Michael Livers

Hon. Michael R. Wilner (Ret.) served as a United States Magistrate Judge for over 13 years in the Central District of California. During his 30-year career in federal public service, Judge Wilner also worked as a trial attorney, appellate lawyer and investigator. In these roles, he developed a deep understanding of all aspects of federal litigation practice. While on the bench, Judge Wilner was an in-demand resource for lawyers, litigants and other federal judges. Parties regularly sought him out; he conducted the most jury and bench trials by consent in the Central District for several years. He was also a go-to settlement judge for complex business, tort and intellectual property cases in federal district court in Los Angeles. He brings a high level of imagination, energy, creativity, compassion and preparation to all of his cases. Judge Wilner is available for mediations, arbitrations and neutral evaluations, and can serve as a discovery referee or special master. ADR Experience and Qualifications As a United States Magistrate Judge for 13 years, handled hundreds of settlement conferences, discovery motions and civil trials Member of the federal courts Patent Program; accepted assignments to handle discovery disputes and conduct settlement conferences in complex patent, copyright, and trademark and trade dress lawsuits Former white collar criminal prosecutor and appellate attorney in the U. S. Attorneys Office in Los Angeles Representative Matters As a judge, handled trials and mediations involving civil rights and constitutional issues under Section 1983, including use-of-force, wrongful arrest and detention, and police misconduct allegations. As a mediator, settled litigation involving personal financial terms for an entertainment company executive. Appointed as a special master in federal court case involving evaluation of attorneys fee request in qui tam action As a mediator, resolved a commercial transportation dispute involving long-term leasing of chassis and shipping containers. As a mediator, settled interlocking lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, defamation, and assault claims. As a judge, managed patent, copyright and trademark/trade dress litigation in federal court As a judge, handled numerous class actions under state and federal law, including wage-and-hour disputes, consumer warranty cases and privacy/data protection statutes As a trial and settlement judge, handled employment litigation, including executive compensation and discrimination claims Advocated in numerous civil and criminal financial lawsuits, securities class actions, fraud cases and other related white collar areas As a judge, handled numerous cases involving artists, performers, photographers and athletes in film, television and sports disputes As a judge, regularly handled qui tam/False Claim Act and asset forfeiture litigation Settlement judge for complex environmental lawsuits under the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, CERCLA and other federal and state statutes As a judge, gained extensive experience in insurance litigation regarding scope of commercial coverage, homeowner claims and subrogation/reinsurance disputes As a judge, handled medical and legal malpractice matters