• Business and Commercial Litigation
• Eminent Domain and Inverse Condemnation
• Land Use
• Landlord/Tenant
• Municipal and Public Entity Litigation
• Real Estate Litigation

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Mr. Wallenstein joined the Firm in March 2001 after working as a summer associate the previous year. Mr. Wallenstein has substantial first chair trial experience in commercial and residential landlord/tenant litigation, as well as second chair trial experience in numerous matters. Michael has acted as lead counsel for both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of litigation matters including real property valuation litigation, business torts, civil rights defense, construction defect, municipal tort liability, contract disputes, and land use disputes. Mr. Wallenstein is a conservatory-trained actor and, prior to becoming an attorney, appeared in various theatrical, film and television productions. He also co-founded two theatre companies and produced several theatrical works.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Mr. Wallenstein is admitted to practice law in California State Courts, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the Central District of California. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association and State Bar of California.

AUTHORSHIPS
Mr. Wallenstein published "Gun Manufacturers and Unfair Business Practices," 30 Sw. U. L. Rev. 435 (2001), examining the history of municipal litigation against gun manufacturers and the likelihood of success of the City of Los Angeles' lawsuit.

EDUCATION
Mr. Wallenstein graduated summa cum laude (top 1% in class of about 200) in December 2000 from Southwestern University School of Law. While in law school, Mr. Wallenstein received honors for both written and oral advocacy as a member of Southwestern's Moot Court Honors Program. As a staff member on the Southwestern University Law Review, Mr. Wallenstein was honored with two Bluebook Awards for outstanding editing skills. In addition, Mr. Wallenstein received seven CALI awards for achieving the highest grade in a class. Mr. Wallenstein was awarded externships with the Honorable Harry Pregerson of the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, and with the Los Angeles County District Attorney. Mr. Wallenstein received his B.A. in 1985 from University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from California Institute of the Arts in 1989.

ADMISSIONS

• Admitted, California
• Admitted, Central District of California
• Admitted, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals