Michael Stuart Levinson, General Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on General, M&A, and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratCooley Llp
San Diego, CA
Practicing general in San Diego since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael Stuart Levinson?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Michael Stuart Levinson is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on General, M&A, and Real Estate. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cooley Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- General · M&A · Real Estate
- Handles General, M&A, and Real Estate matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael Stuart Levinson: Michael Stuart Levinson is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on General, M&A, and Real Estate. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cooley Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Stuart Levinson
Michael concentrates on general, m&a, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
View other General attorneys
M&A
View other M&A attorneys
Real Estate
View other Real Estate attorneys
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.
M&A cases in San Diego, California
Michael takes m&a 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.
Real Estate cases in San Diego, California
Michael takes real estate 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 Stuart Levinson — Over 44 years of California general experience
Michael Stuart Levinson is a partner based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on General, M&A, and Real Estate. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cooley Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Michael Stuart Levinson is a lawyer practicing real estate, real estate leasing, structured real estate investments and 2 other areas of law. Michael Stuart received a A.B. degree from Stanford University in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. Michael Stuart practices at Cooley LLP in San Diego, CA.
How Michael handles general matters
Michael Stuart Levinson is a lawyer practicing real estate, real estate leasing, structured real estate investments and 2 other areas of law. Michael Stuart received a A.B. degree from Stanford University in 1978, and has been licensed for 44 years. Michael Stuart practices at Cooley LLP in San Diego, CA.
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, m&a, and real estate matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Michael Stuart Levinson's legal education and bar admissions
Stanford Law School
J.D. · 1981
Stanford University
A.B. · 1978
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
New York
1983 · ACTIVE
California
1982 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Stanford Law School and A.B. in Stanford University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Stanford Law School and A.B. in Stanford 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
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Stuart Levinson
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
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
Michael Stuart Levinson's office in San Diego
Michael's primary office is at 4401 Eastgate Mall, San Diego, CA, 92121-1909. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Stuart Levinson — 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 general attorneys in San Diego.
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 Stuart Levinson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Stuart Levinson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general 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 general attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Stuart Levinson
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in California typically take?
Simple general 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 general 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
General attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Michael handles general matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general 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
More counsel
Other top-rated general attorneys in California
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





