Atty. Michael M. Berger
Michael Berger is one of California’s preeminent appellate lawyers and is a partner in Manatt Real Estate and the appellate practice. One of the top land use and condemnation lawyers in the United States, his appellate cases have involved planning, zoning, eminent domain, various kinds of business litigation, landslides, contract, due process, equal protection, defective construction, nuisance, insurance and environmental law.
Profile Summary
About Michael M. Berger at a glance
Michael M. Berger is a real estate, zoning, estate litigation, and appellate attorney based in Los Angeles, California, practicing at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP. Admitted to practice in California, State Bar of California and Missouri, Missouri Bar. Educated at Yale University (J.D., 1968) and University of Southern California (—, 1968). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning (2026). Serands clients in Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Michael Berger is one of California’s preeminent appellate lawyers and is a partner in Manatt Real Estate and the appellate practice
- One of the top land use and condemnation lawyers in the United States, his appellate cases have involved planning, zoning, eminent domain, various kinds of business litigation, landslides, contract, due process, equal protection, defective construction, nuisance, insurance and environmental law
- Michael has argued four cases before the United States Supreme Court, as well as cases before appellate courts throughout California, numerous federal courts of appeal and other state supreme courts
- He is also the frequent author of amicus curiae briefs in various appellate courts, particularly the U.S
- Supreme Court, pressing client interests in important pending cases
Practice Areas Explained
Michael M. Berger's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael M. Berger handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.
Michael M. Berger is one of 316,149 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in California →
Michael M. Berger is one of 40,226 zoning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse zoning attorneys in California →
Michael M. Berger is one of 20,023 estate litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate litigation attorneys in California →
Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.
Michael M. Berger is one of 86,319 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles or all attorneys in California.
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