Of Counsel
Trial attorney with 40 years of experience representing plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes employment, business, probate, and legal malpractice disputes. Also serves as a certified private mediator.
Michael Grobaty has been a civil trial attorney in Orange County for forty years, with a track record that includes more than 50 jury and bench trials in state and federal courts throughout California. Before joining Murtaugh LLP, he founded a boutique litigation firm in Newport Beach that was named one of Benchmark Litigation’s top tier firms in the United States and one of California’s Best Law Firms by U.S. News and World Report within thirteen years of its founding.
Michael represents both plaintiffs and defendants in employment disputes, complex business litigation, legal malpractice claims, and probate matters. Having litigated on all sides of contested disputes, he brings a well-rounded perspective to every case. He understands what it feels like to be an individual up against a large corporation or insurance company, and he understands the difficult economic decisions businesses face when unwanted litigation lands on their doorstep.
In addition to his trial practice, Michael is a certified private mediator, having earned his certification from Pepperdine University’s Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. He now devotes a meaningful portion of his practice to helping parties resolve civil disputes outside of court.
Michael has been selected as a California Super Lawyer by Law and Politics Magazine for twenty consecutive years, an honor reserved for the top five percent of attorneys in California. He is a member of the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), has been featured in the Los Angeles Daily Journal for his trial results, and has been named one of the Top Attorneys in Orange County by Orange Coast Magazine.
Represented a client who discovered her brother had wrongfully taken and distributed substantial assets from their parents’ trust while serving as trustee. After a twenty-two day bench trial, the court found in the client’s favor in an amount exceeding $15 million, including a finding of bad faith that triggered an award of double damages under the Probate Code.
Represented clients in a probate action against a decedent’s husband for undue influence in connection with last-minute amendments to the decedent’s trust. The matter settled for a substantial seven-figure sum on the eve of trial.
Represented a client sued by her sister for alleged fraud in connection with her administration of their mother’s estate. After a lengthy jury trial, the jury returned a defense verdict in the client’s favor.
Represented a California police sergeant in a wrongful termination matter arising from his protected union activities. The matter resolved for a substantial seven-figure settlement.
Represented a California police sergeant who was denied a promotion based on her sex. After a fifteen-day trial, the jury returned a verdict of approximately $1.6 million in the client’s favor.
Represented the CEO of a large Orange County company who was terminated shortly after reporting that the company’s Chairman of the Board was engaging in unlawful activities. The matter resolved for a seven-figure settlement.
Represented a California police sergeant who was retaliated against after seeking a promotion. After the City rejected a $50,000 settlement offer, a Los Angeles jury returned a verdict of approximately $1.3 million in the client’s favor.
Represented a former employee of a large international company who was terminated under false pretenses based on her gender. The matter resolved for a large seven-figure settlement.
Represented a client in a gender discrimination and retaliation action against a major international food manufacturer in federal court. The matter resulted in a favorable verdict and later settled for a large seven-figure sum.
Represented the owner of a furniture store who sued his former attorney for improperly structuring the purchase agreements for the sale of his company. After a lengthy trial, the jury returned a multi-million dollar verdict in the client’s favor.
Defended an Orange County attorney sued for allegedly drafting a negligent will that caused beneficiaries a seven-figure tax liability. After a ten-day jury trial, the jury returned a defense verdict.
Represented a prominent Orange County attorney sued for professional negligence for allegedly failing to conduct appropriate discovery in a catastrophic personal injury case. The jury returned a defense verdict in the client’s favor.
Represented a client in a medical malpractice case against a chiropractor who performed a spinal adjustment knowing the client had an existing herniated disc, causing severe temporary paralysis and permanent damage. Discovered during litigation that the chiropractor had altered his medical records to conceal his knowledge of the condition. The matter resolved for a large settlement in the client’s favor.
Represented an offshore company in a complex multi-million dollar insurance and reinsurance dispute. After a thirty-day trial, the jury returned a verdict in the client’s favor.
Represented joint venturers in a multi-million dollar construction dispute. After the plaintiff demanded $2 million to settle, the matter went to trial and the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed all claims against the clients after six days without requiring any payment.
Represented a major sunglasses and sportswear manufacturer accused of supplying defective NASCAR racing suits. After rejecting multi-million dollar pre-trial settlement demands, the matter settled for nuisance value following cross-examination of the plaintiff’s witnesses.
Represented a former employee whistleblower against a non-profit credit counseling company whose executives were found to be compensating themselves in excess of amounts permitted by California and federal law. The matter settled for a seven-figure sum after opening statements.
Represented a prominent real estate brokerage firm in a dispute arising from advice and actions taken in connection with a foreclosure sale. The jury returned a verdict in the client’s favor.
Represented a woman sexually assaulted by a male nurse at an Orange County hospital. The case resulted in a substantial verdict and settlement against two hospitals that failed to protect the client from a known predator.
Represented an elderly woman in a slip and fall case against a supermarket chain. After discovering that the defendant had forged its inspection records, secured a significant jury verdict in the client’s favor.
Represented a homeowner sued after a guest sustained serious injuries at a house party. After the plaintiff rested her case, the court granted a motion for nonsuit in the client’s favor.
Michael has been published on First Amendment issues and has spoken on litigation topics at the invitation of prominent legal organizations. He has been retained and has served as an expert witness on matters involving attorney standards of care, billing practices, and legal ethics.
Outside the office, Michael enjoys traveling the world, golfing, and spending time with his wife and daughter.
If you have questions or want to explore potential opportunities, we’d be glad to hear from you. Connect with our team to start the conversation, or learn more about what we offer and how we can support your goals.
