Atty. Michael E. Pfau
Phi Beta Kappa; Omicron Delta Kappa. Author: "Written Business Plans for the Start-Up Entity and the Lawyer's Role," 8 CEB California Business Law Practitioner 176, Summer, 1993; "Effective Date of Forfeitures Adjudged in Capital Cases: Receiving Pay on Death Row," The Army Lawyer, February, 1983; "The Military Death Penalty and the Constitution: There is Life After Furman," 97 Mil.
Corporate & More Attorney · Serving Santa Barbara, CA · 47+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael E. Pfau at a Glance
Michael E. Pfau is a Partner based in Santa Barbara, California, practicing at Reicker, Pfau, Pyle & McRoy LLP. They have 47+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1979. Their practice focuses on business, real estate, tax, m&a, and securities. Admitted to practice in Connecticut (1979), U.S. Court of Military Appeals (1979), U.S. Tax Court (1981), and California (1986). Educated at Boston College (J.D. Georgetown, 1979) and University of Cincinnati (B.A., 1976). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Santa Barbara County, Connecticut (Member, Tax Section) and American Bar Associations State Bar of California. Serves clients in Santa Barbara, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael E. Pfau
- Phi Beta Kappa
- Omicron Delta Kappa
Author
- "Written Business Plans for the Start-Up Entity and the Lawyer's Role," 8 CEB California Business Law Practitioner 176, Summer, 1993
- "Effective Date of Forfeitures Adjudged in Capital Cases: Receiving Pay on Death Row," The Army Lawyer, February, 1983
- "The Military Death Penalty and the Constitution: There is Life After Furman," 97 Mil
- Law Review 35, 1982
Practice Areas Explained
Michael E. Pfau's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael E. Pfau handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Santa Barbara.
Business & Corporate Law in Santa Barbara
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Michael E. Pfau is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →
Real Estate Law in Santa Barbara
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
Michael E. Pfau is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in California →
Tax Law in Santa Barbara
Tax attorneys handle IRS audits, tax debt, international tax, estate planning, and tax court litigation.
Michael E. Pfau is one of 84,606 tax attorneys indexed nationally. Browse tax attorneys in California →
Mergers & Acquisitions in Santa Barbara
Michael E. Pfau is one of 49,430 m&a attorneys indexed nationally. Browse m&a attorneys in California →
Securities Law in Santa Barbara
Michael E. Pfau is one of 64,075 securities attorneys indexed nationally. Browse securities attorneys in California →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Santa Barbara
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 Santa Barbara 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.
Santa Barbara Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Santa Barbara-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 Santa Barbara or all attorneys in California.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Santa Barbara Choose Michael E. Pfau
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 Michael E. Pfau's practice in the field of business, real estate, tax, m&a, and securities.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael E. Pfau brings 47+ 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 Connecticut, U.S. Court of Military Appeals, and U.S. Tax Court, Michael E. Pfau can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business, real estate, and tax, Michael E. Pfau can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Santa Barbara
A Santa Barbara-based practice means Michael E. Pfau attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Michael E. Pfau Handles in Santa Barbara
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael E. Pfau has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael E. Pfau directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Michael E. Pfau Online
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Michael E. Pfau's Practice Areas & Specializations
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