
Michael Munroe Berger, Appellate Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 57 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Environmental, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Partner, Certified Appellate Specialist, Co-Chair, Appellate Practice Group,Real Estate & Land UseatManatt Phelps And Phillips Llp
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing appellate in Los Angeles since 1969.
- 57+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Michael Munroe Berger?
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Quick answer
Michael Munroe Berger is a partner, certified appellate specialist, co-chair, appellate practice group,real estate & land use based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Environmental, and General. Michael has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt Phelps And Phillips Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 57 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Environmental · General
- Handles Appellate, Environmental, and General matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 57 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael Munroe Berger: Michael Munroe Berger is a partner, certified appellate specialist, co-chair, appellate practice group,real estate & land use based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Environmental, and General. Michael has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt Phelps And Phillips Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on appellate, environmental, general, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Environmental
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General
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Government
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Appellate cases in Los Angeles, California
Michael takes appellate matters in Los Angeles, 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.
Environmental cases in Los Angeles, California
Michael takes environmental matters in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, California
Michael takes general matters in Los Angeles, 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.
Government cases in Los Angeles, California
Michael takes government matters in Los Angeles, 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.
Litigation cases in Los Angeles, California
Michael takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, 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
Meet Michael Munroe Berger — appellate lawyer in Los Angeles
Michael Munroe Berger is a partner, certified appellate specialist, co-chair, appellate practice group,real estate & land use based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Environmental, and General. Michael has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Manatt Phelps And Phillips Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Michael Munroe Berger is a lawyer practicing appellate, eminent domain litigation, energy & natural resources and 4 other areas of law. Michael received a degree from Brandeis University in 1964, and has been licensed for 57 years. Michael practices at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
How Michael handles appellate matters
Michael Munroe Berger is a lawyer practicing appellate, eminent domain litigation, energy & natural resources and 4 other areas of law. Michael received a degree from Brandeis University in 1964, and has been licensed for 57 years. Michael practices at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, environmental, and general matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Southern California
LL.M. Real · 1968
Brandeis University
University · 1964
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
California United St
1969 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at LL.M. Real in University of Southern California and University in Brandeis University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed LL.M. Real in University of Southern California and University in Brandeis University. 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.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Membership Activities Admitted to practice in California and Missouri
membership
Member, United States Supreme Court Bar, United States Claims Court Bar, Ninth Circuit Bar, Eighth Circuit Bar, Seventh Circuit Bar, Sixth Circuit Bar, Fourth Circuit Bar, Second Circuit Bar, First Circuit Bar, Federal Circuit Bar
membership
Certified Specialist, Appellate Law, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
membership
Member, State Bar of California Member, Appellate Courts Committee, 1978-1982 Chair, 1981-1982 Member, Condemnation Committee, 1985-1988
membership
Member, California Academy of Appellate Lawyers President, 1980-1981
membership
fellow, American Academy of Appellate Lawyers, 1997-present
membership
Member, American College of Real Estate Lawyers, 1988-present
membership
Member, Center for American and International Law Member, Advisory Board, Municipal Legal Studies Center, 1989-present Vice-Chair, 1998-2004 Chair, 2004-present
membership
Adjunct Professor of Law, LL
membership
M
membership
program in Real Property Development, University of Miami School of Law, 1996-present
membership
Member, Owners Counsel of America
membership
Member, Advisory Board, California Land Use Law & Policy Reporter
membership
Member, American Bar Association Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Sections State and Local Government Law
membership
Locations
Michael Munroe Berger's office in Los Angeles
Michael's primary office is at Trident Center, East Tower, 11355 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90064. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Manatt Phelps And Phillips Llp
Trident Center, East Tower, 11355 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael Munroe Berger — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Los Angeles.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Munroe Berger claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Munroe Berger — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Munroe Berger
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in California typically take?
Simple appellate 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 Los Angeles?
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 appellate 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
Appellate attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
Michael handles appellate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 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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