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Michael Charles Schwerin

4.5
Rating: 8.1

Licensed for 37 years

Lawyer

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

This attorney has not specified their practice areas.

Fees and Rates

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 37 years

State: California

Acquired: 1988

Resigned

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

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Michael Charles Schwerin's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

5 star (13)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by anonymous | January 25, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Terrible lawyer

I reached out to Michael to help me with a custody case. After charging me over $40,000, his advice was for me to agree to something that didn't have any real merit based on meeting conditions. His strategy and planning were infantile compared to his opposing attorney. Furthermore, he seems more c...oncerned with losing a case that he positioned badly versus fighting for his client.

Michael Schwerin

Replied last February 11, 2021

I am sorry but I have gone through my records and have no case matching the description of this review. If you identify yourself I would be able to respond. Otherwise, I am unable to address what may or may not have happened in this matter if it is in fact a real case. I have been practicing over 30 years with an excellent reputation. One review by an anonymous poster with no meaningful facts to enable me to identify the case does not change that.

Posted by anonymous | December 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent choice

Mike Schwerin helped me through a difficult divorce which involved multiple financial issues including valuation of real estate, spousal support, and complexities regarding businesses owned during the marriage. His calculations were right on and he encouraged me throughout the process when I did not ...think I could go on with the negotiations. He is succinct and intelligent and will not waste your time or money. Thank you Mike.

Posted by anonymous | October 1, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Sloppy, Naive, Non-strategic

Michael seems to make up for his short temper, ego, condescending tone, and judgmental nature by touting his experience, yet I was not impressed with his performance. Imagine being forced into making a decision impacting the course of your life in 10 minutes and having to trust your attorney only to ...realize afterward that he sold you out and didn't advise you properly. Even other attorneys recognize that his strategy and advice were poor. Michael did not think through things in advance and got me into a terrible situation that has been virtually impossible to reverse giving my corrupted X the time, freedom, and power to turn my kids against me. He literally coerced me into agreeing to give all the control to the opposing side convincing me that things would rapidly change in my favor. Nothing could be further from the truth. He overexaggerated and emotionally reacted to weak evidence from opposing counsel instead of standing strong, being logical, strategic and looking for ways to refute their false allegations or give us time to react. Maybe Michael is good in other parts of the law, but family law is not one of them. His "deal" has cost me 3x more but worse than that has set the stage for a strained relationship with my kids during critical developmental years. His "deal" gave opposing counsel the chance to drag my divorce out for 2 years and counting, manipulating things every step of the way. Advice: DO NOT DO AN EMERGENCY SCREENING IN THE MIDDLE OF CUSTODY TRIAL, especially when the alienating parent has control. Do not agree to something that you didn't do just because Michael says it will all change in 6 months. It doesn't change. What's worse is when I spoke to Michael about how his deal was not panning out, he said he didn't care and that it as my fault for creating the situation. A complete lack of accountability, responsibility, and empathy are behavior characteristic of a narcissist. THE GUY HAS NO KIDS. Don't take advice from someone who doesn't understand a parent's love for their kids in a custody trial. Just like a bad doctor can severely hurt people with their mistakes, so can a bad lawyer.

Michael Schwerin

Replied last December 20, 2018

Please read all my other reviews as this anomaly is the result of getting into a domestic violence case which was, in hindsight unwinnable. I am sorry Walter but I was not the person who put you into your terrible situation. You did that yourself with your own conduct toward your wife and kids and there was nothing I could do to rescue you despite giving it a good effort. I cannot go into more detail without breaching the attorney-client privilege and therefore I will leave it at that.

Posted by anonymous | May 31, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Meticulous and thorough gem of an attorney

Michael represented in my in divorce. He is an extremely sharp, competent and considerate attorney. Usually competent and considerate do not go together, but Michael is a unique blend who doesn't drag things and at the same time gives you precise advise. There is no unnecessary sympathy and handholdi...ng - just meticulous attention to detail and honesty. I would recommend any day.

Posted by Joyce | August 24, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Very Ethical and Professional Lawyer

When my husband wanted divorce, I am very stressed out to find a good lawyer represent me. As Chinese, I have no clue about California family law at all. Also, I heard many bad feedback regarding unethical lawyers try to rip clients off from my friends. I interviewed 5 lawyers before I met Michael,... unlike other lawyers who just want to make money by make a fight between my husband and me, or try to make more money procrastinate the process. Michael give me the most honest opinion for my case. He gets things done very effectively and professorially. With his background in CPA, he also gave me excellent analysis how to divide the mutual property. Finding an ethical lawyer make the case much easier when we have deal with the divorce tension same time. I only met him twice so far, I almost get my case done.

See All Client Reviews

Michael Charles Schwerin's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Donald Edward Joseph Kilmer Jr headshot
Donald Kilmer

Family lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a lawyer who knows how to get results for his clients. He is compassionate when necessary and fearless when required."

Rebecca Anne Tran headshot
Rebecca Tran

Family lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Michael is a very knowledgeable family law attorney who is dedicated to his clients. Michael is a strong advocate for his clients but will not take an unreasonable position. This benefits his clients and enables efficient resolution of the case."

Jacqueline Ann Anderson headshot
Jacqueline Anderson

Family lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had a number of cases against Mike over the many years we have been practicing family law and always appreciate the opportunity to do so. He is pleasant and fair to deal with while also pushing hard for his clients. I look forward to working with Mike again in the future."

Ross Brenton Russell headshot
Ross Russell

Unknown lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Schwerin always provides cogent and precise answers to the forums here on Avvo. He provides an important service to the legal community. He is also highly respected within this legal community and known as a zealous advocate for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Scott Kosner headshot
Scott Kosner

Family lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Webb Millsaps headshot
Webb Millsaps

Family lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Schwerin consistently gives thoughtful and practical responses in this forum. His writing is cogent, which is unsurprising given his fine credentials. His legal analysis demonstrates his considerable knowledge and skill. I endorse this lawyer."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Child custody lawyer | Aug 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Child custody lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | May 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Edward Brandon Beckham headshot
Edward Beckham

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An attention for detail; a committed advocate."

Karen Drury Russell headshot
Karen Russell

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mike for over 20 years and have always found him to be very competent."

Martha Bronson headshot
Martha Bronson

Family lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.Michael Schwerin 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. Any person in need of an attorney will be greatly served by this superior attorney."

John Michael Phillips headshot
John Phillips

Unknown lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Schwerin. From his credentials Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community and striving for more and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos."

Morghan L Richardson headshot
Morghan Richardson

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. His advice on Avvo is thoughtful and practical."

John Noah Kitta headshot
John Kitta

Family lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. I have read a large number of Mr. Schwerin's responses to AVVO inquires and can attest to his accuracy and quality information presented n his responses. In terms of his responses when he is at the plate, to date, I have not seen him hit any foul balls."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Daniel Seth Williams headshot
Daniel Williams

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Well respected in the legal community, Has excellent attorney/client relations and is known for being a zealous advocate for his clients and thorough and well prepared for handling all his cases."

Donald Frederick Conviser headshot
Donald Conviser

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Schwerin. He generously provides consistently great responses to AVVO questions and is a benefit to the AVVO community."

Cathleen Elisabeth Norton headshot
Cathleen Norton

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have come to respect the wisdom and experience of Mr. Schwerin's advice on the Question and Answer Board here on Avvo. It is clear to me that his family law clients are in good hands and i am happy to provide this endorsement of him."

Hillary Johns headshot
Hillary Johns

Family lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Schwerin is a direct and practical lawyer who gives common sense answers to Avvo askers. I've reviewed several of his answers on Avvo and he clearly understands how to represent his clients well. With his analytical and accounting background, I can see why he is such a good choice for a managing partner."

View All Endorsements
Donald Edward Joseph Kilmer Jr headshot
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Experience

Rating:  8.1 (Excellent)

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution