Michael Wilner entered private practice following an eleven-year tenure as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Central District of California. During his time on the federal bench, he presided over thousands of settlement conferences and discovery disputes across diverse legal sectors. Before his judicial appointment, he served for over a decade as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Los Angeles office, where he focused on complex white-collar crime and healthcare fraud. His professional background also includes several years in private practice at a prominent international law firm, handling civil litigation and intellectual property matters.
His extensive background as both a federal judge and a high-level prosecutor makes him particularly effective for complex commercial and regulatory disputes. He offers a unique perspective on how federal courts view discovery and settlement, providing parties with realistic assessments of their litigation risks.
Served as a federal magistrate judge for over a decade, handling a high volume of complex federal litigation and settlements.
He is recognized by legal professionals for his deep understanding of federal procedure and his ability to facilitate resolutions in highly contentious disputes. Peers and counsel often note his prepared and pragmatic approach to settlement negotiations.