Michael Chernis has been an insurance defense and commercial litigator for more than 15 years, and is licensed to practice law in both California and New York. Michael has substantial experience representing individuals and businesses in highly regulated industries – including hedge funds and cigarette manufacturers – as well as defending clients in criminal investigations and prosecutions. A substantial portion of his practice is devoted to California’s medical marijuana laws and representing clients seeking to form and operate businesses in that industry, including physicians, dispensary owners and cultivators, as well as individuals charged with criminal activities. He also teaches and writes articles on the State and Federal laws and regulations applicable to medical marijuana.

Michael received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 1994, where he was a member of the Fordham Law Review. He graduated from Brandeis University with a B.A. in Political Science in 1989. Michael is a member of the California State Bar Association (litigation and criminal defense sections), the Los Angeles County Bar Association (litigation and criminal defense sections), the Beverly Hills Bar Association (litigation and criminal defense sections), the Santa Monica Bar Association (Board Member), the New York County Lawyers Association and the American Bar Association. Michael lives in Venice, California.