Michael Wallenstein Email & Phone Number

My litigation practice centers on real estate and general business matters. A major part of my practice involves providing advice and trial representation in eminent domain and inverse condemnation matters, as well as other property valuation issues. I have represented both public and private entities in these matters and have developed a particularly strong expertise in representing railroads in their real estate disputes, including federal preemption issues. I have been instrumental in advancing the unique valuation methodologies used by railroads but often misunderstood by others. I have significant experience drafting and navigating complex transactions between railroads and public entities in connection with major and minor infrastructure developments.Among many other matters, I have successfully represented business clients in partnership disputes, financial services clients in wrongful foreclosure and other lender liability issues, developers in contract, land use and business tort cases, and individuals and corporations in a wide variety of property and business to business disputes. I have successfully defended cities and public housing entities against civil rights claims employing unique theories to end the litigation in my client’s favor without ever going to trial. I also have experience representing counties in complex tax allocation disputes. I came to the law somewhat later in life than the typical lawyer, working as an actor and theatre producer for many years in Los Angeles, prior to law school, while simultaneously developing new business and markets for an innovative and entrepreneurial dental marketing service that now operates nationwide. I remain a member of the Board of a theatre company I helped found over 20 years ago that creates original works in a collaborative workshop environment. I am also a past Board Member of Vox Femina Los Angeles, L.A.'s premiere women's choral group.

Listed skills include Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Appeals, Trials, and 23 others.