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MICHAEL D. SCHWARTZ, ESQ.
FOUNDER
After serving as a partner in several of the premier employee defense law firms in Southern California over the last thirty years, as well as litigating over two hundred jury trials to verdict and dozens of arbitration hearings, with the help of God, Michael Schwartz felt it was now time to go out on his own, offering a unique mix of an unparalleled track record, experience, and personalized, compassionate representation.Described by the California Daily Journal as, ‘an extraordinary talent,’ and, ‘world class lawyer,’ and by former Assistant Riverside Public Defender Jorge Alvarado as, ‘one of the best trial lawyers I’ve ever seen,” Michael now brings that world class lawyering and talent to his own practice, helping right the wrongs of clients discriminated and bullied by their supervisors, employers and, in criminal court, over-zealous and unfair prosecutors. His experience in litigating murder, attempted murder and cases resulting in great bodily injury have honed his prowess in representing people suffering all kinds of wrongs, from prosecution in criminal courts, discrimination and harassment at work to personal injuries.
Judges and attorneys all over Southern California have come to know, and respect, Michael’s prowess in and out of the courtroom, as well as his professionalism and passion for his clients. Not many attorneys in the state can boast his breadth and depth of experience and expertise.
From 2016-2019, and 2022-present, Michael was also selected for inclusion in the Southern California Super Lawyers list by Thomson Reuters, as well as Los Angeles Magazine, as one of the “top 5% of attorneys in his field.”
Yitzy Frankel, a graduate of the UCLA School of Law, specializes in criminal law and civil litigation. As an Associate at The Michael Schwartz Firm, Yitzy brings an unwavering commitment to justice, contributing to the firm’s distinguished practice in employment/labor law, criminal defense, personal injury, religious and civil liberties, CCW (Concealed Carry Weapons Permit), trials, and arbitrations.
As a Certified Law Clerk at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Yitzy gained extensive in-court experience, conducting preliminary hearings, preparing witnesses and collaborating on case strategies, honing his trial advocacy and client representation skills. At UCLA, Yitzy excelled in litigation-focused coursework, including Trial Advocacy, Pretrial Civil Litigation, Advanced Evidentiary Objections, and Advanced Trial Advocacy, sharpening his expertise in legal research, motion drafting, and trial strategy. His specialized knowledge in civil rights and constitutional law, particularly Title VI, First Amendment, and Second Amendment issues, strengthens the firm’s defense-oriented practice.
Yitzy’s contributions to high-profile cases underscore his legal acumen. He assisted in the defense of the Long Beach School Safety Officer murder case, conducting critical research and drafting motions that shaped the case’s strategy. In the Corona Costco manslaughter case, Yitzy supported the trial team with evidentiary analysis and witness preparation, contributing to the firm’s robust defense efforts. As lead plaintiff in Frankel v. Regents of the University of California, he secured a landmark $6.13 million settlement—the largest in a campus antisemitism case. His lawsuit, addressing UCLA’s failure to protect Jewish students from antisemitic harassment during 2024 campus protests, resulted in a permanent injunction ensuring equal access for Jewish students and faculty, setting a national precedent for combating discrimination.
Before law school, Yitzy earned an M.S. in Digital Marketing from Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business and a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Business Management.
Mentored by Michael Schwartz, a trial attorney with over 27 years of experience and nearly 200 jury trials, Yitzy is poised to uphold The Michael Schwartz Firm’s legacy of exceptional results and personalized client service.
A Los Angeles native, Yitzy lives with his wife and four children. He serves on the Board of Beth Jacob Congregation and is deeply engaged in his community. He is also a trained Community Team Member for Magen Am. In his free time, he enjoys Torah study, biking, fencing, Van Gogh paintings, and quality time with his family.