Michael M. Berger
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
Recognized since 2006
Los Angeles, California
Appellate Practice
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
Litigation - Real Estate
Michael Berger is one of California’s preeminent appellate lawyers and is a partner in Manatt Real Estate and the appellate practice. One of the top land use and condemnation lawyers in the United States, his appellate cases have involved planning, zoning, eminent domain, various kinds of business litigation, landslides, contract, due process, equal protection, defective construction, nuisance, insurance and environmental law.
Michael has argued four cases before the United States Supreme Court, as well as cases before appellate courts throughout California, numerous federal courts of appeal and other state supreme courts. He is also the frequent author of amicus curiae briefs in various appellate courts, particularly the U.S. Supreme Court, pressing client interests in important pending cases.
- Direct Phone Number: 310-312-4000
- Phone Number: 310-312-4000
- Lawyer Page: https://www.manatt.com/Michael-M-Berger
- 2049 Century Park East, Suite 1700
Los Angeles, CA 90067
- University of Southern California, graduated 1968
- Washington University in St. Louis, graduated 1967
- California, State Bar of California
- Missouri, Missouri Bar
- Advisory Board, California Land Use Law & Policy Reporter - Member
- American Academy of Appellate Lawyers - Member, 1997-present
- American College of Real Estate Lawyers - Member, 1988-present
- California Academy of Appellate Lawyers - Member; President, 1980-1981
- Center for American and International Law - Member, Advisory Board, Municipal Legal Studies Center, 1989-present; Vice-Chair, 1998-2004; Chair, 2004-present
- Owners Counsel of America - Member
- State Bar of California - Member, Appellate Courts Committee, 1978-1982; Chair, 1981-1982; Member, Condemnation Committee, 1985-1988
- The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization - Certified Specialist, Appellate Law
- University of Miami School of Law - Adjunct Professor of Law, LL.M. program in Real Property Development
- University of Miami School of Law - Adjunct Professor of Law, LL.M. program in Real Property Development
- University of Southern California School of Law - Adjunct Professor of Law, Litigating Land Use Cases
- Washington University School of Law - Adjunct Professor of Law, Takings Law and Legislation
- California - Intermediate Appellate Courts
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
87 The Best Lawyers in America® awards
22 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards
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- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Los Angeles (2025)
- Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, Los Angeles (2025)
- Appellate Practice, Los Angeles (2022)
- Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, Los Angeles (2021)
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Los Angeles (2020)
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Los Angeles (2016)
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Los Angeles (2012)
- Appellate Practice
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
- Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
- Litigation - Real Estate
- Eminent Domain
- Land Use
- Supreme Court
- Recipient of Brigham-Kanner Prize from William & Mary Property Rights Project, for 45 years of practice and scholarship aimed at upholding the rights of property owners
- Recipient of Crystal Eagle Award from Owners’ Counsel of America for 40 years of protecting and advancing the rights of private property owners in the courts
- Recipient, Distinguished Alumni Award, Washington University School of Law, 2008
- Named as one of the Top-Ranked Attorneys, Chambers USA, 2016
- Named by Los Angeles Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine as one of Southern California’s Super Lawyers 2004-2008, the Best Attorneys in Southern California, and one of the "top 100" in that survey
- Named as one of the "Lawdragon 3000 Leading Lawyers in America," 2006
- Named by California Lawyer as one of California’s "Lawyers of the Year," 1998
- Named by Los Angeles Business Journal as one of 100 most prominent business attorneys, 1995
- Recipient of Harrison Tweed Award for Special Merit in Continuing Legal Education, for career contributions to post-admission legal education, American Law Institute – American Bar Association, 1989
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