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Michael R. Nebenzahl, Esq. brings over 40 years of extensive litigation experience to his role as a mediator. A seasoned trial attorney and respected legal professional, Mr. Nebenzahl has handled some of California’s most complex and high-stakes civil cases, including public entity defense, catastrophic injury claims, and civil rights litigation. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation for civility, professionalism, and the ability to navigate even the most contentious disputes to resolution. His balanced perspective stems from years of experience on both sides of the courtroom—having begun his career at a prominent plaintiff’s personal injury firm before transitioning to decades of defense litigation representing municipalities, transportation entities, and businesses.

Mr. Nebenzahl’s work has earned him recognition from peers, clients, and the judiciary. In 2008, his defense of the City of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl in a $6 million pedestrian brain injury case was named one of the Top Ten Defense Verdicts in California by the Daily Journal, a testament to his ability to distill complex facts into clear, compelling arguments for judges and juries. Over the course of his career, he has litigated over 50 trials, ranging from lengthy, multi-month jury trials to bench trials and arbitrations. His election to ABOTA (American Board of Trial Advocates) further highlights the high regard in which his peers hold his trial skills and professional integrity. His extensive public entity work has involved a wide range of issues, from dangerous conditions of public property and civil rights defense to employment disputes and catastrophic injury claims involving large transportation entities. This wealth of experience has made him highly skilled in working with forensic specialists in fields such as accident reconstruction, biomechanics, neuropsychology, and life care planning, enabling him to assess and communicate the nuances of complex damages cases.

As a mediator, Mr. Nebenzahl brings a calm, thoughtful, and solution-oriented approach. He firmly believes that the mediation process offers parties an opportunity to retain control over the outcome of their disputes. Known for his preparation and empathy, Mr. Nebenzahl takes the time to understand each party’s position and perspective, recognizing that cultural, societal, and personal experiences often shape how individuals approach conflict. His ability to remain even-tempered and respectful, while encouraging creative, out-of-the-box solutions, has earned him praise from both colleagues and adversaries throughout his career. Mr. Nebenzahl’s philosophy centers on listening deeply, fostering trust, and helping parties move beyond a binary “win or lose” mindset to reach practical and equitable resolutions.

With over four decades of litigation experience, a balanced perspective, and an unwavering commitment to fairness and respect, Mr. Nebenzahl is uniquely positioned to help parties resolve disputes effectively and collaboratively. His deep understanding of litigation dynamics, combined with his patient, even-tempered demeanor, makes him an invaluable neutral capable of guiding even the most contentious matters to resolution.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Liability: Assault & Battery, Civil Rights, Common Carriers, Dangerous Condition of Public Property, Employment Law, FELA, Inverse Condemnation, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Police – Special Relationship, Premises Liability
• Damages: Catastrophic Injury (brain injury, amputations, paraplegia, wrongful death)

EDUCATION

• Loyola Law School. J.D. 1983
• University of California, Santa Barbara, B.A. 1978

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP (April, 2020 – December, 2024)
  Partner managing public entity litigation practice
• Thompson, Coe & O’Meara (August, 2018 – April, 2020)
  Partner managing public entity litigation practice
• Archer Norris (April, 2017 – August, 2018)
  Partner managing public entity and general civil litigation
• Law Offices of Michael R. Nebenzahl (July, 2008 – August, 2017)
  Owned and managed public entity litigation practice
• Law Offices of Phil Black (October, 2003 – July, 2008)
  Managed public entity and civil litigation practice
• Pollak, Vida & Fisher (1995 – 2003)
  Associate, public entity and civil litigation practice
• Barry Bartholomew & Associates (1993 – 1995)
  Supervising Attorney
• Fogel, Feldman, Ostrov, Ringler and Klevens (1985 – 1993)
  Associate, Partner, plaintiff’s personal injury practice
• Fisher & Prager (1983 – 1985)
  Associate, public entity and civil litigation practice

AWARDS, MEMBERSHIPS AND HONORS

• ABOTA membership
• Los Angeles County Bar Association
• City Attorney Association of Los Angeles County
• Daily Journal, Top Ten Defense Verdicts of 2008, “Rose Bowl Scores Victory in Pedestrian-Injury Case” (Feb. 4, 2009 edition) (Edgar Rolando Garcia v. Rose Bowl Operating Company and City of Pasadena, LASC Case No. GC039128)

PRESENTATIONS

• Loyola Law School: Guest lecturer, Government Lawyering – The Intersection of Law & Politics (Fall 2023 and 2024)
• City Attorney Association of San Diego – Gov’t Tort Case Law, a 2023 Update
• Gov’t Tort Liability, Web/online presentation, MCLE eligible
• Beverly Hills Police Department – Training “How to Investigate Accidents/Incidents on City Property”

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