Michael Wales
Attorney at Law
California
CA, AZ
About
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.
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Client Reviews
"Michael was always on top of things. I was rewarded with a win on my legal matter. He is the coolest lawyer. I recommend him always."
"Mr. Wales has been my attorney for years. The best attorney I work with. He is knowledgeable on the cases he represents. Always there for his clients. Pleasant to work with. I recommended to all my friends and anyone that need consultations or an attorney to represent them."
"I used Michael Whales, The Whales Law Firm, when I purchased a single asset LLC and he was very professional. He was prompt when returning my calls and emails and went above and beyond my expectations. He is very detail oriented and his fee was extremely competitive. I will be using him in the future and recommend him highly."
"Mike was great! He did our documents for estate planning. Very knowledgeable, professional and advised us to do what was best suited for our situation. He took whatever time needed to explain and review all aspects of the process and documents he would provide in the full package. I would absolutely recommend him for your legal needs."
"MICHAEL WALES did an amazing job helping us to establish a new LLC for our boat purchase in Florida. He also helped us to navigate the process of moving the boat from Florida to California which entails many steps beyond just hiring a shipping company. There’s Florida paperwork to file to defer sales tax there is Mexican government paperwork to file to allow the boat to be offloaded in Mexican waters and registered temporary early and then US government Coast Guard documentation needed to bring the boat back into the US through customs. Michael was kind and very patient since we have never done this type of project before and walked us through perfectly and our boat is now residing in Southern California happily . I would highly recommend MICHAEL to help you with any marine legal services, he has a team of professionals that can help with every aspect of the process, as well as his expert knowledge of every step of the process."
"I hired Michael to handle contract negotiations, update trust/living will documents and more for me. He is thorough, knowledgeable, timely, honest, trustworthy and a straight-shooter. I have recommended him to family and friends. You will not find a better attorney!"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
City of Amaheim
Deputy City Attorney
Apr 1993 - Mar 1995
Prosecuted criminal cases and city code violations in Municipal Court.
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.