Michael is a Bay Area native, having attended Valley Christian High School. Michael earned his undergraduate degree in English at Azusa Pacific University, where he played football. Michael then went on to earn his law degree from Pepperdine School of Law, where he distinguished himself academically in part by receiving the highest grade in Evidence, a class that would prove pivotal for Michael’s legal career.
Michael began his legal career as a Deputy District Attorney in Santa Clara County, where he spent four years conducting more than 20 jury trials and hundreds of contested hearings. During his time in the Family Violence Unit at the DA’s office, Michael was awarded the prestigious Web Award—an honor given annually to a single deputy district attorney in recognition of outstanding trial advocacy. This experience provided him with a powerful foundation in handling strife between romantic partners, particularly concerning domestic violence, which continues to inform his work in the restraining order field of the family law arena.
In 2019, Michael transitioned his practice to family law, bringing with him the substantial trial and litigation experience. Almost immediately, Michael stepped in as the firm’s trial expert, while continuing to learn the practice and complexity of Family Law. Since his move in 2019, Michael has handled numerous family law trials and hundreds of hearings, including many involving domestic violence restraining orders and high-conflict disputes. He is also experienced in complex financial matters involving business interests, detailed asset tracing, and coordination with multiple expert witnesses. His ability to manage both the legal and practical complexities of these cases allows him to advocate effectively while maintaining a clear and strategic focus.
Michael has recently become the sole owner of The Moreno Family Law Firm, continuing its long-standing tradition of excellence while guiding its future with a steady, client-focused approach. Long-time owner Marilyn Moreno remains actively involved with the firm, continuing to provide significant legal counsel and insight, ensuring continuity of experience and a deep institutional foundation for clients.
Michael is known for his honesty, integrity, and straightforward approach. He believes clients deserve not only strong advocacy but also transparency and trust throughout the legal process. As the firm’s owner, he is committed to upholding the highest professional standards while delivering thoughtful, effective representation tailored to each client’s needs.
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Recommendations
100% Custody!
I am a new comer to US, I don't know English as well as the legal rules here…. The police came to the house and took me out of the house. Also, the other side started the case first with a very well know lawyer. My friends, my family members, and even I did not believe that I would win the custod...Gave Me My Life Back
In the past two weeks you have accomplished more than others in the past twenty months. Without you my divorce would have remained languishing in this quagmire indefinitely. Thank you for giving me my life back!A Great Inspiration
Thanks for getting the court to deny the financial motion today. You were outstanding. You are a great inspiration for me. Thank you for watching over me and the kids all the time. My mom conveys her regards to you as well.Efficient and Amazing
Thanks so much for all the help, guidance and legal support you've given me the last few years. I know that these cases are long drawn, little did I realize! But at every stage you have helped me analyze and have provided knowledgeable solutions. You are such an efficient and amazing woman.... I ...Made the Court See the Truth
My sincere thanks for fighting hard in court for the safety of the children and myself and getting the custody settled. This may be just another case for the firm but you have helped an abused woman and her children who have endured lot of pain and tyranny. You made the court to see the truth and...Gave Me Strength
Thank you so much for getting the move away order. Having you on my side really gave me the strength that I needed today in the court. I pray to God that He blesses you abundantly so that you can help many more families like mine.Letter From Opposing Counsel
The following isn't really a testimonial, it is an excerpt from a letter from opposing counsel, but we'll take it as a testimonial. And yes, its a real quote from a real letter. "Much to my surprise, Judge XXX dealt on a pendente lite basis with all of the requests you wanted, i.e. temporary sup...Sensitive, Straightforward and Effective
I'm indebted to you for your masterful handling of our meeting. There is no doubt that your efforts derailed an adversarial alternative, sparing us tremendous emotional turmoil, not to mention considerable time and expense. ...Without your sensitive, straightforward and effective approach, we wou...Couldn’t Have Done It Without You
I'd like to say thank you for working on my case these past two months. I am very pleased with the service, you were very organized and showed high professionalism. Thanks a lot for being with me in the deposition. Couldn't have done it without you! Really, it was very frightening! Thanks for hav...Super Fabulous Work
I just wanted to thank you for your super fabulous work today. Seeing you in action just solidified my confidence in you and our working together. You have from the beginning kept me on the right path protecting me from myself even in a scary and confusing time. You have helped me protect my son ...Wonderful Family Law Firm!
Wonderful family law firm! David Lucarelli-Cowles is kind, and extremely helpful. Very honest and very fair. Thank you so much for your help during such a stressful time!!100% CUSTODY!
I am a new comer to US, I don't know English as well as the legal rules here…. The police came to the house and took me out of the house. Also, the other side started the case first with a very well know lawyer. My friends, my family members, and even I did not believe that I would win the custod...LETTER FROM OPPOSING COUNSEL
The following isn't really a testimonial, it is an excerpt from a letter from opposing counsel, but we'll take it as a testimonial. And yes, its a real quote from a real letter. "Much to my surprise, Judge XXX dealt on a pendente lite basis with all of the requests you wanted, i.e. temporary supp...Civil Restraining Order
FABULOUS!!!!! I called the Moreno Family Law firm TWO DAYS before my hearing/trial and Michael Moreno took my case without any hesitation. I had a civil harassment restraining order pending against me that occurred in the workplace and I was so scared to go to court since the last time I went I c...
