Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Department - Western Division, Rm. 5A

CA Bar #: 127164 (January 1987)

Appointed By: Pres. Barack H. Obama, II

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Michael W. Fitzgerald is a judge for the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Fitzgerald was appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama in 2012, following his July 20, 2011, nomination and March 15, 2012, confirmation by the United States Senate, filling the vacancy created when A. Howard Matz took senior status[1].

On the federal bench, Fitzgerald has presided over civil and criminal matters, including mass torts, class actions, and complex environmental-cleanup litigation[3]. His leadership roles on the court have included chairing the Criminal Justice Act Committee and the Attorney Liaison Committee, and serving as the Ninth Circuit representative to the Committee on Space and Facilities of the Judicial Conference of the United States[3]. In 2021, he dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the constitutionality of California's gubernatorial recall election process[3].

Educational background

Fitzgerald earned an A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard College in 1981[2]. At the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law (Boalt Hall), Fitzgerald completed a J.D. in 1985[2]. While in law school, he was elected to the Order of the Coif and received the American Jurisprudence Award in Criminal Law[2]. He also served as managing editor of the Berkeley Journal of Employment and Labor Law, then the Industrial Relations Law Journal[2]. Fitzgerald was admitted to the State Bar of California (January 1987).

Career history

After graduating from law school, Fitzgerald served as a judicial law clerk to Irving R. Kaufman of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (1985 to 1986)[2]. He then entered private practice as an associate at O'Donnell & Gordon (1986 to 1987).

In 1988, Fitzgerald joined the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California as an assistant United States attorney in the Criminal Division[2]. During that period, he tried 20 cases and handled appellate matters[2].

He returned to private practice at Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe, LLP (1991 to 1995). In 1995, Fitzgerald moved to the Law Offices of Robert L. Corbin, PC (1995 to 1998). Three years later, he became a partner at Corbin, Fitzgerald & Athey, LLP, where his practice focused on white-collar criminal defense, commercial litigation, internal investigations, copyright, and securities matters in federal and state courts[2].

Alongside private practice, Fitzgerald served as deputy chief counsel to the Rampart Independent Review Panel, which investigated issues involving the Los Angeles Police Department, and as volunteer counsel to the Webster Commission, which reviewed the department's response to the 1992 riots[3]. He also served as pro bono trial counsel in Buttino v. Federal Bureau of Investigation, litigation that led the FBI to end its practice of not hiring openly gay and lesbian agents[4].

His professional memberships have included the American Bar Association's White Collar Crime Committee, the Association of Business Trial Lawyers, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and lifetime membership in the LGBTQ+ Bar Association of Los Angeles[3]. Within the Federal Bar Association, he served as past president of the Los Angeles Chapter[3]. Fitzgerald also served as lawyer representative to the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference (2006 to 2008), as a member of the Ninth Circuit Attorney Admission Fund Committee (2001 to 2003), and on the Los Angeles County Bar Association's Advisory Committee for the Office of the District Attorney[3].

Among his honors were the Maynard Toll Pro Bono Associate Award from the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (1994) and the Richard E. Guggenhime Pro Bono Award from Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe (1994)[2]. Later recognitions included the Daniel O'Connell Award from the Irish American Bar Association, the Community Pioneer Award from the Tom Homann LGBTQ+ Law Association, and the IP Vanguard Award (Judicial) from the California Lawyers Association[3].

Personal life

Fitzgerald was born in Los Angeles, California. In public remarks, he has spoken about being gay, about discrimination he encountered as an attorney, and about the effects of the AIDS epidemic on the legal profession[4]. He was the first openly gay person appointed to the federal bench in California and the first openly LGBTQ+ Article III judge appointed outside Manhattan[4].

References

[1] United States District Court for the Central District of California — Michael W. Fitzgerald Confirmed by Senate as District Judge
[2] University of California, Berkeley School of Law — The Honorable Michael W. Fitzgerald Bio
[3] LGBTQ+ Bar — Annual Conference Speakers: Hon. Michael W. Fitzgerald
[4] Notre Dame Law School — Trailblazing Judge Michael Fitzgerald Reflects on His Career and Advocacy for LGBTQ Rights at ND Law LGBTQ Law Forum Event

Recent Cases by Hon. Michael W. Fitzgerald

On September 18, 2017 a dv prevention w/o minor children (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Sep 18, 2017

Status

Dismissal

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

DV Prevention w/o Minor Children (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 10, 2017

On July 28, 2016 a civil harassment prevention (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Jul 28, 2016

Status

Want of Prosecution

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Civil Harassment Prevention (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

May 03, 2021

On October 20, 2015 a civil rights/discrimination filed (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Oct 20, 2015

Status

Dismissal

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

CIVIL RIGHTS/DISCRIMINATION FILED (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Intentional Torts

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 18, 2023

On January 3, 2011 a small claims (limited jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Jan 03, 2011

Status

Judgment (Other)

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Small Claims (Limited Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Small Claims

Matter Type

General Small Claims

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 15, 2023

On October 12, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Oct 12, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 19, 2011

On October 8, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Oct 08, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Jan 30, 2011

On September 22, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Sep 22, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 03, 2010

On September 14, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Sep 14, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 13, 2010

On September 10, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Sep 10, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 07, 2010

On September 9, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Sep 09, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 30, 2010

On September 1, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Sep 01, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 13, 2010

On August 24, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Aug 24, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 13, 2010

On August 10, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Aug 10, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Sep 22, 2010

On July 26, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Jul 26, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Oct 06, 2010

On July 23, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Jul 23, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 02, 2010

On June 18, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Jun 18, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 12, 2010

On June 7, 2010 an other probate with at least one hearing (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Jun 07, 2010

Status

Other

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Other Probate With At Least One Hearing (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Feb 21, 2011

On May 26, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

May 26, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 27, 2010

On May 20, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

May 20, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 16, 2010

On May 6, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

May 06, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Aug 01, 2010

On April 19, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Apr 19, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Jun 22, 2010

On January 29, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Jan 29, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 28, 2010

On January 28, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Jan 28, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 03, 2010

On January 27, 2010 a minor's compromise (general jurisdiction) case was filed in the jurisdiction of Los Angeles County. Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald presiding.

Filed

Jan 27, 2010

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Court

Los Angeles County

County

Los Angeles County, CA

Court Category

Minor's Compromise (General Jurisdiction)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Mar 03, 2010