attorney of Orange County -18+ yrs as DDA- Board Certified in Criminal Law

Former Senior Dep. District Attorney of Orange County Now a Top OC DUI Lawyer

Former Senior Dep. District Attorney of Orange County Now Voted a Top OC Defense Lawyer

Former Senior Dep. District Attorney of Orange County Supervised Juvenile Court DA's Office

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

50%
DUI and DWI 40%

40%
Juvenile Law 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2022 2021 2020
...
+ 9
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2013

Licenses

Licensed in California for 36 years

State: California

Acquired: 1989

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Michael L. Fell

900 Roosevelt, Irvine, CA, 92620

mfellattorneyatlaw.com/

Michael Laurence Fell's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

151 Client Reviews

Showing 36 - 40 of 47 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Cynthia | March 16, 2012 | Domestic Violence

"The Choice" - for Marsys Law & Victims of Domestic Violence

My nightmares, fears, uncertainty & doubts literally ended the day I retained Mr. Fell. As a domestic violence victim I spent "months" researching & interviewing attorneys to guide me through this horrific process. Thoroughly discouraged until I met Mr. Fell who I retained immediately. High cal...iber professional, superb knowledge in Marsys Law coupled with years of expertise prosecuting criminal cases. An Atty who's competent in both criminal prosecution & defense is crucial & a gold mine. It's traumatic enough being the victim. Mike literally gave me the confidence & assurance to assert my rights as the victim. Particularly understanding typical abusive patterns. Mike guided me through the process & stood by me every step of the way, where I felt completely safe & well represented. I honestly cannot say enough great things about this man who loves his family but will take whatever time needed & work tenaciously on your behalf, even if it meant holidays & weekends. He sincerely "cares & respects" his clients.

Posted by Leanne | January 23, 2012 | Criminal Defense

When Life Throws You A Curve Ball, Call Michael L. Fell.

I feel so blessed to have found Michael Fell! At a time when I needed a legal ally, Mike was there to not only represent me, but to vigorously defend me, using his twenty plus years of courtroom experience to get my case dismissed. Having never been arrested, I was out of my league when it came to ...navigating my way through the court system and I was terrified of all the unknowns. Mike took the time to walk me through the process (I still have the flow chart he made me) and clearly explained what my options were. He told me that getting my case dismissed would be a "grand slam", but he was optimistic that it could be done. He wasn't willing to settle for less, even when we were offered a very good deal by the prosecution, Mike held out for the grand slam. Mike was willing to go to bat for me as many times as it took, describing himself as an "annoying gnat" that would not stop until the best case scenario was achieved. Mike gave me hope and encouragement, during one of the scariest situations I have ever faced. Knowing I had someone of his caliber and reputation on my side was priceless. He was generous with his time and knowledge and treated my husband and I like friends, not dollar signs. He is unlike any lawyer I have ever met, having a light-hearted and enthusiastic attitude, while maintaining an unshakeable commitment to his clients' success. Mike Fell uses his experience to gain justice for his clients; he doesn't need his clients to gain experience. He is the MVP of lawyers. He got me my grand slam, and for that, I will be forever grateful.

Posted by Gene | January 20, 2012 | Criminal Defense

Mike Fell is an excellent lawyer!

Mike Fell represented me in a criminal defense matter. He obtained a result for me that vastly exceeded my expectations, with an exceedingly professional manner throughout, and at a reasonable price. He was clearly very experienced in communicating with the DA's office, and he brought that credibil...ity to bear in obtaining a superior result in my case. As an attorney myself, I understand the challenges that Mike faces, and I would hire him again for sure. I highly recommend Mike's services without reservation.

Posted by Gregory | December 04, 2011

Michael Fell - A Professional, Compassionate & Accomplished Attorney

From my first meeting with Michael, his professionalism, insight and concern provided me confidence that I had met the right attorney to handle my difficult legal matter. He provided me detailed guidance about the legal process I was facing and took the time to really listen to the many complex deta...ils of the case. On the personal side, Michael is a family man, friendly and outgoing and it was always a pleasure to meet with him. Michael's years of experience and attention to the details brought a positive outcome and for that I am truly grateful to him. I know I'm fortunate to have met Michael and I would highly recommend him to anyone needing his services. Many thanks, Michael.

Posted by anonymous | August 25, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Michael Fell is Amazing!

Without a doubt, Mike is a kind and wonderful professional and made himself 100% available to answer any questions and really took his time to understand our situation. He guided us through such a difficult time all the while keeping us in the loop on navigating the court system for which he has such... incredible knowledge. With his exceptional ability and dedication Mike will go the distance to make you feel comfortable, reassured and truly blessed. Mike makes the commitment and provides personal attention to every detail, he has such a great compassion, kindness and extreme care. We are so very grateful to Mike and to have him represent our son, to whom he made such an impactful connection - Mike is a godsend, to say the least. We highly recommend him to anyone! The B Family-Costa Mesa, CA.

See All Client Reviews

Michael Laurence Fell's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Jana Santiago Burrell headshot
Jana Santiago Burrell

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Co-worker

"Michael is highly regarded in the legal field as being exceptionally knowledgeable, experienced and an ethical criminal defense lawyer. Aside from his many accolades, Michael truly stands above most attorneys based on the amount of care and work he exerts on every case he handles. He takes his time with every person he comes in contact with, and fights compassionately and respectfully for their best interest. He is able to develop some of the best negotiations with his vast knowledge of the legal system, creativity and integrity. If you need someone to be there every step of the way and represent your criminal case, call Mike!"

Dan Tudor Danet headshot
Dan Danet

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 14

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Michael Fell is the real deal - a compassionate, committed, and brilliant attorney. Great listener and truly treats his clients like family. Anyone in need of legal representation would be fortunate to have Attorney Fell in their corner."

Adam Jackson headshot
Adam Jackson

Criminal defense lawyer | May 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Fell is one of the most widely respected attorneys in Orange County for his dedication, compassion, and work ethic. Incredibly knowledgeable and a force to be reckoned with. Hire him today. Highly recommended."

Mary Candice Bryner headshot
Mary Bryner

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Mike Fell. Mr. Fell is an extremely qualified lawyer who truly cares about his clients. He is an excellent communicator, very approachable and well respected in the legal community."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Staycie Renee Sena headshot
Staycie Sena

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Jason Salvin headshot
David Salvin

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mr. Fell for many years now, and have always found his dedication and diligence in all legal matters to be of the highest caliber. All of his clients are very well represented."

Jonathan Pierre Lacour headshot
Jonathan Lacour

Juvenile law lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I worked with Mike through my high net-worth individual representation. A grandson of my client got into some trouble and Mike was able to negotiate very serious charges down to probation and dismissal. I endorse this lawyer."

Nicholas Milan Loncar headshot
Nicholas Loncar

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lewis Robert Rosenblum headshot
Lewis Rosenblum

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Each lawyer you meet is different in terms of their knowledge of the law, their ability to persuade and their concern for their clients. Finding someone with all those talents is rare indeed. Michael Fell has consistently demonstrated he possesses exceptional talents in all those areas. I have known Michael Fell for almost 20 years and find him to be extraordinarily honest and caring. He will fight to the end in order to insure that his clients receive the best possible representation. He is easy to talk to, always accessible and will work tirelessly for what he believes in. If you are looking for someone who will be in your corner from beginning to end, look no further. He is a top-notch lawyer who keeps his word. I recommend him highly."

Jeffrey Neal Stivers headshot
Jeffrey Stivers

Criminal defense lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mike Fell is an awesome attorney hands down. On top of being a great lawyer, Mike is a great human being. Very empathetic to everyone's needs around him and an all around genuinely nice guy. In the courtroom, he is just an awesome attorney. He knows the law inside and out and is a great communicator. I would highly, highly recommend him for any legal work that needs an aggressive and highly intelligent attorney."

Joseph Briscoe Dane headshot
Joseph Dane

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the honor and pleasure of knowing Mike for a number of years since our time together in the Orange County District Attorney's Office. We became colleagues as well as friends on and off the job. I can attest to Mike's exceptional legal knowledge and skill as well as his character. We have brainstormed legal issues back and forth and it's always great to have someone with Mike's perception spotting issues and finding ways to work through them. I have referred clients to Mike without hesitation and emphatically endorse his work."

Jon Mitchell Jackson headshot
Jon Jackson

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 09

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"For the past 18 years, Mike has been one of the top prosecutors with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The range of cases he has handled while an Assistant District Attorney provided Mike with the type of criminal law background experience most attorneys can only dream of. Now that Mike has gone in to private practice, my office will be referring many of our valued clients to him who are in need of experienced and quality criminal defense services. When you are charged with a serious crime and, your freedom is at stake, you need to call Mike to protect your rights! Mitch Jackson/ Jackson & Wilson, Inc."

Payson Laurence Lederman headshot
Payson Lederman

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mike Fell for several years, since he was a Senior Deputy Orange County District Attorney. Now he is in private practice handling criminal defense matters. I am pleased to endorse him on Avvo. I recently referred him a serious felony case and he handled it beautifully - he got the case dismissed before it was even filed by the D.A.! Not that this will happen in every case necessarily, but I can truly say if I ever needed a criminal defense attorney, Mike it the first guy I would call."

Robert Richard Holmen headshot
Robert Holmen

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mike Fell for his entire legal career. He is a person of high integrity, great intelligence, strong insight and a passion for his profession and clients. I highly recommend Mike."

Brian Neal Gurwitz headshot
Brian Gurwitz

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"During his 18 years as an Orange County prosecutor, Michael Fell earned a strong reputation with judges, his peers, and opposing counsel. He was an extremely effective trial attorney known for his integrity and dedication to justice. Whether he was trying serious cases, mentoring the younger attorneys he supervised, or comforting crime victims, Mike was a model public servant who represented the People’s interests with dedication and class. The reputation Mike developed as a prosecutor will serve his clients well now that he has entered private practice. Many attorneys are effective in the courtroom. Some are caring and dedicated to their clients. Very few, like Mike, combine these skills into a single package. I would refer a friend or family member to him without hesitation."

View All Endorsements
Mary Candice Bryner headshot
Mary Bryner

Business lawyer

Stephen Daniel Weisskopf headshot
Stephen Weisskopf

Contracts and agreements lawyer

Lewis Robert Rosenblum headshot
Lewis Rosenblum

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Briscoe Dane headshot
Joseph Dane

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Neal Gurwitz headshot
Brian Gurwitz

Criminal defense lawyer

Jon Mitchell Jackson headshot
Jon Jackson

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, The American Society of Legal Advocates

2014

Voted one of the Top Criminal Defense Attorneys in Orange County, OC Metro Magazine

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2013

Voted one of top criminal defense attorneys in Orange County, OC Metro Magazine

2012

Voted one of top criminal defense attorneys in Orange County, OC Metro Magazines

2011

Voted one of top criminal defense attorneys in Orange County, OC Metro Magazine

2006

Diligent Prosecutor Award, Mothers Against Drunk Driving

2003

Ambassador of Peace, Victims Rights Coalition of Orange County

2002

Certificate of Appreciation, Community Service Programs/Victim Assistance Programs

1996

Outstanding Service award, Mothers Against Drunk Driving

1995

Outstanding Service Award, Mothers Against Drunk Driving

1995

Lawyer of the Year - Mock Trial Competition, Constitutional Rights Foundation of Orange County

Work Experience

2009 - Present

Owner/CEO, Law Office of Michael L. Fell, A Professional Corporation

2008 - 2009

Senior California Trial Counsel, Feinberg Grant Mayfield Kaneda & Litt LLP

1989 - 2008

Senior Deputy District Attorney, Orange County District Attorney's Office

Associations

2007 - 2007

Association of Orange County Deputy District Attorneys - Civic Action Committee

Board Member

2006 - 2007

Orange County Attorneys' Association

Board Member

2003 - 2004

Westminster Police Department

Chief's Advisory Board Member

2003 - 2004

Orange County Department of Education - "Safe From The Start"

Committee Member

2002 - 2004

Orange County Constitutional Rights Foundation

Peer Court Advisory Panel

2002 - 2004

Children's Services Coordination Committee

District Attorney Representative

2002 - 2004

Juvenile Justice Commission

Advisory Member

2002 - 2004

Juvenile Justice Education Together (JJET)

Program Coordinator

2001 - 2002

Steinberg Leadership Institute

Chair

2001 - 2004

Anti-Defamation League

Board of Directors

2000 - 2001

Steinberg Leadership Institute

Participant

1999 - 2000

Orange County Constitutional Rights Foundation

Peer Court Advisory Panel

1997 - 2004

Orange County Fire Authority - Juvenile Fire Setting Offenders Program

Committee Advisory Panel

1997 - 1998

Association of Orange County Deputy District Attorneys - Civic Action Committee

Board Member

1997 - 2006

Orange County Bar Association

Board of Directors

1997 - 2001

Orange County Constitutional Rights Foundation

Board of Directors

1996 - 1997

Orange County Bar Association - Judicial Evaluations Committee

Committee Member/Sub-committee Chair

1996 - 2000

Orange County Bar Association

Youth-in-the-Law Day Coordinator

1995 - 2004

Orange County Constitutional Rights Foundation

Mock Trial Committee Member

1995 - 2008

California District Attorneys Association

Member

1995 - 1997

Association of Orange County Deputy District Attorneys

President

1994 - 1995

Association of Orange County Deputy District Attorneys

Treasurer

1992 - 1993

Orange County Inns of Court - Banyard Inn of Court

Member

1991 - 1992

Orange County Inns of Court - Legion Lex Inn of Court

Member

1990 - 2005

Orange County Constitutional Rights Foundation

High school coach, attorney scorer, judge

1989 - 2008

Association of Orange County Deputy District Attorneys

Member

1988 - 1989

Loyola Law Review

Editor

1987 - 1988

Loyola Law Review

Staff Writer

Education

1989

Loyola Law School

Juris Doctorate

1986

Univ of California Santa Barbara

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2012

Whittier Law School

Criminal Justice

2012

Saddleback Church

Incarcerated Loved Ones

2012

Dino and Nelson Radio Show 1150 AM

Marsy's Law and Criminal Justice

2011

State Bar of California Annual Convention

Criminal Restitution

2010

San Diego POMC (Parents of Murdered Children)

Marsy's Law and The Criminal Justice System

2010

Orange County POMC (Parents of Murdered Children)

Marsy's Law and The Criminal Justice System

2010

Irvine Rotary Club

Marsy's Law and The Criminal Justice System

2010

Alliant University

Marsy's Law and The Criminal Justice System

2007

Law Day

Fourth Amendment school searches

2003

District Attorney Training

Prosecution of Child Pornography

2002

The Prosecution of Hate Crimes

The Prosecution of Hate Crimes

2002

Remembering 9/11

Racial tolerance in light of 9/11

2002

Remembering 9/11

The Impact of 9/11 from the eyes of Orange County's Hate Crime Prosecutor

2000

Juvenile Law Update

Prosecution of Juvenile Offenders

1998

Criminal Law for the Civil Practitioner

Criminal Law and Corporate Responsibility

1997

Anti-Defamation League Hate Crime Seminar

Moderator - Hate Crimes in Orange County

Publications

2013

Orange County Lawyer Magazine Understanding and Utilizing Marsy's Law

Languages

Farsi

English

Spanish

Activity

Top Contributor

Michael earned significant contribution points in 2013.

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