Atty. Michael Howard Gazin

Atty. Michael Howard Gazin

Michael H. Gazin was born in Los Angeles, California in 1949, and has been a resident of Orange County since 1974.

Newport Beach Newport Beach 52 yrs experience 52 year
Call (949) 807-0196 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Michael Howard Gazin at a glance

Michael Howard Gazin is a Partner based in Newport Beach, California, practicing at Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca Curtin Llp. They have 52+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1974. Their practice focuses on family law. Admitted to practice in California (1974). Educated at University of Santa Clara School of Law (J.D., 1974) and San Jose State University (B.A. Political, 1971). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Orange County Bar Association. Serands clients in Newport Beach, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Michael H. Gazin was born in Los Angeles, California in 1949, and has been a resident of Orange County since 1974
  • He and his wife, Fran, have lived in Irvine since 1976 where they raised their two daughters, Annie and Molly, both of whom are graduates of the University of Colorado
  • Mr. Gazin graduated from San Jose State University with honors in 1971, earning a BA degree in Political Science
  • He attended the University Of Santa Clara School Of Law where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1974
  • Mr. Gazin was admitted to the California State Bar in 1974, when he commenced his practice in Orange County
  • In Mr. Gazin’s early years of practice, he handled a broad spectrum of cases ranging from criminal defense, personal injury, business litigation, and family law
  • Commencing in the mid 1980s, Mr. Gazin began focusing his practice primarily in the area of family law, and now limits his practice to family law
  • Mr. Gazin’s approach to the practice of family law comes from his perspective that, to the extent possible, an amicable, equitable, and expeditious resolution of the issues best serves the parties’ interest in their time of personal and inter-family crisis
  • To achieve that goal, Mr. Gazin’s first focus is to evaluate the case to determine if such a method is both an appropriate and viable option
  • Mr. Gazin has been an active member of the Orange County Bar Association since 1976, serving as a member on its Board of Directors from 1980 through 1985
  • Mr. Gazin was elected President of the Orange County Bar Association in 1989 after first being elected Secretary in 1986, Treasurer in 1987, and President-Elect in 1988
  • Mr. Gazin also served a three-year term as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Orange County Bar Foundation
  • He is a former Treasurer of the Orange County Bar Family Law Section
  • Mr. Gazin chaired the Client Relations Committee of the Orange County Bar Association from 1983 to 1985 after serving as a Committee member from 1977 to 1983
  • he has served as a delegate to the State Bar Conference of Delegates every year from 1980 through 2003
  • Mr. Gazin served as a member of the Orange County Bar Association Judiciary Committee in 2003, and he has served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Orange County Superior Court
  • Mr. Gazin has an AV Rating with Martindale Hubbell
  • Since 2010, Mr. Gazin has been named every year and is currently recognized by Los Angeles Magazine as one of Orange County’s Super Lawyers
  • every year since 2006, he has been and is currently listed in the U.S
  • News and World Report Best Lawyers guide

Practice Areas Explained

Michael Howard Gazin's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Howard Gazin handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Michael Howard Gazin is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in California

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 Newport Beach 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 andnue, 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.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Newport Beach or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael Howard Gazin

Where is Michael Howard Gazin's law office located?
Michael Howard Gazin's law practice is located in Newport Beach, California. The firm is Phillips Whisnant Gazin Gorczyca Curtin Llp. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael Howard Gazin handle?
Michael Howard Gazin focuses on family law. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Michael Howard Gazin practiced law?
Michael Howard Gazin has 52+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1974.
Where did Michael Howard Gazin go to law school?
Michael Howard Gazin earned their education at (J.D., 1974); (B.A. Political, 1971).
How can I contact Michael Howard Gazin for a consultation?
You can contact Michael Howard Gazin 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 Michael Howard Gazin received?
Michael Howard Gazin's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
University of Santa Clara School of Law
- 1974
B.A. Political
San Jose State University
- 1971

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

California
Admitted: 1974

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