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About Douglas
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Doug Michie began his work life when he entered the military at age 17. After his honorable discharge from active duty he began college on the GI Bill, graduating from U.C. Davis with a B.S. in Biochemistry in June 1978.
Doug was then accepted into the rigorous law program at Pepperdine University. There he received his J.D., cum laude, in December 1980. He immediately began a legal career which included serving as an in-house counsel for Travelers Insurance Company and as a deputy district attorney for the County of Los Angeles. Ultimately he established his own law firm in March 1988.
Doug has extensive experience in legal matters and has represented thousands of clients. He has also worked on all nature of real estate matters, a background that is extremely helpful in working on matters involving real estate. He has earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, making him very knowledgeable regarding commercial and investment real estate.
Recognizing the need for more diverse knowledge to better serve his clients, Doug took three years to complete additional professional studies. He began a full time master's degree program at Columbia University in New York in September 2000. He completed the program in May 2001. This was followed 16 months later at Texas A&M University where he earned his Ph.D. in Planning in August 2002. Meanwhile, in July 2002 he entered the highly rated M.B.A. program at the elite business school, IMD, in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he received his M.B.A. in November 2003.
In 2006 Doug became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ as a means of better understanding financial issues regarding retirement assets and investments, Doug’s MBA educational background, as well as his financial planning knowledge, enhance his understanding of investment and real property financial issues.
Doug resides in the Oxnard Plain with his wife and children, where he is active in AYSO soccer, serving for the past 10 years as a referee and coach for age levels U8 to U12. He has served on the site council of Pierpont Elementary School, as a chamber member of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors of the Capistrano Surfside Inn Timeshare Owners Association. He also served in the National Guard for over 20 years, ultimately retiring as a Captain in the California National Guard.
Practice areas
- Real estate: 30%
Over 1200 real estate clients since 1981. All aspects of real estate law from drafting deeds and reviewing contracts to development matters and litigation for fraud and breach of contract
31 years, 800 cases
- Litigation: 30%
Trust disputes and contests, and aspects of civil litigation and
38 years, 350 cases
- Trusts: 20%
A trust is an arrangement whereby someone owns and manages money or property for another person's benefit. Like a guardianship, a trustee has decision-making authority over the trust property, but no court is involved in the trustee's action–the person who creates the trust defines the scope of the trustee's power. There are many different trust types, including probate trusts, income trusts, spendthrift trusts, and educational trusts. A living trust is the most common
31 years, 150 cases
- Foreclosure: 10%
Wrongful foreclosure defense
9 years, 50 cases
- Probate: 10%
Probate is the legal process used to carry out a person's will after their death; a probate attorney advises you on how to perform the steps in the process. In general, once you have identified and collected the dead person's belongings, including their money, property, and other assets, you pay the person's debts and taxes. Once all debts have been paid, you distribute their money and property according to the language of the will. If there is no will, the laws of the state where the dead perso
31 years
Languages spoken
English
Photos and videos
Contact
Michie Law Firm
1056 E. Meta Street #103
Ventura, CA, 93001
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | Active | 1981 | 11/04/2019 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Certification # 1333543 | Chartered Life Underwriter | 2008 |
| Certified Financial Planner | State Bar of California - Certified Specialist | 2006 |
| Certififcation #12529 | Certified Commercial Investment Member | 2005 |
| JD awarded Cum Laude | Pepperdine University School of Law | 1980 |
| American Jurisprudence | Bancroft-Whitney | 1980 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | Michie Law Firm | 1988 - Present |
| Associate Attorney | Fitzpatrick & Barbieri | 1986 - 1988 |
| Trial Attorney | David Schuman Law Offices | 1984 - 1985 |
| Deputy District Attorney | LA County District Attorney | 1983 - 1984 |
| Attorney | Travelers Insurance Company | 1982 - 1983 |
| Associate Attorney | Bodkin, McCarthy, Sargeant & Smith | 1981 - 1982 |
|---|
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership Academy Ventura Chamber | Academy Member | 2008 - Present |
| State Bar of California | Member | 1981 - Present |
| WealthCounsel | Member | 2015 - 2016 |
| Capistrano Surfside Inn HOA | Board of Directors | 2009 - 2015 |
| Ventura Chamber of Commerce | Member | 2006 - 2010 |
| Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce | Board of Directors | 1991 - 1993 |
|---|---|---|
| American Arbitration Association | Arbitrator | 1991 - 1995 |
| California Bear Credit Union | Board of Directors | 1984 - 1986 |
| Golden Bear Credit Union | Board of Directors | 1982 - 1985 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Proquest Information and Learning Company | A Comparison of State Statutory Law addressing the Placement of Manufactured Homes as Single family housing | 2002 |
| Comparison of Factory Built Housing | Columbia University Master Thesis | 2001 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| IMD Business School, University of Lausanne, Switzerland | MBA | 2003 |
| Texas A&M University | PhD - Doctorate | 2002 |
| Columbia University | MA - Masters | 2001 |
| Pepperdine University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1980 |
| University of California - Davis | BS - Bachelor of Science | 1978 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ventura Chamber Ambassador Breakfast | Estate Planning for the Middle Class | 2010 |
| Ventura Leadership Conference | Financial Education in the Classroom | 2009 |
| Ventura Business Network Luncheon | Financial Services for Retirement | 2009 |
| Community Development Competition | Harlem Redevelopment Project | 2001 |
| Rotary Club | Unlawful Detainer Procedure | 1996 |
| National Drug Enforcement Interagency Council | Military Law and Law Enforcement Cooperation | 1994 |
|---|
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| MacDonald's vs. Harness | Ground Lease was Modified |
| Ramezany v. Yamada | $280,000 settlement for Plaintiff |
| Mcconaghy v. Portico Mobilehome Park | Case settled with $300,000 paid to Plaintiffs |
| Alvarez v. Gerry Baby Products | Settlement paid to Plaintiff |
| Harringer v. Gemmel | Jury Verdict in favor of Plaintiff |
| Marriage of Olsen | Successful Appeal |
|---|---|
| Alvarez v. Molina | Property deeded to client by step-brother |
One in a million
Posted by Linda, Ventura
Fri Mar 01 2013
The Best!
Posted by John
Wed May 16 2012
Attorney endorsements
(19)Peter Depew, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 10, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Michie provides a much needed service on Avvo. He donates his time to individuals who are in need of immediate legal answers.
Hovanes Margarian, Consumer protection Attorney on Dec 12, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Doug is a tough litigator against lenders foreclosing on local properties. He understands the ins and outs of utilizing state courts to block illegal foreclosures.
Howard Roitman, Car accident Attorney on Jul 10, 2012
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Doug Michie demonstrates tremendous knowledge and experience in a wide variety of legal matters, particularly in real estate and debt collection. His responses on Avvo are thoughtful, articulate, and accurate. I have tremendous respect for his sound legal knowledge and ability to communicate that knowledge. He is a true asset to our legal community. It is my pleasure to endorse him.
Christine Kingston, Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney on Jul 2, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Doug is a hard charging attorney that loves what he does, protecting consumers and assisting them become debt free. Not just that, he really cares for her clients and is compassionate and understanding. He possesses the skills and knowledge required to litigate complex securitized transactions in bankruptcy. He shows a great understanding of bankruptcy law and how it can be applied to the best interests of his clients. You would be well served to use him as your bankruptcy attorney. Especially for real estate matters.
Jonathan Reed, Car accident Attorney on Feb 16, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer for his informative avvo.com guides
Marc Mathys, Health care Attorney on Aug 29, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. What can I say, experience, experience, experience. Doug has been there and done it and done it again. Many years of litigation, more degrees than have room on the wall, an engaging speaker, a keen mind, a pragmatic approach and yet nice guy. Go see him.
Steven Fink, Real estate Attorney on Jul 18, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Doug's responses on Avvo indicate a real breadth of recommend his services for a case in Ventura. I would definitely recommend him for a real estate or trust matter in Ventura.
Kenny Tan, Real estate Attorney on Jul 18, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. I read his answers to some of the questions and definitely feel comfortable endorsing him in the real estate and foreclosure areas.
Richard White, Estate planning Attorney on May 15, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Doug exudes a confidence that is rooted in the wide scope of his experience in the legal arena. Not only is he thoroughly conversant with estate planning principles, but his knowledge of financial planning issues surpasses that of 90% of the lawyers I know. I am pleased to endorse him.
Mitchell Kitroser, Estate planning Attorney on May 10, 2010
Relationship: Other
I had the pleasure of spending time with Doug at the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys in Boston this past month. Doug has impressed me with his knowledge of estate planning and financial investments. His unique background and experience make him a person of great value to any potential client in this field.
Anthony Minko, Estate planning Attorney on May 8, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Doug is a trustworthy and skilled practitioner who always keeps his client's best interest in mind. I routinely recommend him to clients, friends and family for a variety of legal work in California.
William Hayes, Estate planning Attorney on May 6, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. I know Doug Michie as a result of his involvement with the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. Doug is a highly intelligent, assertive and dedicated attorney with a clear understanding of the law and how to use it to best serve his clients needs. Any client would be well served to have him as their legal counsel.
Norman Sabin, Estate planning Attorney on May 4, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Doug has a concern for his clients and works to ensure their best interests. He is a member of the Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and as such, has access to and utilizes those resources to provide his clients the best in representation.
Sammid Mansoor, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 29, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer's work. Doug and and I attended the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys Boot Camp and Education Summit together and he has a tremendous grasp of legal concepts, can easily relate scenarios to issues and create equitable solutions for clients. He is a valuable tool for anyone looking to create a comprehensive wealth plan.
Alan Brinkmeier, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on Apr 22, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Doug Michie is an exceptional lawyer who I have come to respect as an articulate contributor here on this listserv help site. His client's are fortuate to have him and his 30 years of experience. They are well served by his dedicated representation. I would happily recommend a client to use his services should they require a lawyer with his expertise. I endorse this lawyer's diligent work.
Ellen Patton, Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney on Apr 22, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I am familiar with Mr. Michie through his answers to questions on Avvo and a review of his credentials and website. Through these publications he has demonstrated depth and expertise in his several practice areas that make me confident that clients are well served in his care.
Timothy Combs, Chapter 7 bankruptcy Attorney on Apr 21, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Michie shows a mastery of the law and a genuine willingness to help. His resume is impressive and I am certain he would be a valuable asset to any client.
Cost
- Hourly Rates$395-$395/hour
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