Profile photo of Michael Wilner

Michael Wilner

Arbitrator Mediator Special Master
Los Angeles, CA, United States

About

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.

Practice Areas

Business & Commercial Civil Litigation Civil Rights Corporate & Finance Employment & Labor Entertainment & Media Government & Administrative Healthcare & Life Sciences Intellectual Property Personal Injury & Torts Technology & Cyber

Professional Experience

United States Magistrate Judge
Central District of California
Assistant United States Attorney
Central District of California
Attorney
Proskauer Rose LLP

Publications Leadership

  • Frequent speaker on federal court practice and discovery procedures
  • Author of various articles regarding electronic discovery and settlement strategies
  • Contributor to judicial education programs for the Federal Judicial Center

Positioning Takeaways

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.

License & Certifications

  • California State Bar

Education

J.D.
University of Pennsylvania Law School
B.A.
Dartmouth College

Distinction

Served as a federal magistrate judge for over a decade, handling a high volume of complex federal litigation and settlements.

Reputation

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.