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Michael John Apicella
About Michael
Biography
Apicella Law provides mediation services for divorce and other family law issues. For those that want help with an uncontested matter, we can provide advice as "consulting attorney" (on a limited-scope basis) while you remain as a self-represented party. For those contemplating marriage, or altering their rights after marriage, we draft premarital and post-marital agreements.
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Golden Gate University School of Law, 2001. Dean's List, Merit Scholarship, top 5% of class. Special training in trial work, with certifications in Litigation and Mediation.
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Bachelors of Science in Busines Administration from University of Southern California. Experience in real estate, insurance brokerage, finance, and mortgage banking. Active California Real Estate Sales license. Former California Insurance Broker license.
Admitted to practice law in all California Courts.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Mediation
60%
23 years | 500 cases
Divorce and Separation
20%
23 years | 500 cases
Marriage and Prenuptials
20%
23 years | 100 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 22 years
State: California
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Location
Apicella Law & Mediation
2 Civic Center Drive, Ste. 4131, San Rafael, CA, 94903
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Michael John Apicella's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
20 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (20)
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Practice Areas
Showing 6 - 10 of 20 reviews
Posted by Bill | November 20, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes
great lawyer!
Mr. Apicella is very knowledgeable. He knows the law like the back of his hand. He also "gets it" when it comes to all the "life" issues that come up during the case. In addition to his knowledge, he is also easy to get a hold of. My prior lawyer was hard to get on the ph, and rarely returned m...
Posted by Frank | December 09, 2010 | Family
Family Law Expert
Mr. Apicella is a very detail oriented expert at not only explaining the ins and outs of family law but putting those skills into practice. He helped me immensely in my case. i was very impressed by his ability to listen to the plethora of verbiage given and extract only the relevant information that...
Posted by anonymous | October 06, 2010
Very helpful
Mr. Apicella's ability to explain the legal situation clearly and in terms that I could understand was very helpful to me. His professionalism and knowledge is outstanding.
Posted by anonymous | October 05, 2010 | Divorce & Separation
He's in your corner
Mike Apicella is an honest, straightforward, and effective attorney. He provided excellent advice throughout the process of my divorce. He kept me informed of my rights and helped me negotiate a great settlement. His fees were more than fair and he always looked out for my best interest. If you happe...
Posted by a Family Client | July 12, 2010
Very good attorney
Mike is a very friendly, honest, and ethical person. Mike hears client very patiently and suggests for the best interest of parties involved. He is easily reachable and very responsive to client’s need. The way Mike works actually saves some money. He provides information (both online and offline) ve...
Michael John Apicella's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a top notch attorney. His responses in public forums such as AVVO showcase his experience, expertise, and a deep understanding and knowledge of the law."
"Mr. Apicella has given consistently correct, analytic and customized answers on Avvo. His orientation towards mediation, seeking a "win-win" scenario instead of a "win-lose" is to be highly commended and should be seriously considered by Avvo askers."
"I endorse this lawyer.because he seeks to serve his clients, and nit just stir things up."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael lives his integrity and his sincerity for advancing the welfare of others in the pain of conflict. He genuinely wants to find the peaceful solutions when he can, and works hard to do so. He is not afraid of conflict, but he will look for the humanity in every situation."
"I have had the privilege of getting to know Michael over the past several years. To say that he is a man of integrity would be an understatement. Michael's approach to family law is very similar to mine. He takes a very holistic approach in an effort to solve problems, rather than create problems. He is dedicated to try his best to resolve family matters in an equitable manner, while facilitating the creation of a post-divorce functional family. I have a great deal of respect for Michael and have referred him a number of cases and will continue to do so."
"I am constantly amazed (and proud) that fellow attorneys continue to keep the spirit of pro bono service alive by taking the time to give free legal advice to the community here on the Avvo Question and Answer Board. Mr. Apicella provides sound advice and has earned my professional respect in demonstrating both his knowledge and skill regarding family law matters. I am happy to provide this endorsement of him."
"Mr. Apicella is a very incisive attorney who gives excellent advice to his clients. He is also very astute and to the point while still managing to be kind. I have not consulted with him as to mediation although he is well situated to do both and I will certainly be recommending him both as a lawyer and a mediator."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Apicella is an outstanding family law attorney with an exceptional reputation. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and true credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services."
"Michael asked me to work with him on a custody and child support case. Michael was a strong and effective advocate for his client. His writing skills are strong. This is very important in family law matters because many issues are decided by the judge primarily on the documents submitted to the court. Michael also referred a case to me in which he was the mediator for the clients in their divorce. Both parties indicated that Michael was patient and thorough in the mediation process. It was clear that he had established a repore both clients."
"I wholeheartedly endorse Mike Apicella as an intelligent, ethical, and pragmatic attorney. He is well-versed in his practice areas and takes pains to explain matters to his clients so that they can make intelligent decisions. This is an attorney who will protect your interests and manage your case honestly."
"I would want Mr. Apicella on my side in any family law matter."
"I endorse this lawyer without reservation. Mr. Apicella and I worked together in very difficult conditions and he always made sure to take care of the client first. His honesty is unassailable and his intelligence and work-ethic are top-notch."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mike Apicella is an outstanding lawyer. I first met Mike when he was graduating from law school. He worked with me on several projects and it became clear Mike was very bright and diligent. Now after several years of experience Mike is at the top of his field. I recommend him without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Michael Apicella is the consummate lawyer. He is equally facile as an oral advocate and in arguing his client's case in briefs. He understands the most subtle nuances of his client's case and uses discovery and takes depositions to his client's advantage. He does not waste time or money and is efficient and economical. His expertise in family law is consonant with the most praised attorneys in his field. There is no lawyer practicing who has better judgment on how to wield facts and law to his client's benefit. If you are seeking optimum representation on a family law matter in northern California, look no further than at the credentials of Michael Apicella."
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Experience
Honors
1999
CALI Award: Legal Skills, Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction
Work Experience
2004 - Present
Principal, Apicella Law & Mediation
2002 - 2004
Attorney, Kelly, Herlihy & Klein, LLP
Associations
2005 - Present
Sonoma County Bar Association
2004 - Present
Marin County Bar Association
2001 - Present
American Arbitration Association
2001 - Present
Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution
2001 - Present
American Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Child Support Modification
successful reduction of child support
premarital agreement
Drafted premarital agreement to protect parties' assets
Divorce Mediation
amicable divorce, saving much time, heartache, and money, compared to litigation.
Child Custody/Visitation Modification
joint custody and visitation modification denied
Post-marital Agreement
Helped client protect asset and preserve marriage
Divorce & Custody Modification - Move Away Case
Father obtained move away order
custody, move-away case
Prevented relocation of children
false child abuse
Father obtained proper visitation with his child
Divorce, spousal support, and community property division
Case settled
Divorce & Custody
Mother obtained sole legal and physical custody
post dissolution child support case
Arrearage claim settled
premarital agreement
I drafted a premarital agreement that protected the clients assets in the event of divorce
divorce mediation
divorce finalized without litigation
Education
2001
Golden Gate University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1993
University of Southern California
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2012
school to career
careers
2001
Pathways for Kids: Career Awareness
Legal Careers
Publications
2008
2008
Love Detour
California Divorce Basics
2006
divorcesource.com
Custody Considerations
2006
divorcesource.com
Divorce FAQ's
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
My wife filed for divorce but now wants to un-file. What forms do I need?
11 Dec 2024
Q&A
How to "restart" the divorce that was "paused" (not followed up) after filing?
30 Aug 2024
Q&A
How can I get a Written Agreement on a Uncontested Case?
09 Jan 2024
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
What is divorce mediation
30 Nov 2010
Legal Guide
Common Threats During Divorce
29 Nov 2010
Legal Guide
Saving Attorney Fees
15 Oct 2010