
Michael Brian McDonnell, Business Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Consumer, and Employment
President / CEOatNovare Law Group
San Diego, CA
Practicing business in San Diego since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 8
- Bar admissions
Are you Michael Brian McDonnell?
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Quick answer
Michael Brian McDonnell is a president / ceo based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Consumer, and Employment. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Novare Law Group.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Business · Consumer · Employment
- Handles Business, Consumer, and Employment matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michael Brian McDonnell: Michael Brian McDonnell is a president / ceo based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Consumer, and Employment. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Novare Law Group.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Brian McDonnell
Michael concentrates on business, consumer, employment, federal crimes, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Consumer
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Employment
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Federal Crimes
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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M&A
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Securities
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Wrongful Termination
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Business cases in San Diego, California
Michael takes business matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Consumer cases in San Diego, California
Michael takes consumer matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in San Diego, California
Michael takes employment matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Federal Crimes cases in San Diego, California
Michael takes federal crimes matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Diego, California
Michael takes general matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Michael Brian McDonnell — Over 44 years of California business experience
Michael Brian McDonnell is a president / ceo based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Consumer, and Employment. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Novare Law Group.
Michael Brian McDonnell is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, insurance coverage, business liability and 11 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of the Pacific in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Michael practices at Novare Law Group in San Diego, CA.
Working with Michael on a business matter
Michael Brian McDonnell is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, insurance coverage, business liability and 11 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of the Pacific in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Michael practices at Novare Law Group in San Diego, CA.
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, consumer, and employment matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Michael Brian McDonnell's legal education and bar admissions
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
J.D. · 1982
University of the Pacific
B.A. · 1979
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1986 · ACTIVE
Nevada
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
California
1982 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.A. in University of the Pacific.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific and B.A. in University of the Pacific. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Michael Brian McDonnell's office in San Diego
Michael's primary office is at 2040 Harbor Island Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA, 92101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Novare Law Group
2040 Harbor Island Drive, Suite 202
San Diego, CA 92101
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Brian McDonnell — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Michael
Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Brian McDonnell
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michael offer a free consultation?
Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in California typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michael take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Michael is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Michael?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michael accepting new business clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Michael handles business matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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