Atty. James Irwin Michaelis

Atty. James Irwin Michaelis

James Irwin Michaelis is a lawyer practicing construction defects, insurance agents and brokers, architects and engineers and 6 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Stanford University in 1962, and has been licensed for 60 years.

Westlake Village Westlake Village 60 yrs experience 60 year
Call (747) 250-8358 Book Appointment

Architects And Engineers & More Attorney · Serving Westlake Village, CA · 60+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About James Irwin Michaelis at a Glance

James Irwin Michaelis is a Member based in Westlake Village, California, practicing at Michaelis, Montanari & Johnson A Professional Law Corporation. They have 60+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1966. Their practice focuses on construction, product liability, litigation, insurance, and aviation. Admitted to practice in California (1966) and Hawaii (2008). Educated at Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California (LL.B., 1965) and Stanford University (B.A., 1962). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of President, Los Angeles Chapter, 1982-1983, Defense Research Institute Association of Southern California Defense Counsel Aviation Insurance Association. Serves clients in Westlake Village, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About James Irwin Michaelis

  • James Irwin Michaelis is a lawyer practicing construction defects, insurance agents and brokers, architects and engineers and 6 other areas of law
  • James received a B.A. degree from Stanford University in 1962, and has been licensed for 60 years
  • James practices at Michaelis, Montanari & Johnson A Professional Law Corporation in Westlake Village, CA

Practice Areas Explained

James Irwin Michaelis's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James Irwin Michaelis handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Westlake Village.

Construction Law in Westlake Village

James Irwin Michaelis is one of 40,302 construction attorneys indexed nationally. Browse construction attorneys in California →

Product Liability in Westlake Village

James Irwin Michaelis is one of 65,610 product liability attorneys indexed nationally. Browse product liability attorneys in California →

Civil Litigation in Westlake Village

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

James Irwin Michaelis is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in California →

Insurance Law in Westlake Village

Insurance attorneys for coverage disputes, bad faith claims, denied claims, and policy disputes.

James Irwin Michaelis is one of 120,903 insurance attorneys indexed nationally. Browse insurance attorneys in California →

Aviation Law in Westlake Village

Aviation attorneys for aircraft accidents, FAA regulation, pilot defense, and aviation industry matters.

James Irwin Michaelis is one of 9,145 aviation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse aviation attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Westlake Village

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Westlake Village are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Westlake Village Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Westlake Village-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Westlake Village or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About James Irwin Michaelis

Where is James Irwin Michaelis's law office located?
James Irwin Michaelis's law practice is located in Westlake Village, California. The firm is Michaelis, Montanari & Johnson A Professional Law Corporation. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James Irwin Michaelis handle?
James Irwin Michaelis focuses on construction, product liability, litigation, insurance, aviation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has James Irwin Michaelis practiced law?
James Irwin Michaelis has 60+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1966.
Where did James Irwin Michaelis go to law school?
James Irwin Michaelis earned their education at (LL.B., 1965); (B.A., 1962).
How can I contact James Irwin Michaelis for a consultation?
You can contact James Irwin Michaelis directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James Irwin Michaelis received?
James Irwin Michaelis's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Westlake Village Choose James Irwin Michaelis

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James Irwin Michaelis's practice in the field of construction, product liability, litigation, insurance, and aviation.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

James Irwin Michaelis brings 60+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in California and Hawaii, James Irwin Michaelis can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering construction, product liability, and litigation, James Irwin Michaelis can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Westlake Village

A Westlake Village-based practice means James Irwin Michaelis attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Search Reference

How People Find James Irwin Michaelis Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Westlake Village commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like James Irwin Michaelis.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with James Irwin Michaelis directly.

Education & Law School Background

LL.B.
Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California
- 1965
B.A.
Stanford University
- 1962

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

California
Admitted: 1966
Hawaii
Admitted: 2008

Client Reviews & Ratings — James Irwin Michaelis

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