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Michael Joseph Cefali

Personal injury Attorney at San Juan Capistrano, CA

5.0   71 reviews
Free consultation
Free consultation
  • Licensed for 6 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2017
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

FINDING THE RIGHT ATTORNEY TO REPRESENT YOU IS A CHOICE NOT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. WE OFFER FREE CONSULTATIONS SO YOU CAN GET TO KNOW OUR CHARACTER.

Michael J. Cefali
CO-FOUNDER

Integrity, loyalty, and vigorous advocacy are my core values. I am committed to zealously representing my clients with dignity and respect.

I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. (Psalm 140:12).

From working at a prestigious Newport Beach injury firm, to opening his own practice in 2019, Michael has represented hundreds if not thousands of clients from all walks of life.

Michael has secured millions of dollars in settlements for his clients. He has handled a much higher volume of cases than other similarly situated attorneys, and translates this experience into superior results for his clients.

Michael takes cases that other attorneys won’t touch and achieves outstanding outcomes. If you want an aggressive, hungry attorney in your corner with the experience necessary to achieve justice, Michael is your guy.

Michael is a graduate of Chapman University School of Law and the California Maritime Academy

Chapman University School of Law JD - Juris Doctor 2016
California State University, California Maritime Academy 

Awards

Client's Choice 2022,2021,2020,2019,2018
Client's Choice
2022 2021 2020 + 2 ...

Photos and videos

Contact Michael

Cefali & Cefali
27130 Paseo Espada
Bldg B Suite # 521
San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  71 customer reviews
5 Star
 
99%
4 Star
 
1%
3 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2022
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Tracey | March 31, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
When another firm was not able to help me, Michaels hard work won my motorcycle injury case.
Michael represented me when another firm felt they were unable. I was hit by a car while driving my motorcycle. The police report was not helpful in my case. Michael pursued against the odds and found the truth I needed to be successful in winning my case. His diligence and hard work is why I will be proud to refer him to my friends and family.
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Posted by William | April 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
By far the best!!!
From the beginning Michael Cefali and his team were efficient and thorough. I appreciate Mike's ability to stay in constant communication and see this very sensitive matter all the way through. Mike is a true professional who went above and beyond for my family and I. Team Cefali’s dedication has been impressive and I would recommend him to anyone who is looking for an honest business professional.
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Posted by anonymous | April 21, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Michael is the best Civil Attorney
I cannot recommend Michael enough! He provided me with a free consultation regarding my daughter's conflict with another girl at school, and I am so grateful for his help. Michael is an exceptional civil attorney who is professional, knowledgeable, and truly cares about his clients. From the moment I contacted him, Michael was responsive, attentive, and made me feel at ease. He listened carefully to my concerns and provided me with a concrete solution that worked perfectly for my situation. He even took the time to educate me on the law and what I could do to ensure the best possible outcome. Michael's expertise and sharpness are unmatched, and he is incredibly efficient in his work. He made me feel like I was his top priority, and I appreciate his dedication to his clients. I would highly recommend Michael to anyone in need of a civil attorney. He is not only professional and knowledgeable, but also very personable and easy to talk to. If you want someone who will work tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for you, Michael is the attorney for you! Thank you so much, Michael, for all of your help. You truly are an exceptional attorney, and I am so grateful for your help.
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Posted by Chuck | May 23, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you Mike at Cefali & Cefali !!!! Genuine attorney that Wins!
Thank you so much to Mike at Cefali & Cefali. Went above and beyond to help me with my Car Accident case. Throughout my entire experience he was a phone call or text away. If you’re looking for an attorney that actually cares and treats you like you're a member of their family, Mike at Cefali & Cefali is your go to guy! Not to mention, he will fight for you and he Will Win! Thank you again!
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Posted by Carrie Harris | April 11, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic Attorney and Team
My husband and I were rear-ended on the freeway. We felt bad thinking of contacting a lawyer, but after several months of continuous pain and medical treatments, a friend recommended Michael Cefali. From the beginning, he lived up to his core values of integrity, loyalty, and vigorous advocacy. Michael is a dedicated, friendly, and competent attorney who seamlessly represented our interests and ensured the outcome was in our favor. He treated us not like a client, but like family; he was there any time we needed him. He was empathetic to our situation and worked tirelessly with all parties to represent us. We don’t trust many people, but we trust Michael and his team and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a professional, effective, and focused attorney.
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Posted by Pamela | March 31, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Client Service
Attorney M. Cefali handled my case from start to finish with excellent client communication. From the beginning I knew I had chosen the right firm. He continuously followed up with my care and progress which I greatly appreciated. The level of professionalism in every communication exceeded my expectations. Building trust in representation is extremely important in the legal field. I 100% had full trust in my selection of this firm. I highly recommend their services.
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Posted by Jamie P. | March 26, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent, Fair Attorney Who Knows His Stuff!
I am so glad I decided to bring in Mike Cefali to help negotiate my settlement. He added SO much value to my case and if it was for him, I would have lost out on a decent amount of additional money I was owed. Not only does he clearly know his stuff and is good at what he does, but he is kind and fair and honest too! He made my nightmarish experience so much simpler and easier and I felt like he had my best interest in mind the entire time which was so reassuring! I will definitely be recommending Mike Cefali for years to come because he is the best!
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Posted by Lili | March 5, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Michael Cefali Review
I was in a pretty devastating accident about a year ago where my car was totaled and a close friend of mine who was in the car recommended me to Michael Cefali as she had some experience with him in an accident with her brother. I had a wonderful experience with him, I was able to get all the medical treatment I needed for my injuries and he managed to secure a pretty hefty settlement on top of that. Going forwards, I will definitely be coming back to them if anything like this happens in the future and I would recommend the same for anyone else in such a position.
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Posted by anonymous | February 15, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Cefali are excellent. I would have been lost without them. They guided me from the day of incident and kept me informed throughout the whole process. I am very pleased with result and would highly recommend them.
Posted by Ajeenah | January 10, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Grade A Service
After my accident I was flooded with persisting back pain and had to take over three months off of work. The person who hit me was in a rental and when I tried reaching out to him and the insurance I got no reply’s. A close friend of mine referred me to Mike and this is when my stress levels dissipated. Mike took care of getting in touch with the insurance company, getting me physical therapy and other treatments that healed my back injury. Mike also got me 80x times the amount the insurance company had offered me and got my car fixed. Mike’s empathy and due diligence is exceptional. I would definitely recommend his services if you are in accident. Thank you very much Mike for everything!
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Posted by Mark | December 21, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Car accident
He helped me so much in my car accident situation and thanks to him my hospital bill was paid off
Posted by Salvador | December 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing service!
I called a few different law firms before calling cefali and cefali. After speaking with Mike I knew I was in good hands, he really did go the extra mile to get me everything I deserve, I never knew my case was going to be worth so much! I'm so happy I chose Mike and his team to represent me. Never calling anyone else! Thank you so much!
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Posted by Uriel | December 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
excited!!!
my case went good and this is the first time i gotten lawyer it went excellent to the case and this is my experience i never done on my own and i feel better with treatment from the docter and first time having treatment like that and i ended up getting more money then i acccpteded
Posted by Adam | September 27, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
5 Stars all around. Cefali & Cefali are pros!
Wow! Michael blew me away with his level of service and assistance after I had an unfortunate accident. He made sure from the start that I was comfortable and any and all questions I had were addressed in a quick and professional manner. They helped negotiate with the driver at fault's insurance and were able to get a favorable settlement in the end. He was quick to find me the right rehabilitative care with a chiropractor that not only was close, but also with a great level of care. I hope that I do not find myself in any accidents in the future, but if I do Cefali & Cefali will be the first ones I contact, and would recommend the same to anyone else in the same position.
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Posted by Lissette | September 16, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Service!
I am so grateful for Mike! He was very dedicated and worked his butt off to get me the best possible outcome I could ask for. Was very courteous and called me to always keep me up to date on every step of the way. Thank you for being so knowledgeable on everything because I personally had no idea what to expect with hiring a lawyer. He really cared for mine and my boyfriends well-being and can’t thank him enough! Thanks again Mike! And yes Courtney was awesome too!! Super personable and asked all the right questions to get me settled! Would definitely hire them again in a heartbeat and recommend if you’re looking for people who are super reliable and have a very strong passion for fighting for you!
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Posted by anonymous | July 21, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Highly Recommended Lawyer
Michael Cefali is a highly trustworthy lawyer. Mr. Cefali helped me recovered a more than satisfied settlement and was able to settle with the medical insurance company. I was very please that at anytime I had a question he would respond very quickly and always had an answer for me. He kept me updated on each step of the process and made sure all my questions were answered. I highly recommend him for any legal needs. You will not be disappointed . Thank you again Michael Cefali for all your help!!!
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Posted by Allen | June 28, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Always have a lawyer like Mike
Working with Mike has been amazing. He was recommended to me by a peer that had also been in a bad accident. My peer immediately told me I was doing it wrong and to contact Mike for some guidance. It was very apparent at that time that nobody should let an insurance talk to you without a lawyer. Mike was able to walk me through the whole process and even help get me into better medical treatments than my own insurance. I would recommend Mike to anyone going through what I went through and am thankful for his help in my situation.
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Posted by Christian | June 16, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer, even greater friend
Micheal is s great lawyer, please consider him and trust me when i say this... it will make u change the way u think about lawyers and how much higher normal lawyer standards should be. Micheal helped me not only with my case but also realizing why i wasnt in the wrong for my car crash. When i got in my car crash the opposing party did everything in their power to bring me down and make me feel guilty (even tho the first thing i did when we crash was go check on them!!) and i started to believe their Words. Then micheal cane along and showed me how that was not the case, and that im a good person and that i deserve not only money for the medical help i needed but also that I deserved compensation. Micheal is very much for the people and let me tell u what... this guy will fight for you teeth and bone regardless if any money is involved yet nor not. Truly a great lawyer and an even greater friend. Sincerely, Christisn
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Posted by Kelli | April 7, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Attorney
Michael Cefali is the absolute best attorney one could hope for. He is professional and friendly and genuinely cares about his clients. He listened to my story with kindness and no judgment. He made it clear he would fight for me and didn't take any form of payment until we won the case. He ensured I had the best care for my injury, including arranging for the top orthopedic doctor and physical therapy to work on my shoulder. Once there was a scheduling problem, Michael took care of it immediately. He monitored my condition regularly with honest concern. Through the superior treatment I received, my shoulder is now back to 100%. Michael fought my case and won a more than fair settlement. After the pay out to doctors and to his office, I was left with a larger than expected settlement. He informed me right away of the progress with the case and ultimately had the check FedExed to me within days. I would recommend Cefali and Cefali whole heartedly to any of my friends and family and to you as well.
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Posted by Chris | April 6, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Personal injury
Michael was professional, easy to work with, and informative. He worked tirelessly to get results.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 90 minutes
  • Contingency 33%-45%
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Cefali & Cefali
  • 2019 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Higbee & Associates
  • 2017 - 2017
  • Attorney
  • Bergener Mirejovsky, APC
  • 2017 - 2019

Education

  • Chapman University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2016
  • California State University, California Maritime Academy
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2012

Legal Cases

  • Motorcycle Accident
  • $1 million
  • Open Policy
  • $50,000.00
  • Car Accident
  • $360,000.00
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Consumer Attorneys of California
  • Member
  • 2019 - Present
  • Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
  • Member
  • 2019 - Present
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Member
  • 2018 - Present
  • American Association for Justice
  • Member
  • 2018 - Present
  • Orange County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • State Bar of California
  • Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • Mission Preservation Society
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2022
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2021
  • Litigator of the Year 2020
  • American Institute of Trial Lawyers
  • 2020
  • Rated Attorney
  • Lead Counsel
  • 2020
  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2020
  • Top 40 Under 40
  • National Trial Lawyers
  • 2020
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2019
  • Selected Member
  • Lawyers of Distinction
  • 2019
  • Million Dollar Advocate
  • Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • 2018
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2018
  • CALI Award for Constitutional Law
  • CALI Award
  • 2016
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (18)
Given (24)
Endorse Michael
Personal injury Attorney | Jul 10
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mike is an excellent attorney. He is creative in his approach to cases and really cares about each one of his clients."
Intellectual property Attorney | Jul 01
Relationship: Co-worker
"Michael is a top-notch attorney with the highest level of knowledge and professionalism. He is committed to his clients and I'm always impressed with the way he represents his clients. I fully endorse Michael and recommend his legal services."
Personal injury Attorney | Mar 19
Relationship: Co-worker
"I have had the opportunity to know Mike both as a law student and as an attorney. Mike’s passion for his work is unparalleled. He is a zealous advocate for his clients and is not afraid to back down from a fight on his client’s behalf."
Personal injury Attorney | Feb 22
Relationship: Co-worker
"Michael is an outstanding attorney and person. He is creative and hard working, and I would want him in my corner. I highly recommend Michael to anyone looking for an attorney. He will go the extra mile for you."
Unknown Attorney | Dec 13
Relationship: Co-worker
"Michael is an excellent attorney who will do everything possible to make sure his clients walk away with the best results. He is highly experienced, skilled and fights for the maximum possible recovery."
Personal injury Attorney | May 02
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Michael is a true advocate for his clients. He has a no nonsense approach for dealing with the opposition, and will not accept anything short of the best result for his client. It is refreshing to see an attorney who is passionate about each and every client he has the opportunity of helping."
Unknown Attorney | Mar 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer as their impressive legal analysis and thoughtful responses display the thorough approach necessary to achieve results for clients"
Car accident Attorney | Feb 13
Relationship: Co-worker
"When I first met Michael I instantly thought that Micheal would be the type of attorney that would not only fight for his clients but also treat them like family. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I was correct. Michael will move heaven and earth for his clients. Michael is a force in the legal community and is an inspiration."
Personal injury Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Co-worker
"Michael is truly a one of a kind attorney. He handles every case with an unrivaled passion and cares for his clients like they are family. I would give Michael my highest recommendation."
Personal injury Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Solid lawyer. Ethical. Hard working. Great communicator."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Co-worker
"Michael's passion for helping others is truly reflected in his work. He is a fierce advocate who works tirelessly to achieve maximum recovery for his clients. I highly endorse this lawyer."
Personal injury Attorney | Jan 21
Relationship: Co-worker
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Michael is incredibly bright and has a strong desire to do everything he can for his clients. He'll fight for you until the end!"
Personal injury Attorney | Jan 10
Relationship: Co-worker
"Mr. Cefali is a rising star. He is persistent and diligent and clever; he brings a multidisciplinary approach from his diverse academic and life experience. Mr. Cefali has a pleasant temperament and is a good person. I would seek legal counsel from Mr. Cefali."
Personal injury Attorney | Jan 09
Relationship: Co-worker
"It has been a pleasure working with Michael. His compassion for his clients, and bold tactical handling of his cases is impressive. I would trust him with any friend or family members case."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Family member
"Yes, Michael Cefali is my fiancé…. But I know better than anyone what an excellent advocate he is. I am also in the best position to know how much he truly cares for his clients, as he never stops thinking about those who rely on him for his work. Michael will not just put in the ordinary 9-5. He will take the time to do what it is right, no matter what. He will stand by his clients’ side until they receive the outcome they deserve. He is patient, kind & wants what is best for each and every one of his clients. He is the obvious choice for your legal needs."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Michael fights hard to make sure that justice has a voice. He always puts the time in to do a job right. His personalized and result-oriented approach makes it clear that he genuinely cares about the people he represents."
Personal injury Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Michael is a great attorney and an even better man. I've known Michael for over 5 years, and he is of the highest professional and personal integrity. I would not hesitate to hire Michael as my personal attorney, nor would any other lawyer that I know; he is truly a lawyer's lawyer."
Personal injury Attorney | Jan 03
Relationship: Co-worker
"Mike is knowledgeable, crafty, and gets great results for his clients. I fully endorse him."
View more endorsements
Personal injury
Personal injury
Motorcycle accident
Personal injury
Personal injury
Personal injury
Copyright application
Personal injury
Litigation
Personal injury
Copyright infringement
Immigration
Brain injury
Personal injury
Car accident
Litigation
Intellectual property
Criminal defense
Personal injury
Personal injury