Resume

Overview

Michael R. Nebenzahl, Esq. brings more than 40 years of litigation and trial experience to his work as a neutral, with a concentrated focus on public entity litigation. After beginning his career on the plaintiff side, he spent over three decades representing municipalities, public agencies, common carriers, and public employees. Mr. Nebenzahl offers parties a balanced, credible, and pragmatic approach to dispute resolution.

He is widely respected for his command of Government Code tort claims, dangerous conditions of public property, inverse condemnation, and catastrophic injury matters, and for his ability to manage complex, high‑exposure cases efficiently and thoughtfully.

Public Entities and Government Tort Litigation

Areas of Expertise

Liability

• Dangerous conditions of public property
• Public entity employees tortious conduct
• Common carrier and commercial vehicular accidents
• Inverse condemnation
• Assault & Battery
• Personal injury
• Premises liability
• Elder Abuse

Damages

• Catastrophic injury
• Traumatic brain injury
• Amputation, paraplegia, wrongful death

ADR Style & Approach

Throughout his career, Mr. Nebenzahl 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 in the courtroom—having begun his career at a prominent plaintiff’s personal injury firm before transitioning to decades of defense litigation representing municipalities, common carriers, schools and businesses.

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.

Professional Experience

Mr. Nebenzahl has litigated and resolved matters ranging from routine municipal tort claims to multi‑week, high‑profile trials, including:

• Whistleblower litigation (2.5‑month jury trial)
• Catastrophic commercial vehicle accidents 
• Common carrier freeway fatalities
• Intoxicated pedestrians falling at major sporting events 
• Tree‑fall injuries involving children and seniors
• Public entity employees causing accidents operating Police, Fire, and Public Works vehicles
• Sidewalk and roadway trip‑and‑fall cases
• Matters arising from the Los Angeles Rampart Division scandal

He has resolved cases with exposure ranging from seven (7) and eight (8) figures as well as countless high and low five (5) and six (6) figure cases.

Trial & Litigation Background

• 41 years of litigation experience
• 40+ jury trials and 10 bench trials, including remote/Zoom trials
• Trial experience throughout Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, and Federal Court
• Former Partner at Plaintiff’s Personal Injury firm
• 30+ years focused on public entity and insurance defense
• Extensive experience with mock trials and focus groups for both Plaintiffs and Defense
• Built and owned six attorney litigation firm

Education

• Pepperdine University, Caruso School of Law – Certificate in Mediation (2024)
• Loyola Law School – J.D. (1983)
• University of California, Santa Barbara – B.A. (1978)

Memberships and Honors

• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)
• Los Angeles County Bar Association
• City Attorneys Association of Los Angeles County
• Daily Journal – Top Ten Defense Verdict (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)

Speaking & Teaching

• Loyola Law School – Guest Lecturer, Government Lawyering: The Intersection of Law & Politics (Fall 2023; Fall 2024)
• City Attorneys Association of San Diego – Government Tort Case Law Update (2023)
• City Attorneys Association of Los Angeles County – Government Tort Case Law Update (2023)
• Beverly Hills Police Department – Training: Investigating Accidents/Incidents on City Property
• Bringing a Government Tort Liability Action– A Practice Guide, ADR Services, Inc. MCLE (Dec. 2025)
• Government Tort Liability - Web/Online CLE Presentation
• How to Win and How to Defeat MSJ – Web/Online CLE Presentation

PDF Version >>>