Judge Michael R. Amerian: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

CA Bar #: 207610 (June 2000)

Appointed By: Gov. Edmund G. Brown, Jr.

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Michael R. Amerian is a judge for the Los Angeles County Superior Court in California. Amerian was appointed to the bench by former Governor Jerry Brown on February 27, 2018, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. R. Carlton Seaver[1].

Since his appointment, his assignments have included family law, limited civil, and unlimited civil matters in Van Nuys[2].

Educational background

Amerian earned a B.S. in foreign service from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. At the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, he completed a J.D. in 1999[3]. While in law school, he worked on the Los Angeles County Bar Association Barristers Domestic Violence Project, helping victims obtain protective orders against their abusers. He was admitted to the State Bar of California (June 2000).

Career history

After graduating from law school, Amerian served as a law clerk to Dickran M. Tevrizian, Jr., of the United States District Court for the Central District of California (1999 to 2000)[3]. Following that clerkship, he worked in private practice, representing individuals, businesses, and Fortune 100 companies[3]. That practice involved environmental, intellectual property, toxic tort, pharmaceutical product liability, and general business litigation matters[3].

In 2003, Amerian joined the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office as a deputy city attorney, and he remained there until 2018. Amerian spent the first eight years as a prosecutor in Van Nuys, handling gang crimes, domestic violence, vandalism, and thousands of other criminal matters[3]. During the following seven years, he was assigned to the Police Litigation Unit, where he defended Los Angeles Police Department personnel in civil rights litigation[3].

His professional service included work as vice chairman of the City's Deferred Compensation Board[3]. In 2025, the San Fernando Valley Bar Association named him Judge of the Year[2].

Personal life

Amerian was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley[2]. His family immigrated to the United States after the Armenian Genocide in 1915. His father, Richard Amerian, served on the trial bench and the Court of Appeal, and his mother, Lynnette, worked for Los Angeles City Council members and in the Mayor's office[2]. For 33 years, his stepfather served as a sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department[2].

Raised in a family with a public-service background, Amerian has said that his parents' careers influenced his decision to pursue the bench[2]. Before entering the law, he studied foreign service at Georgetown University with plans for a diplomatic career, but a federal hiring freeze changed that path[2].

Outside the courtroom, Amerian served with the Armenian Bar Association, the Armenian Film Foundation, the George Ignatius Foundation, and the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America[6]. He also served on the board of The Valley Community Legal Foundation[4]. Amerian and his family established the Justice Richard Amerian Scholarship Endowment at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law[5]. He also became a part owner and board member of his family's factory, founded by his grandfather.

Amerian is registered as a Republican[3].

References

[1] Governor of California Press Release (February 27, 2018)
[2] San Fernando Valley Bar Association — Valley Lawyer Magazine Blog
[3] Daily Journal — Judicial Profile
[4] The Valley Community Legal Foundation — Officers and Board
[5] USC Gould School of Law — Alumni Class Notes Archive
[6] Armenian Bar Association — Michael Amerian and Amy Ashvanian Appointed to the California Judicial Bench

Recent Cases by Hon. Michael R. Amerian

On October 23, 2026 a civil rights/discrimination (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

Filed

Oct 23, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Civil Rights/Discrimination (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

On October 23, 2026 a breach of rental/lease contract (not unlawful detainer or wrongful eviction) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

Filed

Oct 23, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Breach of Rental/Lease Contract (not unlawful detainer or wrongful eviction) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 24, 2026

On October 22, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

On October 22, 2026 a premise liability (e.g., dangerous conditions of property, slip/trip and fall, dog attack, etc.) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Premise Liability (e.g., dangerous conditions of property, slip/trip and fall, dog attack, etc.) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Premises Liability

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

On October 22, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Product Liability ? Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act¿(Lemon Law) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

On October 22, 2026 a premise liability (e.g., dangerous conditions of property, slip/trip and fall, dog attack, etc.) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

Filed

Oct 22, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Premise Liability (e.g., dangerous conditions of property, slip/trip and fall, dog attack, etc.) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Premises Liability

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 23, 2026

On October 21, 2026 a premise liability (e.g., dangerous conditions of property, slip/trip and fall, dog attack, etc.) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Premise Liability (e.g., dangerous conditions of property, slip/trip and fall, dog attack, etc.) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Premises Liability

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2026

On October 21, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Product Liability ? Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act¿(Lemon Law) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

On October 21, 2026 an other employment complaint (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Employment Complaint (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Labor and Employment

Matter Type

General Employment

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2026

On October 21, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 21, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 22, 2026

On October 20, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 20, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

On October 20, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 20, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

On October 20, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 20, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 20, 2026

On October 20, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

Filed

Oct 20, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Product Liability ? Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act¿(Lemon Law) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2026

On October 20, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 20, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 21, 2026

On October 19, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Product Liability ? Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act¿(Lemon Law) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

On October 19, 2026 a contract/warranty breach - seller plaintiff (no fraud/negligence) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Contract/Warranty Breach - Seller Plaintiff (no fraud/negligence) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Commercial

Matter Type

Breach of Contract

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

On October 19, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

On October 19, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Product Liability ? Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act¿(Lemon Law) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

On October 19, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

Filed

Oct 19, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Product Liability ? Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act¿(Lemon Law) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

On October 16, 2026 a motor vehicle - personal injury/property damage/wrongful death (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

1 File
Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Motor Vehicle - Personal Injury/Property Damage/Wrongful Death (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 19, 2026

On October 16, 2026 a breach of rental/lease contract (not unlawful detainer or wrongful eviction) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Breach of Rental/Lease Contract (not unlawful detainer or wrongful eviction) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

On October 16, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Product Liability ? Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act¿(Lemon Law) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026

On October 16, 2026 a product liability ? song-beverly consumer warranty act¿(lemon law) (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael R. Amerian presiding.

Filed

Oct 16, 2026

Status

Active

Judge

Hon. Michael R. Amerian Trellis Spinner 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Michael R. Amerian

Court

Superior

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Product Liability ? Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act¿(Lemon Law) (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Consumer

Matter Type

General Consumer

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 16, 2026