Michael A. Villa

Michael A. Villa is a determined and effective advocate for all his clients. He understands that each client's needs and circumstances are different and that every case presents a unique challenge. From the beginning of every new engagement, he works closely with his clients to identify their legal objectives and to devise a cost-effective strategy for achieving those objectives. In most instances, Mr. Villa can help his clients avoid expensive, protracted litigation by reaching a non-judicial resolution consistent with his clients' goals. However, if any client’s case must be litigated and taken to trial, his client can rely on his extensive courtroom experience to obtain the most favorable outcome possible.

Mr. Villa grew up in upstate New York and graduated from Vassar College in 1980. After graduating from college, he moved to Los Angeles where he worked in the banking industry for several years. Mr. Villa entered Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco in 1984. After graduating from law school in 1987, he practiced at prominent law firms in San Francisco and Oakland that specialized in insurance defense, personal injury, and business and commercial litigation.

Mr. Villa relocated to Sonoma County and opened his own law office in Healdsburg in 1999. Since that time his client base has been local – business owners, wineries, grape growers, ranchers, but mainly individuals who legal help – in and throughout northern Sonoma County, Mendocino and Lake Counties. To better meet the needs of his practice, he moved his office to a new, larger commercial space in Geyserville in 2015.

In addition to his private practice, since 2003, Mr. Villa has served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Sonoma County Superior Court conducting Mandatory Settlement Conferences for cases set for trial. In 2011, in recognition of his contribution to the community and the administration of justice, the Superior Court honored him with its "Volunteer of the Year" award. He is a Fee Arbitrator with the Sonoma County Bar Association and also provides neutral mediation and case evaluation services.