Michael S. LeBoff
Top rated Business Litigation attorney in Newport Beach, California
Klein & WilsonPractice Areas: Business Litigation, Professional Liability, Appellate; view more
Licensed in California since: 1999
Education: Loyola Law School Los Angeles
Details
Michael S. LeBoff brings nearly 25 years of business trial practice to Klein & Wilson, handling and winning high-stakes trials and arbitrations.
Michael represents clients of all sizes in a wide variety of business cases, including shareholder, partnership and joint venture disputes, trade secret claims, fraud, breach of contract, business torts, real estate, attorney fee disputes and legal malpractice actions.
Michael attended Loyola Law School on a full academic scholarship, graduating second in his class of nearly 400 students. At Loyola, Michael received countless academic awards and served as an editor for the Loyola Law Review.
After graduating from law school, Michael clerked for the former Chief Judge of the Central District of California, Manuel L. Real, where he saw firsthand the importance of always being prepared before entering the courtroom. Following his clerkship, Michael developed his trial skills working at some of the finest law firms in Orange County where he had the opportunity to go up against Klein & Wilson in a complex joint venture litigation. Having developed mutual respect for each other’s skills and civility, Michael joined Klein & Wilson in 2016. Less than two years later, he was named the first new partner in the firm’s 25-year history.
Michael also served as in-house litigation counsel for ACC Capital Holdings, the parent company of large, nationwide financial services companies. As in-house counsel, he managed nationwide litigation and worked daily with outside counsel to develop and implement cost-effective litigation strategies. Michael also reviewed and approved outside counsel bills and reported to senior management on significant litigation activities. In this role, Michael learned the importance of billing efficiencies and litigation results.
He currently serves on Council for the American Bar Association Litigation Section. Michael previously served as a co-chair of the Professional Liability Litigation Committee of the ABA’s Litigation Section from 2019 to 2022 and as co-chair of the Section’s Young Lawyers Leadership Program from 2022-2023. Michael also served as co-chair of the section’s largest committee, the Commercial and Business Litigation Committee, and co-chaired its Ethics Subcommittee.
In 2019, Michael was elected to the Orange County Bar Association’s (“OCBA”) Board of Directors and reelected to a second term in 2022. He also served on the OCBA’s Audit Committee since 2019. Michael previously served as the Chair of the OCBA’s Business Litigation Section and Banking and Lending Section.
Michael frequently speaks and writes on topics relating to legal malpractice and legal ethics.
Out of the office, Michael is a husband and father of two daughters. Michael is a die-hard Las Vegas Raiders fan, a fantasy sports athlete, and a recreational poker player.
Practice areas
Business Litigation, Professional Liability: Plaintiff, Appellate, Insurance Coverage, Intellectual Property, Real Estate: BusinessFocus areas
Bad Faith Insurance, Copyrights, Legal Malpractice, Trademarks
- 30% Business Litigation
- 30% Professional Liability: Plaintiff
- 10% Appellate
- 10% Insurance Coverage
- 10% Intellectual Property
- 10% Real Estate: Business
First Admitted: 1999, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.kleinandwilson.com/attorney/michael-s-leboff/
- American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Young Lawyers Leadership Program, Co-Chair 2022, 2022
- California, 1999, 1999
- U.S. District Court Central District of California, 1999, 1999
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 2001, 2001
- U.S. District Court Southern District of California, 2001, 2001
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin, 2002, 2002
- U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 2002, 2002
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of California, 2004, 2004
- American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Litigation Committee, Co-Chair 2019 – 2022, 2019
- American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Commercial and Business Litigation Committee, Co-Chair 2016-2019, 2016
- Orange County Bar Association, Director 2020-Present, 2020
- Orange County Bar Association, Audit Committee, 2020-Present, 2020
- Orange County Bar Association’s (“OCBA”) Business Litigation Section, Chair 2019, 2019
- Orange County Bar Association, Banking and Lending Section, Chair 2014, 2014
- Orange County Bar Association’s (“OCBA”) Professional Liability Litigation Committee, Co-Chair
- Orange County Bar Association, Business Litigation Section, Chair-Elect 2018, Chair 2019
- If you hire Klein & Wilson, you can be confident that your lawyers know their way around the courtroom. Numerous awards and distinguished recognitions speak for the firm’s impressive record of success; contact 949-478-0521., Quality representation from experienced trial lawyers, 2016
- Klein & Wilson believes clients should understand the claims they want to pursue and must defend before they decide whether to engage in potentially costly litigation. In almost every large case (and most cases the firm handles are large), Klein & Wilson prepares a litigation road map which the firm calls a "Litigation Analysis Memorandum." One purpose of the Litigation Analysis Memorandum is to ensure the firm understands all the known facts before analyzing the applicable law. One mistaken material fact can dramatically impact the firm's legal analysis. Once the client confirms the firm understands the facts, the firm provides the client a written analysis of the applicable law, the strengths and weaknesses of the case and a litigation plan. When requested, Klein & Wilson also provides an anticipated budget for fees and costs based upon this analysis. Read the brochure below to get a better understanding of Klein & Wilson's Litigation Analysis Memorandum., Litigation Analysis Memorandum, 2019
- Klein & Wilson sometimes takes contingency fee, hybrid fee and hourly fee cases. Financial arrangements are based on the individual case, including probability of collection. Contact the firm at 949-478-0521., Arrangements that work best for clients, 2016
- When a business partnership needs to end, it is very complex, but Klein & Wilson knows how to present these cases to juries in accessible, easy-to-understand ways. Find out how they can help; contact them at 949-478-0521., Experienced counsel for business disputes, 2016
- Legal malpractice of any kind can leave clients financially drained and unsure of their options. If you believe that an attorney has injured you, find out if you have a case by contacting Klein & Wilson at 949-478-0521., When lawyers make mistakes, clients can suffer, 2016
- Klein & Wilson has helped many clients navigate the most contentious of business disputes involving family members. Keep focused on the financial and business aspects at hand with the right attorney; contact 949-478-0521., Business disputes involving family members, 2016
- Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind, but Klein & Wilson makes sure that these companies do what they have promised. If you need help getting what you deserve from insurance; call 949-478-0521., Protecting clients in insurance litigation cases, 2016
- If a dispute involves a real estate or business matter, Klein & Wilson can effectively handle it. Call today to learn about their trial experience and how you can seek the recovery you deserve. Contact them at 949-478-0521., Experience in business and real estate litigation, 2016
- Klein & Wilson has recovered over $200 million for clients in legal malpractice and business litigation cases. Learn more about your legal options regarding a potential case by contacting the firm at 949-478-0521., A trial firm that seeks to tell the client's story, 2016
- Klein & Wilson has represented both companies and employees in trade secret matters of all kinds. Protect your future well-being and financial interests by contacting this experienced team at 949-478-0521., Involved in a trade secret dispute? We can help., 2016
- Clients hire Klein & Wilson to handle complex real estate cases, such as lease disputes, mechanics’ liens, and purchase or sale agreement disputes. If you want a firm with trial experience in this area, contact 949-478-0521., Do you have a complex real estate dispute?, 2016
- Best Lawyers®, 2021-Present, Best Lawyers, Best Lawyers
- Super Lawyers, To 50 Orange County, Super Lawyers, 2023
- Super Lawyers®, 2018-Present
- AVVO Rating 10.0 Superb
- Juris Doctor, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, California, Honors: Order of the Coif, Dean’s Scholarship, Ranked second of 394, 1999
- University of Redlands, Redlands, California, Major: Government, B.A. - 1996
- Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls & Legal Malpractice, Orange County Bar Association, November 2021, Lecturer, Lecturer, Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls & Legal Malpractice, Orange County Bar Association, 2021
- Get Paid: Ethical and Effective Billing Practices for Lawyers, Speaker, Get Paid: Ethical and Effective Billing Practices for Lawyers, American Bar Association, Litigation Section, 2023
- Three Mistakes Clients Make When Hiring An Attorney, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Litigation Newsletter (Summer 2022), Author, Three Mistakes Clients Make When Hiring An Attorney, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Litigation Newsletter (Summer 2022), 2022
- Reporting Unethical Conduct: Understanding Your Obligations Under Model Rule 8.3, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Litigation Newsletter (Summer 2022), Reporting Unethical Conduct: Understanding Your Obligations Under Model Rule 8.3, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Litigation Newsletter (Summer 2022), 2022
- Model Rule 1.4: Communication Is Key to Avoiding Malpractice Lawsuits, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Litigation Newsletter (Summer 2021), American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Litigation Newsletter (Summer 2021), Model Rule 1.4: Communication Is Key to Avoiding Malpractice Lawsuits, 2021
- Reflections on My first Post-COVID Jury Trial: What a Difference a Year Makes, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Litigation Newsletter (Summer 2021), Author, Reflections on My first Post-COVID Jury Trial: What a Difference a Year Makes, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Litigation Newsletter (Summer 2021), 2021
- Six Ethical Rules Every Young Lawyer Must Know, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Litigation Newsletter (Summer 2021), Author, Six Ethical Rules Every Young Lawyer Must Know, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Litigation Newsletter (Summer 2021), 2021
- Five Tips For Handling Costly Fee Disputes, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Litigation Newsletter (Winter 2021), Author, Five Tips For Handling Costly Fee Disputes, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Professional Liability Litigation Newsletter (Winter 2021), 2021
- Demystifying Arbitration: What Really Happens and Is It a Better Option?, Orange County Bar Association, Business and Corporate Law Section, June 2022, Lecturer, Lecturer, Demystifying Arbitration: What Really Happens and Is It a Better Option?, Orange County Bar Association, Business and Corporate Law Section, 2022
- Thomas Girardi and Michael Avenatti: Lessons Learned, American Bar Association, March 2022, Lecturer, Lecturer, Thomas Girardi and Michael Avenatti: Lessons Learned, American Bar Association, 2022
- Eight Ways to Steer Clear of Legal Malpractice Lawsuits, Orange County Bar Association, December 2021, Lecturer, Lecturer, Eight Ways to Steer Clear of Legal Malpractice Lawsuits, Orange County Bar Association, 2021
- Lecturer, From Counsel Table to the Witness Stand, American Bar Association Section of Litigation, June 2021, Lecturer, From Counsel Table to the Witness Stand, American Bar Association Section of Litigation, 2021
- Lecturer: Growing Pains: Ethical Dilemmas for Young Lawyers and How to Deal With Them, American Bar Association Section of Litigation, May 2021, Lecturer, Growing Pains: Ethical Dilemmas for Young Lawyers and How to Deal With Them, American Bar Association Section of Litigation, 2021
- Lecturer; Ethics and Civility in a Post-COVID World, Orange County Bar Association, November 2020, Lecturer, Ethics and Civility in a Post-COVID World, Orange County Bar Association, 2020
- Lecturer; Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls and Legal Malpractice When Representing Banks and Financial Services Companies, Orange County Bar Association, Banking & Lending Section, September 2020, Lecturer, Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls and Legal Malpractice When Representing Banks and Financial Services Companies, Orange County Bar Association, Banking & Lending Section, 2020
- Lecturer; Get Paid Faster: How to Avoid and Resolve Fee Disputes in Commercial Litigation Matters, Orange County Bar Association, Business Litigation Section, June 2020, Lecturer, Get Paid Faster: How to Avoid and Resolve Fee Disputes in Commercial Litigation Matters, Orange County Bar Association, Business Litigation Section, 2020
- Moderator, Keeping Your Zoom Meetings Safe (webinar), Orange County Bar Association, April 2020, Moderator, Keeping Your Zoom Meetings Safe (webinar), Orange County Bar Association, 2020
- Moderator, Insights from OC In-House Lawyers During the COVID Crisis, Orange County Bar Association, April 2020, Moderator, Insights from OC In-House Lawyers During the COVID Crisis, Orange County Bar Association, 2020
- Lecturer, How to Open the Gate or Keep it Closed, ABTL, January 2020, Lecturer, How to Open the Gate or Keep it Closed, ABTL, 2020
- Increase Collections and Avoid Costly Fee Disputes: Nine Practical Tips, Orange County Lawyer (December 2020), Increase Collections and Avoid Costly Fee Disputes: Nine Practical Tips, Orange County Lawyer, 2020
- Presenter and Moderator, Oops: What To Do When an Attorney or Expert Screws Up, American Bar Association, January 2019, Presenter and Moderator, Oops: What To Do When an Attorney or Expert Screws Up, American Bar Association, 2019
- Lecturer, The New Rules of Professional Conduct Which Affect Small Firms and Solo Practitioners, Orange County Bar Association Small/Solo Section, 2019, Lecturer, The New Rules of Professional Conduct Which Affect Small Firms and Solo Practitioners, Orange County Bar Association Small/Solo Section, 2019
- Lecturer, Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls and Legal Malpractice, Orange County Bar Association, 2019, Lecturer, Avoiding Ethical Pitfalls and Legal Malpractice, Orange County Bar Association, 2019
- Examining the C-Suite: Preparing For and Defending Apex Depositions By Christina M. Zabat-Fran and Michael S. LeBoff, ABTL (Summer 2019), Examining the C-Suite: Preparing For and Defending Apex Depositions By Christina M. Zabat-Fran and Michael S. LeBoff, ABTL, 2019
- Lecturer, The New Rules of Professional Conduct and the Sheppard Mullin Opinion: How They Impact Business Litigators, Orange County Bar Association, Business Litigation Section, 2018, Lecturer, The New Rules of Professional Conduct and the Sheppard Mullin Opinion: How They Impact Business Litigators, Orange County Bar Association, Business Litigation Section, 2018
- Trial from the Client Perspective: In-House Counsel Share Insights on How to Try (and Not) Try Cases, American Bar Association Section of Litigation Annual Conference, 2018, Trial from the Client Perspective: In-House Counsel Share Insights on How to Try (and Not) Try Cases, American Bar Association Section of Litigation Annual Conference, 2018
- Mike answers the question, "When does an attorney's mistake justify a legal malpractice lawsuit?", My Lawyer Screwed Up!!! Can I Sue for Legal Malpractice?, Orange County Business Journal, 2018
- Mike explains the impact of the Sheppard Mullin opinion and what it means for attorneys everywhere., Could Your Law Firm Forfeit Its Fees Due to an Undisclosed Conflict?, American Bar Association, 2018
- Mike explains the value of in-house attorneys and eight ways they can make you a better trial attorney including skills such as identifying and preparing key witnesses, explaining the documents, and picking the jury., Eight Ways In-House Lawyers Can Make You a Better Trial Lawyer, Orange County Lawyer, 2018
- The Business Trial from the Client Perspective: A Roundtable Discussion of How In-House Counsel Approach Trials, Orange County Bar Association Business Litigation Section, 2017, The Business Trial from the Client Perspective: A Roundtable Discussion of How In-House Counsel Approach Trials, Orange County Bar Association Business Litigation Section, 2017
- Ethical Issues for Banking and Lending Lawyers: A Discussion of Emerging Issues and Developments, Orange County Bar Association Banking and Lending Section, 2015, Ethical Issues for Banking and Lending Lawyers: A Discussion of Emerging Issues and Developments, Orange County Bar Association Banking and Lending Section, 2015
- Countering the Empty Pocket Defense and Other Tips for Settling Commercial Cases in a Bad Economy, American Bar Association Section of Litigation Annual Conference, 2013, Countering the Empty Pocket Defense and Other Tips for Settling Commercial Cases in a Bad Economy, American Bar Association Section of Litigation Annual Conference, 2013
- Can You Keep a Secret? Strategies for keeping your trade secrets secret, Can You Keep A Secret? Strategies for keeping your trade secrets secret, Orange County Business Journal, 2012
- Bankers Trust, Brown, and Exclusion 3(a): The Insurability of Mechanic's Liens, Commercial and Business Litigation Journal , Winter, 2011, Bankers Trust, Brown, and Exclusion 3(a): The Insurability of Mechanic's Liens, Commercial and Business Litigation Journal, 2011
- re-presented via webinar on March 18, 2013 as part of the ABA Premier Speaker Series., Negotiation for Young (and Old) Lawyers: What Every Lawyer Should Know About Making A Deal, American Bar Association 2010 Annual Meeting, 2010
- Third, Eighth and Ninth Circuits Weigh in on TILA, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Commercial and Business Litigation website , May 20, 2009, Third, Eighth and Ninth Circuits Weigh in on TILA, Commercial and Business Litigation website, 2009
- TILA Remedies: Damages vs. Rescission, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Commercial and Business Litigation website, March 10, 2009, TILA Remedies: Damages vs. Rescission, American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Commercial and Business Litigation website, 2009
- republished in ABTL Report, Orange County, Vol. XI No. 3 (Fall 2009), Frivolous Litigation: What Is It and What You Can Do About It, ABA Commercial and Business Litigation Journal, 2008
- republished in ABA Conflict Management Journal (Spring 2008), You’re Being Watched: Performing For Your Commercial Client at Mediation, Commercial and Business Litigation Journal, 2007
- Maximizing Contractual Attorney Fee Awards, Maximizing Contractual Attorney Fee Awards, Orange County Lawyer, 2005
- Co-Lecturer, Demonstrative Evidence at Trial, Orange County Bar Association, College of Trial Advocacy, April 2019
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