Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
77 Client Reviews
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Michael Frederick Cardoza
also known as Mike Cardoza
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About Michael
Biography
I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, joined the Marine Corps and then went to law school. After my active duty time as a trial attorney, I became a senior executive in the debt buying and collections industry on the East Coast. I spent 7 years buying and collecting debts and even running a law firm that collected consumer debt exclusively. I know all the tricks.
I founded The Cardoza Law Corporation to bring the truth to consumers and help you get what you deserve from illegal debt collectors, credit reporting agencies, robo-callers, and businesses that just plain rip you off! You don't have to take it. The laws are on your side and all you have to do is get a free evaluation to see if you have a case that I can litigate for you for no money down. Most people have shame and guilt about a bad financial situation - don't. Illegal debt collection happens every day - it could be happening to you and you don't even know it!
In some cases, clients of The Cardoza Law Corporation may agree to be liable for costs and/or pay fees on an hourly, flat, or contingent basis. The information on this advertising website is not intended to serve as legal advice or as a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any particular legal matter. Visiting this site does not constitute the formation of an attorney/client relationship or the establishment of any other type of agreement that implies that legal representation has been offered or accepted.
Are your credit report disputes going nowhere? You may be entitled to a speedy fix AND compensation!
Fight Back and don't let Identity Thieves, Credit Bureaus, or any other business rip you off!
Servicemembers have special Civil Rights that are often violated by landlords and debt collectors!
You DON’T have to pay! Find out more about ID Theft laws that protect you.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Identity Theft
35%
Credit Repair
30%
Consumer Protection
20%
Military Law
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
1%-45%
Awards
2021 2020 2019
...
+
3
2019 2018 2016
...
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1
Licenses
Licensed in California for 28 years
State: California
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michael online.
Michael Frederick Cardoza's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 75 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Lilia | June 5, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Very thorough and experienced
Thanks for answering my questions about my credit history problem. Very thorough and knowledgeable attorney. Answered all my questions and helped me fix them.
Posted by anonymous | September 13, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Awesome Lawyer
Mike was very knowledgeable and accommodating person. He is expert on his line of work!
Posted by Elena Lancefield | May 6, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Need to repair your credit?
On a clear score, my credit was less than 463, and I was slightly skeptical but decided to give this an opportunity. R E M O T E R E P A I R a t C L E R K d o t C O M has done more than fix my credit. He has helped me better my knowledge of credit opportunities. I will refer him to any of my friends ...
Michael Cardoza
Replied last June 17, 2022Elena - I don't know who you are and I don't endorse your credit repair scheme.
Posted by Conqueror | July 14, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
The Cardoza Winning Strategy
If you want to win and be happy, give your case to this team. They are very proficient and would make your wait worth it. I love the result. Thanks Mike and your team
Posted by anonymous | July 14, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
.
I needed help and information about possible identity theft. Mike advised me of actions I should take to secure bank accounts, credit, etc.. that may have been compromised, that I hadn't thought about. I'm taking these precautions until I'm sure if anything has actually happened. If I see any activit...
Michael Frederick Cardoza's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mike Cardoza is one of the most competent and zealous lawyers I have ever met. A fierce and aggressive trial lawyer. Mike has also become the foremost expert in the United States in debt collection. You combine these two together and you get a hell of a lawyer fighting for American citizens against abusive debt collectors. I endorse this lawyer."
"I serve as California co-chair for the prestigious National Association of Consumer Advocates. I've met and seen in action attorneys all throughout these United States. It's difficult for me to recall seeing anyone with the energy, drive and passion that Mike brings to consumer protection law. You'd be hard pressed to find a better person anywhere to handle your matter."
"Mike Cardoza truly knows the debt collection industry inside-out, and knows how to effectively use that knowledge to the advantage of his consumer clients. If you are being harassed by debt collectors, are suffering from improper credit reporting or are a victim of ID theft, you would be very fortunate indeed to have Mr. Cordoza champion your cause!"
"I have known Mike for several years. He is usually at the National Association of Bankruptcy Attorneys annual convention except this year because it was cancelled due to COVID-19. He is the best attorney in the field of Consumer Law. He is so good that I have referred clients to him for consumer law litigation. Mike does the job right. That is why I can fully and without hesitation endorse him."
"When it comes to consumer law, Mike knows the inner workings of every part of the collection industry. That's why he wins for his clients. That, and his commitment to health and fitness."
"I met Michael a few years ago at a seminar and I was impressed with his knowledge and character. Since then I've seen the good work he has done helping consumers who are dealing with debt collectors (and other consumer issues). I recommend you check out his information -- he shares a ton online -- and then contact his office to get honest guidance. He'll tell you the truth about your situation and then you can make your own decision. John Watts"
"Mike is the expert in all legal matters relating to Creditor Harassment and unfair debt collection tactics . He is extremely professional, ethical and competent. I refer cases to him without hesitation. I am honored to endorse Mike Cardoza."
"If you have a debt collection or credit reporting problem I strongly recommend that you reach out to Mike. His website is filled with useful information and at the time I'm making this recommendation he has a terrific 133 second video that will get you started. Very few lawyers give away this much useful information!"
"Mike Cardoza is an incredibly smart consumer protection attorney and If you're being hassled by debt collectors he should be your first call."
"Mr. Cardoza is a thorough and personable attorney who works hard to get the job done for his clients. I have worked with on numerous projects in the past and always enjoyed working with him."
"Michael is one of the most knowledgeable, hardworking attorneys in the community. He is very passionate about his work and very dedicated to his clients. Without a doubt - I would recommend him to anyone seeking counsel on consumer protection matters!"
"Mike Cardoza has a brilliant legal mind that I would turn to if I ever needed to hire my own lawyer. His clients have always raved about his tireless efforts to promote their interests and to protect their rights. I enthusiastically endorse Mike Cardoza."
"Mr. Cardoza is a dedicated, caring professional who is striving for excellence. He is a credit to the legal profession and a great person as well."
"As smart and ethical as they come, there simply is NO BETTER LAWYER in this practice area than Mike Cardoza. I've known Mike for years since we were on active duty together at Camp Pendleton. He has always impressed me with his heart, his judgment, and his peerless skills as an attorney. I can say without hesitation that if I or a loved one needed an attorney, I would look no further. I enthusiastically recommend Mike!"
"I endorse Mr. Cardoza. He is a truly asset to our legal community. Very helpful on AVVO and a great expert in the field."
"I enthusiastically endorse Mike Cardoza for consumer protection, bankruptcy and debt, credit repair and related fields. I have known Mike for over 20 years. His integrity and dedication to clients is second to none. Mike is a fearless and zealous advocate for his clients, and literally wrote the book on how to beat debt collectors at their own game: http://www.amazon.com/Secret-World-Debt-Collection-Game--ebook/dp/B00XK3ETNS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1439227043&sr=1-1&keywords=mike+cardoza. If you are in need of a strong defender of your rights in the world of debt collection and consumer protection, run, don't walk, to Mike Cardoza."
"You want this man as your lawyer! No matter what your problem -- debt collectors, credit repair, consumer protection, or bankruptcy and debt issues -- Mike Cardoza excels at them all. I have known Mike for over 20 years and never have I met a more dedicated, intelligent, and hard-working attorney. Mike will fight for you, and win. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Mike for over 25 years. He has always impressed me with his ability to zealously tackle any issue and to resolve matters with a positive outcome. I would not hesitate to recommend Mike to my friends and family and that is testament to his integrity and skill."
"No one is a more zealous and competent advocate for consumer protection issues. Mike is an excellent attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mike is an asset to the community. He is the go-to lawyer for consumer protection matters and is a passionate advocate. I've come to know Mike over the past few years and his legal abilities, knowledge of the law and personality make him my number one choice. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
Barkley Smith
Consumer protection lawyer
Jacob Reinhardt
Administrative law lawyer
Ian Chowdhury
Debt collection lawyer
Michael Balmages
Mediation lawyer
Ian Lyngklip
Identity theft lawyer
Sylvia Bolos
Consumer protection lawyer
Patric Lester
Consumer protection lawyer
SaraEllen Hutchison
Identity theft lawyer
David Ashe
Social Security & Disability lawyer
Alexander Trueblood
Consumer protection lawyer
Theodore Schofner
Elder law lawyer
Benjamin Glass
Personal injury lawyer
Ariel Rief
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Beatty
Litigation lawyer
Jeffrey Bursell
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Daniel Higson
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Wayne Sinnett
Identity theft lawyer
Neill Wente
Criminal defense lawyer
Helena Teav
Real estate lawyer
Danny Cornell
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2022
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Peer Rated Review, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Marine Corps Reserve Outstanding Career Attorney, The Judge Advocates Association
2012
Meritorious Service Medal, U.S. Department of Defense
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Staff Judge Advocate (Reserve), U.S. Marine Forces Pacific
2013 - 2014
Executive VP for Finance, Operations & Transformation, Dominion Law Associates, PLLC
2007 - 2014
Chief Executive Officer, Providence Dane, LLC
Associations
2015 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
The Judge Advocates Association American Inn of CourtMember
2010 - Present
United States Supreme CourtMember
2010 - Present
Veterans of Foreign WarsLifetime Member
1998 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2021 - 2022
Consumer Financial Services Committee of the California Lawyer's AssociationCo-chair
2009 - 2014
ACA InternationalMember
2008 - 2012
Debt Buyers AssociationMember
2008 - 2014
Maryland / DC Creditor's Bar AssociationMember
2007 - 2014
National Association of Retail Collection AttorneysMember
2007 - 2014
Virginia Creditors Bar AssociationTechnology Committee Chairman
Sample of Legal Cases
Debt Collection Action for Alleged Rental Car Damage
DEBT DISMISSED
Education
1997
Georgetown University Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
University of California - Los Angeles
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
Ocean 98 Rude Awakening Morning Show
Consumer Debt Collection
2015
Interview with Cyrus Webb on Conversations Live Radio
Consumer Finance and Credit Reporting
2015
Author Story with Alexander Lim
Consumer Debt & Robo Calls
Publications
2015
Word Association Publishers; 1st edition
The Secret World of Debt Collection: Beat Collectors at Their Own Game - a Former Collections Executive Reveals How
2007
United States Agency For International Development
"Business Climate Legal and Institutional Reform Diagnostic: Pakistan's Agenda For Action" (Employing Workers)
2007
United States Agency For International Development
"Afghanistan's Agenda for Action - Developing the Trade & Business Environment" (Competition Law and Policy, Foreign Direct Investment)
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Michael earned significant contribution points in 2019.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Need advice?
24 Apr 2021
Q&A
Can I sue a motel for unauthorized charges?
21 Apr 2021
Q&A
The company has made unsubscribing very confusing, and I've been unknowingly charged for membership. Anything I can do?
21 Mar 2021