Michael Pacelli, Business Attorney in Encino, California
focused on Business and Litigation
Encino, CA
Trusted business attorney serving Encino.
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael Pacelli?
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Quick answer
Michael Pacelli is an attorney based in Encino, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation.
- Based in
- Encino, CALIFORNIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business · Litigation
- Handles Business and Litigation matters from Encino, CALIFORNIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026).
About Michael Pacelli: Michael Pacelli is an attorney based in Encino, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Pacelli
Michael concentrates on business and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Encino, California
Michael takes business matters in Encino, 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 Encino, California
Michael takes litigation matters in Encino, 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 Pacelli — Attorney of California business experience
Michael Pacelli is an attorney based in Encino, CALIFORNIA. The practice focuses on Business and Litigation.
Michael J. Pacelli joined Baron & Budd’s Class Action Group in Los Angeles, California in 2023. He represents clients nationwide in complex, high-profile class action litigation involving fraud, breach of contract, and consumer protection issues. Mr. Pacelli has found success in his legal practice through hard work, tenacity, and never taking “no” for an answer.
Prior to joining Baron & Budd, while majoring in political science and English at the University of California at Berkeley, Mr. Pacelli worked his way up from law clerk to legal assistant in a small plaintiffs’ firm in San Francisco. He went on to obtain his Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., where he served as a Notes Editor for the Georgetown Law Journal. He then joined a national firm where he excelled in complex, multidistrict class action cases, and was selected as the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity Pathfinder for 2021.
Throughout his legal career, Michael Pacelli has placed great importance on the value of volunteering in his community. Among the organizations that have benefitted from his service are the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, where he served as Coaching Circles Co-Chair, and Habitat for Humanity. He has also provided pro bono legal services to communities and individuals in need. At Baron & Budd, Mr. Pacelli continues to zealously advocate for justice for his clients.
In his free time, Mr. Pacelli delights in spending time with his family and traveling. He also enjoys lifting weights, running/rucking, and being in the great outdoors, whether beach or mountains.
How Michael handles business matters
Michael J. Pacelli joined Baron & Budd’s Class Action Group in Los Angeles, California in 2023. He represents clients nationwide in complex, high-profile class action litigation involving fraud, breach of contract, and consumer protection issues. Mr. Pacelli has found success in his legal practice through hard work, tenacity, and never taking “no” for an answer. Prior to joining Baron & Budd,…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and litigation matters in Encino and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Michael Pacelli's legal education and bar admissions
Georgetown University
J.D. · 2017
University of California Berkeley
B.A. · 2012
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
California, The Stat
ACTIVE
Minnesota, Minnesota
ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Georgetown University and B.A. in University of California Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Georgetown University and B.A. in University of California Berkeley. 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
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Pacelli
Michael has received 6 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — North Star Lawyer, 2017-2022
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Wiley W. Manuel Certificate 2021-2022
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Pathfinder, 2021
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Minnesota Racial Equity Challenge Certification, 2021
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — North Star Lawyer, 2017-2022 (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Wiley W. Manuel Certificate 2021-2022 (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Pathfinder, 2021 (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Minnesota Racial Equity Challenge Certification, 2021 (2026).
Locations
Michael Pacelli's office in Encino
Michael's primary office is at 15910 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1600, Encino, California, 15910. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Pacelli
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Michael Pacelli can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Pacelli — 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 Encino, 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 Pacelli
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 Encino?
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 Encino, 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.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in California
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Encino handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
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