About Michael
Micheal M. Berger: Preeminent Appellate Lawyer in Los Angeles
Michael M. Berger is one of California's preeminent appellate lawyers and a partner at Manatt Real Estate, where he specializes in the appellate practice. He also handles cases related to land use and condemnation law, including eminent domain, business litigation, landslides, contract disputes, due process challenges, equal protection issues, defective construction complaints, nuisance claims, insurance controversies, and environmental law.
Practice Areas
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
- Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
- Litigation - Real Estate
About Michael M. Berger
Michael has argued four cases before the United States Supreme Court, as well as numerous appellate cases throughout California and federal courts of appeal in various state supreme courts. He frequently writes amicus curiae briefs in important pending cases at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Awards and Recognitions
- Lawyer of the Year: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Los Angeles (2025)
- Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, Los Angeles (2025)
- Lawyer of the Year: Appellate Practice, Los Angeles (2022)
- Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, Los Angeles (2021)
- Lawyer of the Year: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Los Angeles (2020)
- Lawyer of the Year: Eminent Domain and Condemination Law, Los Angeles (2016)
- Lawyer of the Year: Eminent Domain and Condemination Law, Los Angeles (2012)
Education
Michael M. Berger received his law degree from Yale University in 1985 and earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Southern California in 1981.
Micheal M. Berger is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Law Institute - American Bar Association (1989).
Bar Admissions
- California, United States
Affiliations and Professional Experience
Micheal M. Berger is a member of the following professional organizations:
- Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (2018)
Michael M. Berger has been recognized by Chambers USA, named as one of the Top-Ranked Attorneys in Southern California for Litigation - Land Use and Zoning (2016), and Named by Los Angeles Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine as one of the Best Attorneys in Southern California (2004-2008).
He was named one of the Top-Ranked Attorneys in Appellate Practice (2022) and Lawyer of the Year for Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Los Angeles County (2016), among others.
Languages
- English
Practice Areas
Professional Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
- Lawyer of the Year: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Los Angeles (2025)
- Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, Los Angeles (2025)
- Lawyer of the Year: Appellate Practice, Los Angeles (2022)
- Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Land Use and Zoning, Los Angeles (2021)
- Lawyer of the Year: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Los Angeles (2020)
- Lawyer of the Year: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Los Angeles (2016)
- Lawyer of the Year: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Los Angeles (2012)
- Recognized: Appellate Practice
- Recognized: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
- Recognized: Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
- Recognized: Litigation - Real Estate
- Special Focus: Eminent Domain
- Special Focus: Land Use
- Special Focus: 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
