Michael H. Leifer

Practice areas

Eminent Domain, Business Litigation, General Litigation, Land Use/Zoning, Real Estate: Business

Michael H. Leifer, Esq., serves as a partner at the law firm Palmieri, Hennessey & Leifer LLP located in Irvine, California. Boasting over 32 years of legal expertise, Attorney Leifer holds a distinguished reputation as a premier trial lawyer. His dedication extends to a diverse clientele throughout Orange County and the adjacent regions of Southern California, addressing a spectrum of legal requirements encompassing:

• Cases involving eminent domain and inverse condemnation
• Disputes within real estate and construction
• Litigation centered on valuation
• Evaluations for lease renewals
• Environmental legal contests
• Business litigation matters

Complementing his thriving trial practice, Mr. Leifer is proficient in employing alternative methods for resolving conflicts and has adeptly facilitated mediation and negotiation to achieve favorable settlements for his clients. Nonetheless, he is unhesitant about resorting to litigation when circumstances warrant it. His track record speaks volumes, reflecting a consistent history of favorable outcomes both in and out of the courtroom.

Among his remarkable accomplishments, Mr. Leifer secured a jury verdict exceeding $60 million against a local municipality, subsequently resulting in a settlement exceeding $70 million. He also triumphed in securing an award surpassing $3.2 million in arbitration involving an inverse condemnation case against Caltrans. His success stories extend to numerous other instances where he prevailed during trials, arbitrations, and appeals.

An honors graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1985, Mr. Leifer pursued his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, in 1988. He remains an engaged member of esteemed legal organizations, including The State Bar of California, Orange and Los Angeles County bar associations, the American Bar Association, and the International Right of Way Association. Notably, he also assumed the role of a self-defense instructor affiliated with Krav Maga in Orange County.