Michael is an integral member of Lobb & Plewe’s high-octane litigation team.  He represents businesses and entrepreneurs in business disputes (including prosecution of claims for misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract, breach of note, fraud, unfair competition, unlawful business practices, etc.), employment disputes (representing employers only), and construction litigation, and defends clients against personal injury and other general liability claims.  Michael also has extensive experience defending automotive dealerships against consumer claims (e.g., claims asserted under California’s Unfair Competition Law, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act).

Michael delivers favorable outcomes by utilizing his certification in dispute resolution to resolve matters efficiently and his law and motion practice to extinguish frivolous claims through successful motions for summary judgment.  Michael believes that each matter deserves a detailed and thoughtful analysis and resolution strategy which recognizes the client’s unique business considerations.

In addition to his litigation practice, Michael has also provided Outside General Counsel services to several of the nation’s most successful and distinguished privately held luxury automotive dealership groups, drafting contracts, negotiating amendments to franchise and vendor agreements, assisting with insurance claims, advising executive managers on best practices, and helping clients navigate the new California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”).

A Southern California native, Michael earned his Juris Doctor degree at the Pepperdine University School of Law, where he also obtained a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from the nation’s top-ranked Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution.  In law school, he served as Business and Technical Editor for the Pepperdine Dispute Resolution Law Journal, completed internships at the Law Offices of the Public Defender (Riverside County) and the Employment Litigation Division of the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, and prosecuted violent criminals as a Certified Law Clerk at the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.  During his time at the District Attorney’s Office, Michael set several office records for his position and was undefeated in court.  Before law school, Michael graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Redlands with a Bachelor’s degree in Government/Pre-Law with specialized studies in Economics.

When he is not representing clients, Michael enjoys spending time with family and friends.  Michael is a lifelong car and motorsports enthusiast and likes to stay current on the latest automotive developments and technology.  On the weekends, Michael enjoys reading, watching sports and movies, and driving Southern California’s mountain roads.  Michael is looking forward to the 2022 MLB season and watching games at the Big A!