Michael Wales

Michael Wales

Attorney at Law

San Diego
California
Licensed in
CA, AZ
Arizona State University - Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
5.0 5
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines
out of 12 reviews
About
Michael graduated from the prestigious Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law in 1991 and was admitted to practice law in Arizona in 1991 and in California in 1993. Michael is a former judge and now focuses his law practice on business law, commercial contracts, labor and employment law, copyright & trademark law, real estate and serious personal injury matters. Michael especially enjoys working with startups and helping them properly handle all legal matters related to their business.

Michael's 32 years of experience include several years as a deputy city attorney, judge, and partner at a large multi-state law firm. Michael is now a solo
… read more practitioner and is the founder of The Wales Law Firm P.C.. Michael lives in San Diego but represents clients throughout the country.
2
Repeat
clients
11
Projects on
upcounsel
33
Years
experience
A few hours
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Representative Clients

Practice Areas

Client Reviews

5.0
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines
out of 12 reviews
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"Michael was very helpful, communicative, and thorough in helping us establish a 501(c)3, and we would definitely recommend his services. My wife and I recently started the process of forming a nonprofit, but we didn’t know of any lawyers who could help us set up the organization. We found Michael through an inquiry on UpCounsel; we picked him because he seemed very knowledgeable about the process, he responded to us promptly, and his quote was fair and reasonable. Michael walked us through all the steps we would need to complete, explaining what parts he would take care of and what we would need to do. He patiently answered all of our many questions quickly and respectfully, and he efficiently generated the forms we needed to submit. He sent us drafts of all the documents prior to submitting them so we could provide any necessary feedback. Once we’d finished the initial steps, he sent us a very professional binder containing our founding documents and a corporate seal. Once we received our tax-exempt status, he gave us clear guidance regarding the steps we would need to complete in years to come to maintain good standing as a nonprofit. Working with Michael was pleasant and productive, and we were very satisfied with the work he did on our behalf. Thank you, Michael, for all your help!"

Consult on Outside General Counsel
Posted on Dec 8, 2023
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"Mike was deeply knowledgeable, giving good strategic advice as well as executing efficiently on the nuts and bolts of my project."

Business Formation Consultation
Posted on Sep 25, 2023
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"Extremely knowledgeable and kind. Michael was prompt, with exceptional attention to detail."

Assist with Outside General Counsel
Posted on Jul 28, 2023
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"Mike has worked with me over the last 18 months and every time I've needed his assistance (for myself and/or my clients) he has been top notch. A well thought out communicator assuring we all understand the pros and cons, as well as very at tentative to the details of the issue at hand. I have recommended him to a number of real estate related clients and will continue to do so."

Business Transactions
Non-UpCounsel Client
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"He is attentive, detailed, and profechional. He also has a great demeanor. He is responsive and prompt when you ask questions. I think he goes the extra mile for his clients. Anyways I know he went the extra mile for me. I appreciate the time and effort he put forth with my tasks; I will continue to use him in the future."

Marine Law
Non-UpCounsel Client
Clear Communication
Response Time
Knowledgeable
Meets Deadlines

"I contacted Michael to help me figure out an international boat purchase which was the best decision I could have made. He took us from start to finish and without his knowledge and expertise the transaction would have never happened. Michael went above and beyond in all aspects and would gladly hire him again!"

Business Transactions
Non-UpCounsel Client

Work History

The Wales Law Firm, P.C.

Founder

Jan 2023 - Present

I am a solo attorney focusing my practice on business law, commercial contracts, labor and employment law, real estate, copyright and trademark law, and serious injury matters. I am based in San Diego, California but I represent clients throughout the country.

Jan 2023 - Present

Carpenter Hazlewood Delgado & Bolen, PLC

Managing Partner - CD Department

Feb 2014 - Oct 2022

As managing partner of the construction defect department I was responsible for overseeing prosecution of complex construction defect cases in Texas, California, Arizona and New Mexico.

Feb 2014 - Oct 2022

Reanick & Louis, P.C.

Insurance Defense Partner

Jun 2011 - Jan 2014

Handled the firm’s complex Arizona and California accident, construction, bad faith, premises liability, malpractice, and other defense cases for various insurance carriers.

Jun 2011 - Jan 2014

Tempe Municipal Court

Commissioner

Jun 2009 - Jun 2011

Presided over civil hearings, conducted criminal arraignments, conducted plea proceedings, authorized search warrants and presided over bench trials and jury trials.

Jun 2009 - Jun 2011

State of Arizona

Administrative Law Judge

Mar 2008 - Jun 2009

Presided over, and ruled on, disputes arising between state agencies and citizens. State Agencies appearing before me included, but were not limited to, the Departments of Insurance; Agriculture; Health; Liquor; Gaming; Racing; Public Safety; Emergency and Military Affairs; and Nursing; the Registrar of Contractors; and Child Protective Services.

Mar 2008 - Jun 2009

Scottsdale Cirty Court

Judge Pro Tem

Jun 2006 - Mar 2008

Filled in for other Judges at the Scottsdale City Court approximately two days per week while the Judges were on vacation, in training, etc. Presided over arraignments, bench trials and jury trials, sentencings, restitution hearings, evidentiary hearings, motions hearings, change of plea proceedings, etc.

Jun 2006 - Mar 2008

The Wales Law Firm

Founding Attorney / Mediator

Oct 2004 - Mar 2008

Represented individuals and businesses in construction, business and real estate litigation. Participated in numerous mediations, arbitrations and administrative hearings. Provided mediation services in construction and development cases.

Oct 2004 - Mar 2008

Burdman Law Group

Managing Partner, Arizona Office

Jun 2001 - Oct 2004

As managing partner for the Arizona office of a multi-state law firm, supervised two other attorneys and three paralegals prosecuting construction defect cases.

Jun 2001 - Oct 2004

Milani & Associates

Insurance Defense Attorney

Apr 1995 - Jun 2001

Handled construction defect and subrogation cases for various insurance carriers as a contract attorney for insurance defense firm Milani & Associates.

Apr 1995 - Jun 2001

City of Amaheim

Deputy City Attorney

Apr 1993 - Mar 1995

Prosecuted criminal cases and city code violations in Municipal Court.

Apr 1993 - Mar 1995

Maricopa County

Deputy County Attorney

Nov 1992 - Mar 1993

Prosecuted felony criminal violations in Maricopa County Superior Courts. Assigned to the Vehicular Crimes and the Narcotics trial groups.

Nov 1992 - Mar 1993

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