Michael is a leading trial lawyer and authority on the anti-SLAPP suit statute, which is designed to protect the exercise of the rights of free speech and petition. In addition, he has significant experience representing clients in appellate matters including family law, anti-SLAPP, and land use issues.

Full Bio »

Michael is a leading trial lawyer and authority on the anti-SLAPP suit statute, which is designed to protect the exercise of the rights of free speech and petition. In addition, he has significant experience representing clients in appellate matters including family law, anti-SLAPP, and land use issues.

Highlights

• Handled numerous appellate cases in state and federal courts.
• Successfully defended more than a dozen cases involving the anti-SLAPP statute.
• Frequent lecturer and panel member on the nature and evolution of the anti-SLAPP suit law.
• Granted the American Jurisprudence Family Law Award from the University of San Francisco, School of Law.

Representative Matters

• Defended two mothers after they were sued for defamation in connection with their protests at Family Court. They had lost custody of their children and then picketed outside the court. The clients won when the case was dismissed as a SLAPP suit, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal.
• Played a lead role in collaborating with joint defense counsel to dismiss a federal case involving 18 named defendants and a plaintiff seeking equitable relief for the alleged violation of title insurance laws in 49 states. Also defended the client when a similar action was filed in the San Francisco Superior Court.
• On several occasions, successfully represented attorneys sued for malicious prosecution. The clients prevailed on motions before trial.
• Defended a homeowner who was fined more than $100,000 for alleged violations of the San Jose vacant house ordinance. The fine was reduced to less than $9,000.
• Obtained dismissal for a client who was sued for defamation and interference with economic prospects due to statements published on a blog about the Italian Consulate in San Francisco.

Reported Cases

• Mann v. Department of Motor Vehicles (1999) 76 Cal.App. 4th 312; 90 Cal.Rptr. 2d 277.
• Zhao v. Wong (1996) 48 Cal.App. 4th 1114, 55 Cal. Rptr. 2d 909.
• Fenwick & West v. Superior Court of Santa Clara County (1995) 43 Cal.App. 4th 1272, 51 Cal.Rptr. 2d 294.

Professional and Community Contributions

Michael is a member of the American Inns of Court, the Honorable William A. Ingram Inn, and served on a team of lawyers, judges, and law students that won a prestigious First Place award from the American Inns of Court in 2010. Michael currently serves as the Program Director for the Ingram Inn. Michael is a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, and serves on its Appellate Courts Committee.  In addition, he previously served as a board member of the American Civil Liberties Union, Santa Clara County chapter.

Admissions

State Bar of California
U.S. District Court, Northern, Central, Southern and Eastern Districts of California
U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and Federal Circuits
U.S. Supreme Court

Education

J.D., University of San Francisco School of Law, 1992
B.A., Stanford University, 1978