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Douglas Charles Michie

Litigation Attorney at Ventura, CA

4.7   15 reviews
  • Licensed for 42 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1981
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Douglas

Learn Douglas’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Litigation
    35%
    Trust disputes and contests, and aspects of civil litigation.

    42 years

  2. Real estate
    25%
    Over 1,500 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.

    42 years

  3. 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

    42 years

  4. Foreclosure
    10%
    Wrongful foreclosure defense

    18 years

  5. 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

    42 years

GET AN EXPERIENCED LAWYER TO HELP YOU! ALL VENTURA COUNTY.

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.

Awards

Client's Choice 2012,2010
Client's Choice
2012 2010
Top Contributor 2012
Top Contributor
2012

Photos and videos

Contact Douglas

Reviews

4.7 / 5.0
  15 customer reviews
Client's Choice 2012
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 Linda, Ventura | March 1, 2013
One in a million
Doug Michie has been my legal counselor and representative on several real estate issues for both myself and my family. He was able to save my home from foreclosure and assist me to obtain a loan modification, he successfully sued prior attorneys who failed to perform, and he personally delivered a time sensitive check to my door over the holidays to prevent a tax consequence on a trust account. He is honest, trustworthy, personable and takes pride in upholding the law. He has my gratitude, respect and highest recommendation.
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Posted by John | May 15, 2012
The Best!
Mr. Michie has helped me on a couple of different occasions, and each time he was able to make very unpleasurable situations a pleasure. His wealth of knowledge is only surpassed by his communication skills, and he has been able to translate the complex into a language I thoroughly understand, and that's not easy for me! He never forced his opinion on me, in fact he didn't want me to make any decisions unless he was confident that I knew exactly what I was deciding. A very nice detail that I appreciate. It was always easy for me to reach him, something else I really appreciate. On top of all this he's a nice guy who really cares about what he does. I would never hesitate to recommend him to my family or friends.
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Posted by Alexis | May 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A great experience
A family member recommended Doug Michie and we were not initially sure whether we wanted to use a lawyer. Doug fights for you and works hard following-up on your case. My husband and I felt like we finally had a voice and that there was someone sticking-up for us. Doug's hard work paid off and he won our case. We would use him again if needed and highly recommend working with him.
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Response from Douglas Michie May 30, 2016
Thank you for taking the time to make this review. Doug
Posted by William | July 20, 2015
Friendly, Supportive and Highly Competent
Doug Michie is an extremely knowledgeable estate planning attorney whose first thought will always be to serve the best interests of his clients. As an estate planning attorney myself, I would feel very secure in recommending anyone to use his services.
Posted by Kassy | September 23, 2013
AWESOME ATTORNEY WHO IS KNOWLEDGEABLE, ETHICAL, AND A TRUE ADVOCATE THAT GETS RESULTS!!!
If you need an awesome, ethical, honest, and cost effective attorney who is an advocate for the average lay person, then Doug Michie is the attorney you want to represent you!!! First, you will benefit greatly from Doug's years of experience which translate into an acute perception of what is truly going on in your case. Second, Doug is accustomed to standing up to bullies of every size and nature, including large corporate entities such as the banks and knows how to achieve results. Third, Doug is very hands on which means that he personally handles your matter and is intimately familiar with your case (no, he does not just collect your payment, assign your case to another attorney, and send you monthly bills). Fourth, Doug is personable, down-to-earth, and pleasurable to communicate with. Fifth, Doug will present you with viable options to choose from in order that you may be in charge of your case and elect how to you wish to proceed. Sixth, Doug is cost effective every step of the way -- i.e., he is aware that you work hard for your money and, with that in mind, provides services at very reasonable rates; now I am not saying that legal representation comes cheap, but Doug's years of experience translate into the reasonable expenditure of attorney time on your matter and the cost-conscientious selection of vendors (e.g., attorney services, process servers, etc.), where necessary. Seventh, Doug is selective about the clients he represents and will take on even the most challenging of cases (e.g., even those in which the chances of prevailing are small); i.e., he does not accept every case that comes his way so that his caseload becomes unmanageable and he is unable to be responsive to your needs, nor is he deterred from representing a client because their matter is difficult and they are likely to lose. Eighth, Doug is a long-standing and well-connected member of the Ventura County community. Ninth, Doug achieved quick results representing me in my legal matter against a HOA that is bullying and harassing its tenant-residents for the sheer joy of fulfilling their power trip; although the HOA is still in the process of doing the right thing – i.e., abiding by the laws of the United States of America, the State of California, and its CC&R’s – I am confident in Doug’s ability to continue representing me in this matter should their misconduct continue. Ninth, I have worked with other attorneys in the past and, I can honestly say that Doug is the best I have worked with in every sense of the word – i.e., in terms of his knowledge, experience, accessibility and responsiveness, and results. CONCLUSION: For all of these reasons, Doug Michie is given my highest accolades and recommendation!!!!
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Posted by Paula | September 1, 2013
An Excellent Resource
Doug Michie is an excellent choice for assistance with debt settlement and bankruptcy. His expertise was extremely valuable in discerning which was the best choice for me. He dispelled many myths and offered the true pros and cons about both subjects. His rates are very reasonable for the quality of legal counsel offered. He was compassionate and generous with his time about all legal steps and was prompt with his communications throughout the entire experience. I highly recommend this lawyer.
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Posted by Chris | March 1, 2013
Debt Negotiation Assistance Review
Doug was very helpful in assisting with our negotiations with a debt collector. This collection experience was one of the most stressful things our family has encountered, and Doug really took the issue on for us and let us get back to our normal lives while he negotiated with the collection agency. At the end of the day, Doug negotiated a great deal and a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders. I would recommend Doug to anyone that needs legal advice, and help with real estate or debt collection negotiations. He was worth every penny to our family. Thanks Doug!
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Posted by anonymous | July 2, 2011
A true advocate!
I was losing my home and car when Mr. Michie saved not only both but also likely my marriage. I consider Doug not only top-shelf counsel, but a friend. I would recommend Mr. Michie to anyone in need of an excellent lawyer!
Posted by anonymous | March 1, 2011
Foreclosure Issue
I have an issue with a possible fraud issue on a foreclosure property in which I am renting a room in a house. Mr. Michie was very helpful and informative. I would highly recommend him.
Posted by James | November 28, 2010
My attorney of choice
Doug Michie has been providing me with top-notch legal and financial advice for many years. Without fail, he has been there for me in good times and in bad, and he is always the first person I turn to when counsel is needed. Doug is always readily available when I call him, if not directly answering my phone calls, then returning them promptly the same day. I know that I can count on him to pursue my best interest, without delay, and to keep me informed of developments as they occur.
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Posted by Shirley | August 3, 2010
Extremely positive experience - worth taking the time to review!
My husband and I have had the pleasure of receiving legal and financial advice from Mr. Michie on more than one occasion. His integrity, his valuable knowledge, perspective and input, and his personable manner make him an excellent choice for anyone requiring his expertise. I am legally blind, and therefore it takes me a lot longer to use a computer to write a review. Yet, our experiences working with Mr. Michie have been so positive, that he is worth taking the time to write this review! I hope that my sincere comments help others to make a great choice in choosing an outstanding attorney such as Mr. Douglas Michie.
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Posted by Matt Jones | April 15, 2010
Smooth and Easy Divorce
Doug made the legal matters in a very stressful time in my life very smooth and easy!! - He promptly completed my Divorce paperwork and was professional and understanding at a time when I needed that the most!! Thanks Doug!
Posted by Oksana | March 31, 2010
Knowledgeable Lawyer
I am glad I chose Doug as my attorney. He was very patient and really listened as I explained my situation. His long legal career has given him a depth of experience most other lawyers lack. He cared about me and about the outcome of my legal matter. Doug is a very knowledgeable in the area of the law he practices. He immediately understood the issues I was facing and how best to address them. He always returned my telephone calls and is very accessible - he is a great communicator, a skill sadly lacking in the other attorneys I have dealt with in the past. I highly recommend Doug
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Posted by David Blessing | March 24, 2010
Got the job done
I hired this attorney for an estate plan and it was done efficiently and for a reasonable cost. He made me feel better about the process and was easy to get on the phone.
Posted by Angelica | July 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
YA RIGHT
I hired this guy to help me with a small yet very important eviction and he failed (forgot) to turn in the response to the court which then lead them to give me 1 week to be out of m my house instead of the 4 months Michie said hed get me to find a place! Michie also found an error on the court papers my pervert land lord made (who happens to be on parole) that he said he was going to bring to the courts attention, my lanlord pretty much committed a crime by changing something on court documents and there was proof however when it came time to do all of this MICHIE did NOTHING he said he would do for me, what did i pay him for, so ya he refunded me my money (which proves he knew he was in the wrong) howver it didnt make any difference i still had one week to vacate my house with a 2 yr old baby & a disabled mother! Hes a horrible attorney if u want my opinion!
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 495-495 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.8 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • 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
View all work experience

Education

  • 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
View all education

Legal Cases

  • 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
View all legal cases

Associations

  • 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
  • 1983 - 1985
  • Southern Bear Credit Union
  • Board of Directors
  • 1982 - 1983
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Client Champion Award
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2022
  • 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
View all awards

Publications

  • 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

Speaking Engagements

  • 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
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (20)
Given (26)
Endorse Douglas
Foreclosure Attorney | May 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Foreclosure Attorney | Feb 10
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."
Unknown Attorney | Dec 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Foreclosure Attorney | Jul 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Estate planning Attorney | Jul 10
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Real estate Attorney | Jun 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Bankruptcy and debt Attorney | Jul 02
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."
Real estate Attorney | Feb 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer for his informative avvo.com guides"
Real estate Attorney | Aug 29
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."
Real estate Attorney | Jul 18
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."
Real estate Attorney | Jul 18
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."
Estate planning Attorney | May 15
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."
Trusts Attorney | May 10
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."
Estate planning Attorney | May 08
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."
Estate planning Attorney | May 06
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."
Estate planning Attorney | May 04
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."
Estate planning Attorney | Apr 29
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."
Real estate Attorney | Apr 21
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."
Real estate Attorney | Apr 21
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."
Real estate Attorney | Apr 21
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."
View more endorsements
Divorce and separation
Litigation
Bankruptcy and debt
Litigation
Bankruptcy and debt
Bankruptcy and debt
Real estate
Real estate
Estate planning
Estate planning
Estate planning
Estate planning
Estate planning
Estate planning