Sanford L. Michelman

Co-Founding Partner

Los Angeles

+1 310-299-5500

[email protected]

Sanford L. Michelman

Co-Founding Partner

Overview

Associated Industries

Associated Practice Areas

Representative Matters

Credentials

Recognition

Insights & News

“Great lawyering is about more than arguments, it’s about foresight. I approach every matter like a builder of business: three moves ahead, with a focus on risk, reward, and lasting impact.”

Sanford Michelman advises boards, executives, and founders through litigation and regulatory threats involving legal, financial, and reputational risk. He is a trusted partner to business leaders navigating complex disputes, government scrutiny, and challenges with far-reaching implications.

With a practice that spans financial services, insurance, private equity, and advertising, among other sectors, Sanford is known for delivering results in matters where institutional stakes are high. His recent work includes neutralizing multibillion-dollar exposure faced by a brand-name insurer following an aggressive regulatory enforcement action; defending a prominent business leader in litigation surrounding his high-profile separation from a major talent agency; challenging a federal agency’s attempt to restrict access to a national lending system for community-focused financial institutions; and pursuing hundreds of millions in arbitration tied to investment failures by a global financial firm.

Sanford’s perspective is shaped by decades of leadership at the intersection of law, policy, and business. In 2016, he was elected to the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and went on to serve as Chair of the Bank’s Audit and Risk Management Committee until the conclusion of his term in 2022. Earlier in his career, he worked on behalf of a U.S. Senator in connection with a highprofile investigation of a life insurance company and the confirmation process of a U.S. Supreme Court nominee. He was later appointed by the Governor of California to the State Athletic Commission, where he was elected Vice-Chairman and then Chairman. Today, as co-founder and chairman of Michelman & Robinson, he continues to lead from the front—guiding the firm’s international expansion, cultivating a high-performance culture, and delivering strategic counsel to clients confronting their most consequential challenges.

A perennial Top 100 Lawyer and one of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 500 most influential people in L.A., Sanford is also an entrepreneur and boardroom leader. He founded and is Chairman of FlyHouse, a private aviation company powered by dynamic proprietary pricing technology. Sanford is also Chairman of the Board of Acceleration Community of Companies, a cutting-edge marketing and media collective. He sits on the board of Cascade Mountain Spring Water as well. Across every endeavor, Sanford brings a forward-looking mindset and a drive to help clients seize advantage in moments that define businesses.

Sanford L. Michelman

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Associated Industries

Advertising & Digital Media

Life Sciences

Mining

Real Estate

Associated Practice Areas

Class Action & Complex Litigation

Labor & Employment

Regulatory & Administrative Law

Representative Matters

Represented the sellers of a financial-services business in post-acquisition litigation against a national financial institution arising from a $15.2 million trading loss that occurred following closing. After the buyer withheld merger consideration under subordinated notes based on alleged pre-closing deficiencies in the company’s risk-management systems, successfully tried the matter before the Delaware Court of Chancery. The Court rejected all indemnification claims, found the losses resulted from the buyer’s own operational decisions, ordered payment of the withheld consideration, and awarded attorneys’ fees against the opposing party for discovery misconduct and improper confidentiality assertions.
Represented Shiftsmart, a leading workforce-management platform, in a high-stakes contract dispute arising from the withholding of approximately $8 million under a workforce-services agreement. Following a multi-week jury trial in Dallas, Texas, successfully demonstrated that the opposing party continued to rely on Shiftsmart’s services despite alleging breaches involving indemnification and insurance obligations. The jury awarded Shiftsmart approximately $14 million in compensatory damages and interest, while awarding the opposing party approximately $1 million on limited indemnification and insurance-related counterclaims, resulting in a substantial net recovery for the client.
Obtained an eight-figure federal jury verdict following a seven-day trial on behalf of a global private aviation company in claims against its former Assistant Director of Operations for breach of contract and breach of the duty of loyalty, and against affiliated entities for intentional interference with contractual relations arising from the theft of the company’s customers.
Successfully defended a company’s CEO, executives, and board members in shareholder litigation alleging approximately $140 million in damages arising from claims that shareholders had been misled into selling shares before a higher-value corporate transaction. After assuming the defense on the eve of a proposed $40 million settlement, redesigned the litigation strategy and obtained dismissal of the entire action on the eve of trial following two years of litigation.
Successfully defended a senior executive of a high-profile hedge fund in investor litigation alleging fraud and operation of a Ponzi scheme involving hundreds of millions of dollars. Established that the client had no involvement in the alleged misconduct and, following extensive litigation, secured dismissal of the action in its entirety.
Represented shareholders in litigation involving control of a large energy company and allegations of fraud against board members and executives. After assuming the representation on the eve of a proposed settlement valued below the clients’ share value, implemented an aggressive litigation strategy that included affirmative claims against the parties seeking control of the company. The matter ultimately resolved with a recovery of approximately $45 million for the clients.
Successfully challenged the legality of warrantless searches conducted by the Department of Insurance against an insurance brokerage in administrative enforcement proceedings seeking license revocation and fines. After prevailing before the administrative law judge on constitutional grounds under the Fourth Amendment, successfully defended the ruling through the superior court and appellate court, resulting in dismissal of the case and changes to the Department’s search procedures.
Successfully represented a national insurance company in litigation challenging a Department of Insurance enforcement action alleging violations of Proposition 103 related to automobile insurance rates. Established that the Department was improperly attempting to enforce an unlawful “underground regulation,” resulting in dismissal of the enforcement action and avoidance of a proposed $25 million penalty and significant operational changes.
Represented a large international insurance company in litigation brought by a public-company policyholder alleging that an insurance product was illusory, unlawful, and part of a broader pattern and practice warranting more than $100 million in damages. Implemented a defense strategy that included affirmative claims for unpaid premiums, resulting in dismissal of the lawsuit and recovery of approximately $5 million for the client.
Successfully defended a media company in multi-jurisdictional litigation arising from the financing of a slate of motion pictures. Investors alleged fraud and disclosure violations and sought approximately $2 billion in damages in proceedings spanning England, New York, Pennsylvania, and California. Following extensive litigation against multiple law firms, secured dismissal of the action in its entirety.
Represented an automotive supplier in litigation involving patent infringement and a related corporate-control dispute initiated by a shareholder of a subsidiary entity. Developed and executed a coordinated litigation strategy addressing intellectual-property rights, corporate-governance issues, and the ultimate sale of the company. Following two years of litigation, secured continued control of the business and facilitated a sale at a record industry multiple exceeding nine figures.
Represented a high-profile private equity firm in investigations conducted by the SEC, the Department of Justice, and multiple state Attorneys General seeking more than $30 million in penalties. Following years of proceedings across eight jurisdictions, secured closure of the investigations through favorable agency resolutions and later obtained approximately $9 million in reimbursement for the client’s investigative costs from a third party.
Successfully defended a large insurance company in class-action litigation alleging that its broker distribution channel functioned as a network of de facto agents, exposing the company to approximately $600 million in alleged damages and injunctive relief. Developed a multi-pronged defense that defeated class certification, resulted in removal of the class representative as inadequate, and prompted plaintiffs to voluntarily dismiss the action. Thereafter, successfully defended ten additional similar class actions.
Represented a leading aviation-services platform and top-ten charter operator in a refinancing transaction involving approximately $60 million in combined debt and equity financing to support strategic growth initiatives.
Successfully represented Change Lending, LLC in proceedings involving the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) after the agency issued a notice placing the company’s CDFI certification in jeopardy. Submitted a comprehensive response challenging the factual and legal basis for the determination and enforcing procedural protections established under a prior settlement agreement. Within days, the Treasury Department rescinded the notice in its entirety, preserving the client’s CDFI certification and avoiding significant regulatory, operational, and financial consequences.
Obtained a $94.25 million default judgment on behalf of The Change Company in New York State Supreme Court arising from an alleged extortion and defamation campaign orchestrated by a former executive and affiliated entity. The litigation involved misuse of confidential company information, dissemination of fabricated internal documents, aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty, and tortious interference with contractual relations. Independent forensic analysis confirmed that the distributed materials had been falsified, resulting in a substantial judgment in favor of the client.

Credentials

Bar & Court Admissions

California
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California

Professional Affiliations

Litigation Counsel of America (Fellow)
Los Angeles County Bar Association (Past Committee Member)
San Fernando Valley Bar Association (Past Board of Directors)

Community Involvement

FlyHouse Management, LLC (Board of Managers, Chairman)
Acceleration Community of Companies (Board of Directors)
Cascade Mountain Spring Water (Board of Directors)
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (Past Board of Directors)
Young Presidents Organization (Past Board Member)
Jet Edge International (Past Board of Directors)
Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (Past Board of Directors)
Phoenix Rising FC (Past Board of Directors)
The Zimmer Children’s Museum (Past Board of Directors)
California State Athletic Commission (Past Board of Directors)
Buckley School (Past Board of Trustees)

Education

Harvard Business School
Southwestern University School of Law, J.D.
University of Madrid, Spain
University of California, Los Angeles, B.A.

Recognition

LA500, Los Angeles Business Journal (2021-2026)
Top 100 Lawyers, Los Angeles Business Journal (2022-2025)
Business of Law Legal Visionary, Los Angeles Times (2023)
Legal Industry Editorial Board, Law360 (2023)
Member, Forbes Council (2022)
Litigation Attorney of the Year, Los Angeles Business Journal (2021)
Leader of Influence (Litigators & Trial Attorneys), Los Angeles Business Journal (2018-2019)
Leader in Law, Los Angeles Business Journal
50 “Very Best Litigators” in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Business Journal (2018-2019)
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine (2004-2025)
Best Lawyers in America USA Guide (Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law), Best Lawyers (2015-2021)
Recommended by The Legal 500 along with M&R’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group (2018)
Member of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation-only trial lawyer honorary society
Top 25 Lawyers and Top 40 Under 40, San Fernando Valley Business Journal
Top 20 Under 40, Daily Journal
Valor Award, Daily Journal
Who’s Who in Law, Marquis
Leading Lawyers in America, LawDragon
Top 100 Attorneys in Southern California, Super Lawyer Magazine

Insights & News

Headlines / May 20, 2026

Sanford L. Michelman

Co-Founding Partner

Los Angeles

+1 310-299-5500

[email protected]

“Great lawyering is about more than arguments, it’s about foresight. I approach every matter like a builder of business: three moves ahead, with a focus on risk, reward, and lasting impact.”

Overview

Practice Area

Advertising & Digital Media

Aviation

Financial Services

Insurance

Sports

Class Action & Complex Litigation

Labor & Employment

Regulatory & Administrative Law

Representative Matters

Represented the sellers of a financial-services business in post-acquisition litigation against a national financial institution arising from a $15.2 million trading loss that occurred following closing. After the buyer withheld merger consideration under subordinated notes based on alleged pre-closing deficiencies in the company’s risk-management systems, successfully tried the matter before the Delaware Court of Chancery. The Court rejected all indemnification claims, found the losses resulted from the buyer’s own operational decisions, ordered payment of the withheld consideration, and awarded attorneys’ fees against the opposing party for discovery misconduct and improper confidentiality assertions.
Represented Shiftsmart, a leading workforce-management platform, in a high-stakes contract dispute arising from the withholding of approximately $8 million under a workforce-services agreement. Following a multi-week jury trial in Dallas, Texas, successfully demonstrated that the opposing party continued to rely on Shiftsmart’s services despite alleging breaches involving indemnification and insurance obligations. The jury awarded Shiftsmart approximately $14 million in compensatory damages and interest, while awarding the opposing party approximately $1 million on limited indemnification and insurance-related counterclaims, resulting in a substantial net recovery for the client.
Obtained an eight-figure federal jury verdict following a seven-day trial on behalf of a global private aviation company in claims against its former Assistant Director of Operations for breach of contract and breach of the duty of loyalty, and against affiliated entities for intentional interference with contractual relations arising from the theft of the company’s customers.
Successfully defended a company’s CEO, executives, and board members in shareholder litigation alleging approximately $140 million in damages arising from claims that shareholders had been misled into selling shares before a higher-value corporate transaction. After assuming the defense on the eve of a proposed $40 million settlement, redesigned the litigation strategy and obtained dismissal of the entire action on the eve of trial following two years of litigation.
Successfully defended a senior executive of a high-profile hedge fund in investor litigation alleging fraud and operation of a Ponzi scheme involving hundreds of millions of dollars. Established that the client had no involvement in the alleged misconduct and, following extensive litigation, secured dismissal of the action in its entirety.
Represented shareholders in litigation involving control of a large energy company and allegations of fraud against board members and executives. After assuming the representation on the eve of a proposed settlement valued below the clients’ share value, implemented an aggressive litigation strategy that included affirmative claims against the parties seeking control of the company. The matter ultimately resolved with a recovery of approximately $45 million for the clients.
Successfully challenged the legality of warrantless searches conducted by the Department of Insurance against an insurance brokerage in administrative enforcement proceedings seeking license revocation and fines. After prevailing before the administrative law judge on constitutional grounds under the Fourth Amendment, successfully defended the ruling through the superior court and appellate court, resulting in dismissal of the case and changes to the Department’s search procedures.
Successfully represented a national insurance company in litigation challenging a Department of Insurance enforcement action alleging violations of Proposition 103 related to automobile insurance rates. Established that the Department was improperly attempting to enforce an unlawful “underground regulation,” resulting in dismissal of the enforcement action and avoidance of a proposed $25 million penalty and significant operational changes.
Represented a large international insurance company in litigation brought by a public-company policyholder alleging that an insurance product was illusory, unlawful, and part of a broader pattern and practice warranting more than $100 million in damages. Implemented a defense strategy that included affirmative claims for unpaid premiums, resulting in dismissal of the lawsuit and recovery of approximately $5 million for the client.
Successfully defended a media company in multi-jurisdictional litigation arising from the financing of a slate of motion pictures. Investors alleged fraud and disclosure violations and sought approximately $2 billion in damages in proceedings spanning England, New York, Pennsylvania, and California. Following extensive litigation against multiple law firms, secured dismissal of the action in its entirety.
Represented an automotive supplier in litigation involving patent infringement and a related corporate-control dispute initiated by a shareholder of a subsidiary entity. Developed and executed a coordinated litigation strategy addressing intellectual-property rights, corporate-governance issues, and the ultimate sale of the company. Following two years of litigation, secured continued control of the business and facilitated a sale at a record industry multiple exceeding nine figures.
Represented a high-profile private equity firm in investigations conducted by the SEC, the Department of Justice, and multiple state Attorneys General seeking more than $30 million in penalties. Following years of proceedings across eight jurisdictions, secured closure of the investigations through favorable agency resolutions and later obtained approximately $9 million in reimbursement for the client’s investigative costs from a third party.
Successfully defended a large insurance company in class-action litigation alleging that its broker distribution channel functioned as a network of de facto agents, exposing the company to approximately $600 million in alleged damages and injunctive relief. Developed a multi-pronged defense that defeated class certification, resulted in removal of the class representative as inadequate, and prompted plaintiffs to voluntarily dismiss the action. Thereafter, successfully defended ten additional similar class actions.
Represented a leading aviation-services platform and top-ten charter operator in a refinancing transaction involving approximately $60 million in combined debt and equity financing to support strategic growth initiatives.
Successfully represented Change Lending, LLC in proceedings involving the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) after the agency issued a notice placing the company’s CDFI certification in jeopardy. Submitted a comprehensive response challenging the factual and legal basis for the determination and enforcing procedural protections established under a prior settlement agreement. Within days, the Treasury Department rescinded the notice in its entirety, preserving the client’s CDFI certification and avoiding significant regulatory, operational, and financial consequences.
Obtained a $94.25 million default judgment on behalf of The Change Company in New York State Supreme Court arising from an alleged extortion and defamation campaign orchestrated by a former executive and affiliated entity. The litigation involved misuse of confidential company information, dissemination of fabricated internal documents, aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty, and tortious interference with contractual relations. Independent forensic analysis confirmed that the distributed materials had been falsified, resulting in a substantial judgment in favor of the client.

Credentials

Bar & Court Admissions

California
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California

Professional Affiliations

Litigation Counsel of America (Fellow)
Los Angeles County Bar Association (Past Committee Member)
San Fernando Valley Bar Association (Past Board of Directors)

Community Involvement

FlyHouse Management, LLC (Board of Managers, Chairman)
Acceleration Community of Companies (Board of Directors)
Cascade Mountain Spring Water (Board of Directors)
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (Past Board of Directors)
Young Presidents Organization (Past Board Member)
Jet Edge International (Past Board of Directors)
Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (Past Board of Directors)
Phoenix Rising FC (Past Board of Directors)
The Zimmer Children’s Museum (Past Board of Directors)
California State Athletic Commission (Past Board of Directors)
Buckley School (Past Board of Trustees)

Education

Harvard Business School
Southwestern University School of Law, J.D.
University of Madrid, Spain
University of California, Los Angeles, B.A.

Recognition

LA500, Los Angeles Business Journal (2021-2026)
Top 100 Lawyers, Los Angeles Business Journal (2022-2025)
Business of Law Legal Visionary, Los Angeles Times (2023)
Legal Industry Editorial Board, Law360 (2023)
Member, Forbes Council (2022)
Litigation Attorney of the Year, Los Angeles Business Journal (2021)
Leader of Influence (Litigators & Trial Attorneys), Los Angeles Business Journal (2018-2019)
Leader in Law, Los Angeles Business Journal
50 “Very Best Litigators” in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Business Journal (2018-2019)
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine (2004-2025)
Best Lawyers in America USA Guide (Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law), Best Lawyers (2015-2021)
Recommended by The Legal 500 along with M&R’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group (2018)
Member of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation-only trial lawyer honorary society
Top 25 Lawyers and Top 40 Under 40, San Fernando Valley Business Journal
Top 20 Under 40, Daily Journal
Valor Award, Daily Journal
Who’s Who in Law, Marquis
Leading Lawyers in America, LawDragon
Top 100 Attorneys in Southern California, Super Lawyer Magazine

Sanford L. Michelman

Co-Founding Partner

Los Angeles

+1 310-299-5500

[email protected]

https://www.mrllp.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Michelman-Sanford-LA_result.jpg.png

“Great lawyering is about more than arguments, it’s about foresight. I approach every matter like a builder of business: three moves ahead, with a focus on risk, reward, and lasting impact.”

Overview

Associated Industries

Advertising & Digital Media

Life Sciences

Mining

Associated Practice Areas

Class Action & Complex Litigation

Labor & Employment

Regulatory & Administrative Law

Representative Matters

Represented the sellers of a financial-services business in post-acquisition litigation against a national financial institution arising from a $15.2 million trading loss that occurred following closing. After the buyer withheld merger consideration under subordinated notes based on alleged pre-closing deficiencies in the company’s risk-management systems, successfully tried the matter before the Delaware Court of Chancery. The Court rejected all indemnification claims, found the losses resulted from the buyer’s own operational decisions, ordered payment of the withheld consideration, and awarded attorneys’ fees against the opposing party for discovery misconduct and improper confidentiality assertions.
Represented Shiftsmart, a leading workforce-management platform, in a high-stakes contract dispute arising from the withholding of approximately $8 million under a workforce-services agreement. Following a multi-week jury trial in Dallas, Texas, successfully demonstrated that the opposing party continued to rely on Shiftsmart’s services despite alleging breaches involving indemnification and insurance obligations. The jury awarded Shiftsmart approximately $14 million in compensatory damages and interest, while awarding the opposing party approximately $1 million on limited indemnification and insurance-related counterclaims, resulting in a substantial net recovery for the client.
Obtained an eight-figure federal jury verdict following a seven-day trial on behalf of a global private aviation company in claims against its former Assistant Director of Operations for breach of contract and breach of the duty of loyalty, and against affiliated entities for intentional interference with contractual relations arising from the theft of the company’s customers.
Successfully defended a company’s CEO, executives, and board members in shareholder litigation alleging approximately $140 million in damages arising from claims that shareholders had been misled into selling shares before a higher-value corporate transaction. After assuming the defense on the eve of a proposed $40 million settlement, redesigned the litigation strategy and obtained dismissal of the entire action on the eve of trial following two years of litigation.
Successfully defended a senior executive of a high-profile hedge fund in investor litigation alleging fraud and operation of a Ponzi scheme involving hundreds of millions of dollars. Established that the client had no involvement in the alleged misconduct and, following extensive litigation, secured dismissal of the action in its entirety.
Represented shareholders in litigation involving control of a large energy company and allegations of fraud against board members and executives. After assuming the representation on the eve of a proposed settlement valued below the clients’ share value, implemented an aggressive litigation strategy that included affirmative claims against the parties seeking control of the company. The matter ultimately resolved with a recovery of approximately $45 million for the clients.
Successfully challenged the legality of warrantless searches conducted by the Department of Insurance against an insurance brokerage in administrative enforcement proceedings seeking license revocation and fines. After prevailing before the administrative law judge on constitutional grounds under the Fourth Amendment, successfully defended the ruling through the superior court and appellate court, resulting in dismissal of the case and changes to the Department’s search procedures.
Successfully represented a national insurance company in litigation challenging a Department of Insurance enforcement action alleging violations of Proposition 103 related to automobile insurance rates. Established that the Department was improperly attempting to enforce an unlawful “underground regulation,” resulting in dismissal of the enforcement action and avoidance of a proposed $25 million penalty and significant operational changes.
Represented a large international insurance company in litigation brought by a public-company policyholder alleging that an insurance product was illusory, unlawful, and part of a broader pattern and practice warranting more than $100 million in damages. Implemented a defense strategy that included affirmative claims for unpaid premiums, resulting in dismissal of the lawsuit and recovery of approximately $5 million for the client.
Successfully defended a media company in multi-jurisdictional litigation arising from the financing of a slate of motion pictures. Investors alleged fraud and disclosure violations and sought approximately $2 billion in damages in proceedings spanning England, New York, Pennsylvania, and California. Following extensive litigation against multiple law firms, secured dismissal of the action in its entirety.
Represented an automotive supplier in litigation involving patent infringement and a related corporate-control dispute initiated by a shareholder of a subsidiary entity. Developed and executed a coordinated litigation strategy addressing intellectual-property rights, corporate-governance issues, and the ultimate sale of the company. Following two years of litigation, secured continued control of the business and facilitated a sale at a record industry multiple exceeding nine figures.
Represented a high-profile private equity firm in investigations conducted by the SEC, the Department of Justice, and multiple state Attorneys General seeking more than $30 million in penalties. Following years of proceedings across eight jurisdictions, secured closure of the investigations through favorable agency resolutions and later obtained approximately $9 million in reimbursement for the client’s investigative costs from a third party.
Successfully defended a large insurance company in class-action litigation alleging that its broker distribution channel functioned as a network of de facto agents, exposing the company to approximately $600 million in alleged damages and injunctive relief. Developed a multi-pronged defense that defeated class certification, resulted in removal of the class representative as inadequate, and prompted plaintiffs to voluntarily dismiss the action. Thereafter, successfully defended ten additional similar class actions.
Represented a leading aviation-services platform and top-ten charter operator in a refinancing transaction involving approximately $60 million in combined debt and equity financing to support strategic growth initiatives.
Successfully represented Change Lending, LLC in proceedings involving the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) after the agency issued a notice placing the company’s CDFI certification in jeopardy. Submitted a comprehensive response challenging the factual and legal basis for the determination and enforcing procedural protections established under a prior settlement agreement. Within days, the Treasury Department rescinded the notice in its entirety, preserving the client’s CDFI certification and avoiding significant regulatory, operational, and financial consequences.
Obtained a $94.25 million default judgment on behalf of The Change Company in New York State Supreme Court arising from an alleged extortion and defamation campaign orchestrated by a former executive and affiliated entity. The litigation involved misuse of confidential company information, dissemination of fabricated internal documents, aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty, and tortious interference with contractual relations. Independent forensic analysis confirmed that the distributed materials had been falsified, resulting in a substantial judgment in favor of the client.

Credentials

Bar & Court Admissions

California
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Central, Eastern, and Southern Districts of California

Professional Affiliations

Litigation Counsel of America (Fellow)
Los Angeles County Bar Association (Past Committee Member)
San Fernando Valley Bar Association (Past Board of Directors)

Community Involvement

FlyHouse Management, LLC (Board of Managers, Chairman)
Acceleration Community of Companies (Board of Directors)
Cascade Mountain Spring Water (Board of Directors)
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (Past Board of Directors)
Young Presidents Organization (Past Board Member)
Jet Edge International (Past Board of Directors)
Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (Past Board of Directors)
Phoenix Rising FC (Past Board of Directors)
The Zimmer Children’s Museum (Past Board of Directors)
California State Athletic Commission (Past Board of Directors)
Buckley School (Past Board of Trustees)

Education

Harvard Business School
Southwestern University School of Law, J.D.
University of Madrid, Spain
University of California, Los Angeles, B.A.

Recognition

LA500, Los Angeles Business Journal (2021-2026)
Top 100 Lawyers, Los Angeles Business Journal (2022-2025)
Business of Law Legal Visionary, Los Angeles Times (2023)
Legal Industry Editorial Board, Law360 (2023)
Member, Forbes Council (2022)
Litigation Attorney of the Year, Los Angeles Business Journal (2021)
Leader of Influence (Litigators & Trial Attorneys), Los Angeles Business Journal (2018-2019)
Leader in Law, Los Angeles Business Journal
50 “Very Best Litigators” in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Business Journal (2018-2019)
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine (2004-2025)
Best Lawyers in America USA Guide (Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law), Best Lawyers (2015-2021)
Recommended by The Legal 500 along with M&R’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group (2018)
Member of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation-only trial lawyer honorary society
Top 25 Lawyers and Top 40 Under 40, San Fernando Valley Business Journal
Top 20 Under 40, Daily Journal
Valor Award, Daily Journal
Who’s Who in Law, Marquis
Leading Lawyers in America, LawDragon
Top 100 Attorneys in Southern California, Super Lawyer Magazine

Sanford L. Michelman

Sanford L. Michelman

“Great lawyering is about more than arguments, it’s about foresight. I approach every matter like a builder of business: three moves ahead, with a focus on risk, reward, and lasting impact.”

Sanford L. Michelman

Associated Industries

Associated Practice Areas

Representative Matters

Credentials

Recognition

Insights & News

Legal Visionaries at Michelman Robinson

Sanford Michelman Again Included in the LA500

Michelman Robinson takes its California mindset to London

Michelman & Robinson Opens First Overseas Office In London

Michelman Robinson Expands Across the Atlantic with London Launch

Sanford Michelman Among L.A.’s Most Impactful Leaders

Sanford Michelman & Dana Kravetz Named Top 100 Lawyers

Sanford Michelman named a Leading Commercial Litigator for 2025

Sanford Michelman named a Leading Commercial Litigator for 2025 by the Daily Journal

Sanford Michelman and Dana Kravetz Are Top 100 Lawyers

Bravo, Sanford & Dana!

A Firm Built on Innovation

We Don’t Overbook the Airplane’: Why Pre-OCI Recruiting Hasn’t Taken Off at Midsize Firms

‘We Won’t Mandate’: West Coast Law Firms Aren’t Following Wall Street Back to the Office

Anxiety-Inducing Reviews May Hinder Law Firms’ Training Efforts

Sanford Michelman and Dana Kravetz Named Business of Law 2023 Legal Visionaries by The Los Angeles Times

Sanford Michelman and Dana Kravetz Named Business of Law 2023 Legal Visionaries

Sanford Michelman & Dana Kravetz named Top 100 Lawyers by LABJ

Sanford Michelman & Dana Kravetz Named Top 100 Lawyers

Some Firms Posit Growth: Eyeing 2024, Hiring and Expansion Are on the Docket

Law360 Pulse: Michelman & Robinson Leaders on Firm’s Recent Growth

Michelman & Robinson Leaders on Firm’s Recent Growth

Sanford Michelman Among L.A.’S Most Influential 500

Sanford Michelman Included in the Los Angeles Business Journal’s LA500

Michelman & Robinson, a New Player in Dallas, Adds Houston Office

Why the associate compensation market is nuts & won’t work for long-term retention

Sanford Michelman Designated a Top 100 Lawyer

Sanford Michelman Designated a “Top 100 Lawyer”

Sanford Michelman Named to Los Angeles Business Journal’s LA 500

Sanford Michelman Listed Among L.A.’s Most Influential

Sanford Michelman Named Litigation Attorney of the Year

8 M&R Attorneys Named to Southern California Super Lawyers for 2019

8 M&R Attorneys Named to Southern California Super Lawyers for 2020

Jet Edge International raises $60 million investment from Solace Capital with help from Michelman & Robinson, O’Melveny

Law Firm Leaders: Michelman’s Sanford Michelman

Vista-Backed Solera Sued by Company’s Founder

Vista Equity Sued By Portfolio Company Founder

Michelman & Robinson Attorneys Named to the 2018 List of Best Lawyers in America

Michelman & Robinson, LLP Ranked by The Legal 500

Sanford Michelman & Marc Jacobs Are Among L.A.’s Top Litigators for 2018

Four Michelman & Robinson Attorneys Named to the 2019 List of Best Lawyers in America

Three M&R Attorneys Nominated as Leaders in Law for 2018

The Legal 500 Recognizes M&R for the Fifth Consecutive Year

Los Angeles Business Journal Recognizes Sanford Michelman in L.A.’s Top Litigators for 2019

Sanford Michelman Named Among L.A.’s Top Litigators for 2019

Three M&R Attorneys Recognized as Leaders in Law Awards for 2019

Sanford Michelman, Dana Kravetz and Ronald Camhi Nominated as Leaders in Law

Sanford Michelman, Dana Kravetz and Ronald Camhi Are Leaders in Law

Sanford Michelman, Dana Kravetz and Ronald Camhi Honored for Excellence

Sanford L. Michelman

“Great lawyering is about more than arguments, it’s about foresight. I approach every matter like a builder of business: three moves ahead, with a focus on risk, reward, and lasting impact.”

Overview

Practice Area

Representative Matters

Credentials

Recognition

Sanford L. Michelman

“Great lawyering is about more than arguments, it’s about foresight. I approach every matter like a builder of business: three moves ahead, with a focus on risk, reward, and lasting impact.”

Overview

Associated Industries

Associated Practice Areas

Representative Matters

Credentials

Recognition