About

CLIENT FIRST. THAT'S MY MOTTO. I BELIEVE IN BEING PERSONALLY AVAILABLE TO HELP MY CLIENTS WITH ANY LEGAL ISSUES THEY MAY HAVE. I DO NOT NICKEL AND DIME MY CLIENTS EITHER. I DO NOT CHARGE FOR PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS TO AND FROM MY CLIENTS, ONLY FOR SUBSTANTIVE WORK I PERFORM ON THEIR BEHALF.

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Michael is a former judge and experienced litigator located in San Diego, California.  Michael is committed to securing you the recovery you deserve. Please call to see if I can help you. 

Michael Wales graduated from the Arizona State University College of Law in 1991 and has been practicing law in State and Federal Courts for over 30 years. Michael is a compassionate advocate for the injured as well as an experienced, aggressive, and highly successful trial lawyer. Michael’s successes in complex litigation have landed him a membership in the very exclusive Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and a recognition of excellence from Lawyers of Distinction®. There is no question Michael knows his way around a courtroom as, in addition to his extensive civil trial experience, he was also a criminal prosecutor and judge.

Admissions Details

  • TX, 2017, Eligible to Practice in Texas
  • CA, 1993
  • AZ, 1991

Education

  • University of Phoenix, 40-Hour Mediation Training Certificate, 2004
  • Arizona State University, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, JD, 1991

Work Experience

  • Owner | The Wales Law Firm, P.C. | 2020 - Present
  • Partner | Carpenter Hazlewood Delgado & Bolen, LLP | 2014 - 2020
  • Partner | Resnick & Louis, P.C. | 2011 - 2014
  • Judge | Tempe City Court | 2009 - 2011
  • Judge | State Of Arizona | 2008 - 2009
  • Judge | City Of Scottsdale | 2006 - 2008
  • Owner | The Wales Law Firm | 2004 - 2008
  • Managing Partner | Burdman & Benson/Burdman Law Group | 2001 - 2004
  • Owner | The Wales Law Firm | 1995 - 2001
  • Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Anaheim City Attorney's Office | 1993 - 1995
  • Prosecuting Attorney | Maricopa County Attorney's Office | 1992 - 1993
  • Police Officer | Houston Police Department | 1981 - 1987

Awards

  • Featured Attorney | Lawyers of Distinction | 2022
  • Multi-Million Dollar Advocate| Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum | 2015

Associations & Memberships

  • San Diego Sail & Power Association, Inc. | Board Member and Law Officer | 2021 - Present
  • California Yacht Brokers Association, Inc. | Member & Sponsor | 2020 - Present
  • Coronado Cays Yacht Club | Member & Legal Counsel | 2020 - Present
  • Association for Conflict Resolution | Member | 2000 - Present

Publications

  • California Yacht Brokers Ass'n Newsletter | Website Accessibility Cases & California's Unruh Act | 2021

Speaking Engagements

  • United Institute for CLE | Handling Liens in PI Cases- CLE Attended | 2022
  • State Bar of California, Appellate Courts Committee | Difficult Personalities Confronted by Lawyers - CLE Attended | 2022
  • State Bar of Arizona | Real Estate Lien Law- CLE Attended | 2022
  • Marine Recreation Association Annual Conference | Website Accessibility Cases & California's Unruh Act | 2021

Office Location

  • The Wales Law Firm, P.C.

    Address

    955 Harbor Island Drive
    Suite 190
    San Diego, California 92101